A Blake stitched sole is a common sole construction that is used to finish high-end leather shoes. It has become one of the most recognised sole constructions, even though most of its work is hidden underfoot.
To shed a light on the Blake stitched construction, take a look below for some information around this artisanal process of shoe making.
Blake Stitched Sole
The key difference between a Blake stitched sole and other (lesser) means of sole construction is that less glue and fewer layers are required in the construction and finishing process, which results in a far simpler, far superior shoe that's lighter and more durable than a regular cemented (glued) method.
Unlike cement construction, where adhesive alone is used, the Blake sole applies a combination of glues and a single row of stitching that runs from the sole through to the inner sole to the upper.
You can feel the work of a Blake stitch by running your fingers inside the shoe along the bottom part of the inner sole.
How Does it Affect the Shoe Style?
The main advantage is that the thinner sole construction gives the shoe a slimmer profile, so designers can create shoes that are more elegant with the style focus firmly on the upper of the shoe. Because there are no exterior stitches used to join the upper and sole together, you’ll also notice that the sole can be cut very close to the shoe.
Blake stitched shoes can be more comfortable to walk in as the thinner sole is more flexible underfoot. Plus, the combination of stitching and glue makes them more durable in the long run.