The Sofia

The Sofia is constructed using Goodyear welt methods and offers extensive customization options including multiple leather types, colors, and sizing configurations. Priced at $325, the loafer is made-to-order with an eight-week production timeline and ships with free exchanges and returns.

The Sofia follows traditional penny loafer design with a classic penny bridge across the vamp. The construction utilizes Goodyear welted attachment, ensuring the shoe is fully resoleable. A stacked leather heel provides elevation and aesthetic detail. The interior includes cushioned insoles designed for extended wear comfort.

Each pair is hand-lasted and hand-finished by individual craftsmen at the Adelante workshop, with the artistry and techniques of the specific maker visible in the finished product. The production process involves hand-cutting measured leather pieces, precision stitching to form the upper, and expert assembly by assigned artisans, followed by quality inspection by master craftspeople.

The upper is available in two leather categories: full-grain leather in seven color options (caramel, desert, denim blue, pomegranate, cemento, onyx, chestnut) and nubuck leather in four colors (oatmeal, black, mahogany, white). The leather is sustainably sourced genuine full-grain material that develops patina with age. Natural variations in color, texture, and grain occur due to the organic nature of the material.

The construction includes a stacked leather heel and leather welt attachment. Adelante uses vegetable-tanned leather, a production method that reduces chemical use compared to conventional chrome tanning processes.

The Sofia offers full customization by length, width, leather color, and sole color. Sizing ranges from length size 4 to 15, with width options from narrow to extra-wide. The model is manufactured true to size according to standard shoe measurements.

Adelante provides sizing up to 17 and EEEEE width across their product line, accommodating customers with hard-to-fit feet. This range of sizing options is made possible by the made-to-order production model, which allows individual customization without maintaining inventory.

Production takes place at the Adelante workshop in Pastores, Guatemala, a town outside Antigua. Artisans measure and hand-cut leather for each individual order, with sewers stitching the pieces to form uppers before final assembly by assigned craftsmen.

Orders typically ship within eight weeks of purchase, with all Sofia pairs receiving free shipping, free exchanges, and free returns. The made-to-order model eliminates warehousing and reduces material waste, as shoes are only produced after customer orders are placed.

The Sofia is part of Adelante's social enterprise model, with production providing wages at more than twice the local average plus healthcare and savings benefits to Guatemalan artisans. Custom tri-color versions are available at $335.