Cobbler Union

Maker

About

Cobbler Union is a direct-to-consumer luxury footwear brand founded in 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. Established by Patagonian-born Daniel Porcelli, who previously served as CEO of Norman Vilalta's bespoke operation, Cobbler Union produces handcrafted dress shoes and boots using traditional Goodyear welt construction. The company combines Spanish shoemaking heritage with a modern business model to offer luxury-quality footwear at accessible prices.

Cobbler Union manufactures all shoes in Spain using premium full-grain leather from the finest French and Italian tanneries, with each pair requiring several weeks to produce and involving over 70 components and more than 200 different operations.

History and Development

Cobbler Union was founded in Barcelona, Spain in 2014 by Daniel Porcelli, who brought extensive experience from the luxury footwear industry. Before establishing Cobbler Union, Porcelli served as CEO of his childhood friend Norman Vilalta's bespoke shoemaking operation in Spain, gaining deep knowledge of traditional craftsmanship and luxury shoe production.

After relocating to Atlanta, Porcelli launched Cobbler Union with a vision to make high-quality, handcrafted European dress shoes accessible through a direct-to-consumer model. This approach eliminates traditional retail markups while maintaining the quality standards associated with luxury footwear.

The company's choice of Spain as its manufacturing base reflects the country's deep shoemaking heritage. The word "cordwainer," the official term for a shoemaker, originates from Córdoba, Spain. In terms of heritage, experience, and knowledge, Spain has established itself as one of the world's premier shoemaking centers, with centuries of accumulated expertise in leather craftsmanship.

Cobbler Union operates with two full-time employees in Spain: a cofounder and master shoemaker who oversee production at several small, family-owned factories. This structure allows the company to maintain quality control while supporting traditional artisan communities.

Design and Construction

Cobbler Union employs traditional Goodyear welt construction combined with careful material selection and meticulous handwork throughout the production process.

Construction Features:

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    Goodyear Welt Construction: Traditional method providing durability, water resistance, and complete resoling capability

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    200+ Operations: Each pair requires more than 200 different operations to complete

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    70+ Components: Over 70 individual components assembled by skilled artisans

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    Several Weeks Production Time: Extended manufacturing period ensures attention to detail

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    Hand-Finishing: Extensive hand finishing throughout production process

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    Premium Leather Soles: High-quality leather sole construction appropriate for dress footwear

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    Traditional Techniques: Methods refined over centuries of Spanish shoemaking tradition

  • All construction takes place in small, family-owned factories in Spain, where skilled artisans apply traditional techniques passed down through generations. The Goodyear-welted construction means shoes are fully resolable and can last several years with proper care.

    Materials

    Cobbler Union sources premium materials from Europe's finest tanneries, prioritizing quality and character in leather selection.

    Leather Sourcing:

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    Premium full-grain calfskin from top French and Italian tanneries

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    Careful selection ensures consistent quality and excellent aging characteristics

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    Various finishes and colors available depending on model and seasonal offerings

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    Leather chosen for both aesthetic appeal and durability

  • The company's commitment to using top-grade materials from established European tanneries ensures consistent quality across all models and allows the leather to develop a beautiful patina over time.

    Available Models and Variations

    Cobbler Union offers a comprehensive range of dress shoe and boot styles, each featuring the same quality construction and materials while varying in design to suit different occasions and preferences.

    Oxfords:

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    Handcrafted in Spain with premium full-grain leather

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    Traditional Oxford styling with closed lacing system

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    Impeccable craftsmanship ensuring timeless elegance

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    Multiple variations including cap-toe and plain-toe designs

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    Suitable for formal business and dress occasions

  • Derby Shoes:

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    Open lacing system providing versatile styling

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    Traditional Goodyear welt construction

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    Finest full-grain leather construction

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    Exceptional longevity and comfort

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    Appropriate for business and smart casual wear

  • Monk Strap Shoes:

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    Single and double monk strap configurations available

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    Handcrafted in Spain using premium full-grain leather

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    Distinctive buckle closure provides elegant alternative to laces

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    European tannery leather selection

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    Versatile styling for business and formal occasions

  • Loafers:

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    Goodyear welted construction for durability

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    Timeless elegance with slip-on convenience

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    Premium leather from European tanneries

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    Multiple styles including penny loafers

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    Comfortable for extended wear

  • Boots:

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    Handcrafted with precision in Spain

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    Various heights and styling options available

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    Goodyear welt construction ensures resoling capability

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    Premium full-grain leather throughout

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    Combines durability, luxury, and comfort

  • Each category includes multiple specific models with variations in leather, color, and styling details, allowing customers to select footwear appropriate for their needs and aesthetic preferences.

    Sizing and Fit

    Cobbler Union provides sizing guidance to ensure proper fit for customers ordering through their direct-to-consumer platform.

    Fit Considerations:

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    Sizing information provided on company website

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    Customer service available to assist with fit questions

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    Standard dress shoe sizing conventions apply

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    Break-in period expected as leather conforms to foot

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    Professional fitting recommended when possible

  • The traditional construction and premium materials mean Cobbler Union shoes will conform to the wearer's foot over time, developing a custom fit with regular wear.

    Care and Maintenance

    Proper maintenance extends the life of Cobbler Union shoes and preserves their appearance. The Goodyear welt construction and premium materials respond well to regular care.

    Regular Maintenance:

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    Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris with soft horsehair brush or damp cloth

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    Conditioning: Apply high-quality leather conditioner every 3-6 months

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    Polishing: Use premium shoe polish to maintain finish and protect leather

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    Shoe Trees: Cedar shoe trees maintain shape and absorb moisture between wears

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    Rotation: Allow 24-48 hours rest between wears for complete drying

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    Storage: Store in cool, dry environment with proper support

  • Recommended Products:

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    Premium leather conditioners appropriate for full-grain calfskin

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    High-quality shoe polishes matching leather color

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    Cedar shoe trees properly fitted to shoe size

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    Soft horsehair brushes for buffing and cleaning

  • Resoling Services:

    The Goodyear welt construction enables professional resoling when the outsole wears down, significantly extending the shoe's lifespan. Qualified cobblers can replace worn soles while preserving the upper leather and overall shoe structure, making Cobbler Union shoes a long-term investment that can last several years with proper care and maintenance.

    References

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