Shoe Artisans Share New Ideas at the Soft Star Workshop

Shoe Artisans Share New Ideas at the Soft Star Workshop

Today we were visited by our friend Mike Friton and his colleague Bill Cass. Both Mike and Bill are artisans with amazing backgrounds in shoe design, costume/set design, manufacturing and textiles. Both men also have a deep passion for Made in USA business models.

Mike is the designer of the Moc3, and you can learn more about his philosophy in this insightful video. Bill came today to share some ideas for beautiful Renaissance style tall boots and fun fur lined house boots—that the Elves could possibly craft someday? We are looking forward to continuing to build a relationship with both of these talented craftsmen.

Shoe artisans at Soft Star

From left to right: Bill Cass, Soft Star Co-Owner Tricia Salcido and Mike Friton

To learn more about Mike Friton, check out the Friton Designs website.

To learn more about Bill Cass, check out the website for Nymbol's Secret Garden.

10 Comments

  1. Simone
    Yesss! I was fantasizing about barefoot tall boots. As a medievalist, the renaissance style would suit me just fine. I'm waiting on my Phoenix boots at present and will be first in line for the tall boot!
    Reply
    1. C.Elf.O Tricia
      Thanks Simone!
      Reply
  2. Jennifer
    I was just searching for tall barefoot boots, too! Please consider making them. Also, I love the new ballet flat and look forward to the introduction of narrow widths and the sporty strap option. It's hard to find dressier barefoot shoes, especially ones that will stay on my narrow feet.
    Reply
    1. C.Elf.O Tricia
      Thanks for the feedback Jennifer!
      Reply
  3. Simone
    How did I miss the introduction of the ballet flat? I am with Jennifer; narrow long foot with narrow heel here too. I will look forward to ordering a flat in the spring! Very smart to skip the heel elastic.
    Reply
    1. C.Elf.O Tricia
      Thanks Simone! Due to our limited production capabilities during a very busy season, we just did a "soft launch" for the ballet flat. We'll publicize it more when we're able to sew them with less wait time.
      Reply
  4. Anna
    I am also interested in boots!
    Reply
    1. C.Elf.O Tricia
      Thanks Anna!
      Reply
  5. Anna
    I saw the ballet flat. How about making it with a moc 3 sole?
    Reply
    1. C.Elf.O Tricia
      Sorry Anna, but we tried that and it didn't work so well. The Moc3 sole has to be applied with a welding process and it just doesn't stick to the ballet flat material as well as it sticks to the Moc3 material. It's possible we'll find another way to do it in the future, but not presently.
      Reply

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