Seksen yıldır ve onları hissetmiyorum. 2025 diğerleri gibi bir yıl olmayacak Soldini ayakkabı fabrikası. Bu şuydu [1945 When Gustavo Soldini and his brothers, from the small home workshop, started the production of handmade footwear with leather first hand that they went to collect personally at Florence by bicycle. Other times: there was still hunger and war it had recently ended, but Gustavo had almost lost his life in order to save the sewing machine from being raided by German soldiers.
Calzaturificio Soldini: the history from 1945 to today
He started again from that and fromunbridled ambition to manufacture comfortable shoes and of qualityat first think only “for work”. Those shoes were so beautiful, but they soon ended up becoming da walkingtransforming the Moneywithin a few decades, into one of the flagships of the classic shoe made in Italy internationally. In the seventies, the employees had reached 650 and the shoes were exported to North America reached a record 90 million pairs. Other tenses: times from economic boomglobalization was not yet there and the competition of Asian countries And South Americans with low cost laborit tickled Soldini.
Then things went another way, the footwear market has transformed and into 1994 the company had to deal with a devastating fire which put her to the test. But the second generation of the Soldinis, led by Rossanohe resisted, adapting to the changes without lowering his quality standards. On the contrary. It concentrated on the production of superior quality footwearcreating more valuable collections and committing ourselves to the forefront for the protection of made in Italy. A battle that in 2005 brought a great, pioneering result for the European shoe industry: achieving the introduction of duties on leather shoes from China.
«What we haven't been able to do, however, is obtain mandatory mark of origin for products manufactured abroad, thus allowing the deception of many consumers”, Rossano spreads his arms. His father, old Gustavo, at the end of his days, about ten years ago, thinking of the good times with pride but also with a hint of bitterness, sighed: “We taught the Chinese to work.” But that's it.
Made in Italy shoes, a tradition that is renewed in Arezzo
There, a Capolonaa stone's throw from Arezzo – where the air still smells of the true province, all of it pici all'aglione, Chiantigoldsmith shops and quality manufacturing – at the Money the shoes even today they are made as Gustavo wanted: all strictly by hand, only craftsmanship And very high quality raw materials. The world has changed all around, there is no doubt, the community that was created around the factory has shrunk, employees have dropped to 150 and production has also specialized market niches like them military footwear and for the private security.
But i Moneywho had arrived in the meantime third generation – Francesca is now leading the factory alongside father Rossano and this is also a sign ofesprit du temps – they have been able to diversify by introducing innovative technologies and new brands, including Ancient Leatherworks In the 2018and keeping the founding values of quality, craftsmanship And authenticity.
Soldini80: the sneaker celebrating 80 years
And since there's an important birthday coming up, the Money has decided to celebrate it as appropriate, that is, offering yet another testimony of resilience and of innovation: «This company is my life, 61 years of presence here have taught me that, to keep a reality like ours alive, we need passion, innovation and a deep bond with Italian roots. Our will to resist, combined with research and knowledge of the markets, has allowed us to overcome many challenges. We are developing new ideas, as one innovative shoe which has already received approval”, explains Rossano. The new one shoe in question, which in theArezzo atelier we are making our way through elegant derbies and charming brogues from dandyit's one soft sneaker And stylish which within a contemporary silhouette contains decades of craftsmanship. His name? It couldn't help but be Soldini80.
«I've always dreamed of making a pair of unique shoes of their kind”, he says Matteo Erbicelli Grecothe visionary Sicilian designer whose collaboration, born almost by chance, with Rossano, led to the genesis of Soldini80. «The meeting with Rossano Soldini he gave me the opportunity to make this dream come true, thanks to his experience and creative support. We combined ideas and skills to create something truly special,” he adds Erbicelli Grecodescribing the shoe in detail: «It's a concentrate of softness And flexibilitymade entirely in Italy with very high quality materials. The only external components are the laces, a testament to the company's commitment to the 100% Made in Italy».
The collection, he explains, is made up of three models – Akira, Hobbes And Darth – who draw inspiration from 80s comicsan iconic era that also resonates in the packaging design. Made in very soft suedethe Soldini80it was meant to be one universal sneaker, unisexcapable of adapting to any context and being combined with both looks casual That formalthanks to the variety of colors And unique details. «A shoe that can accompany you at any time of the day», as its demiurge underlines, «I didn't want a kitsch product, with championships, stars And flagsmy idea was to transfer the concept of to the final consumer moccasin declined in a gymnastic key, uniting elegance And practicality. We wanted to position ourselves in a range medium-highwith a price accessible but a strong identity linked to Made in Italy».
Pitti 2025, new collections arriving for Soldini
It's with this one sneakers which seems like a monument to “knowing how to do Italian” – history, tradition, innovation, quality – that the Money will celebrate his 80 years old. «The launch of the Soldini80 marks a return tocraftsmanshipcombining the contemporary design with fine Italian fabrics, such as Prince of Walesusually used in clothing. But it also represents a new chapter in the history of Fratelli Soldini shoe factoryuniting innovation, craftsmanship And sustainability to meet the needs of an increasingly aware market. There qualitythe flexibility and the softness that distinguish our products were at the center of the project”, he points out Rossano Soldiniwho at a certain point cannot help but add: «The footwear manufacturing it is a job that can only be done if you truly love it, because there are easier and more profitable jobs. There family tradition and the passion for this sector they are the heart that pushes us forward. When Matthew presented me the project, I immediately understood that we could do something extraordinary.”
Available in store as early as this month December, Soldini80 has already aroused great interest, especially thanks to its presentation during the latest edition of Pitti. «The enthusiasm we received has pushed us to plan new collections which we will reveal at Pitti 2025», he anticipates Erbicelli. The shoe, meanwhile, is already present in 280 prestigious boutiques in Italy and abroad, including Gary And Lafayette in Franceas well as iconic locations such as Caruso Russo to Capri, Dell'Oglio to Taorminaand then Rome And Palermo. And consumers – the target of Soldini80 go on 25 years and abovebecause its aesthetics recall values shared between very different generations – they seem to have already welcomed this with enthusiasm sneakerswhich combines authenticity, quality and a competitive price that is positioned between 169 and 179 euros on the shelf.
Footwear, disproportionate prices in a distorted global market
An accessible cost that marks a turnaround in a market premium increasingly inflated instead by skyrocketing prices: «Today the final consumer he is more aware and is not fooled – replies the Sicilian designer – he searches authenticity, real qualitynot products with disproportionate margins. Many large groups, such as Kering and LVMHthey raised prices disproportionately. It is emblematic: a product that has a out-of-pocket cost of 100 euros arrives on display at 1,800 euros. This system has led to a market distortionalso fueled by strategies of geo-pricing. Today, for example, a Korean consumer buys a bag at the same price as a European customer, eliminating the competitive advantage of parallel sales.”
«This situation has damaged many companies, which over the years have distanced themselves from the end customer. THE physical stores have lost their identity, often treating the customer with disdain, while the online market has suffered constant promotionssuch as Black Friday, which drastically reduce margins. The detachment between the customer and the shopkeeper has become evident – concludes Erbicelli Greco – but the return to human relationshipto personalized service, is what can make the difference.”
A shoe who wants to put themanthe traditionpersonal taste andidentity in short, at the center of everything Soldini80. A kind of “white fly” in an increasingly growing market global, approved and more than ever dominated by fast-fashion.
Up there, somewhere, wherever it is, Gustavo Soldini can be satisfied.
Calzaturificio Soldini: the history from 1945 to today
He started again from that and fromunbridled ambition to manufacture comfortable shoes and of qualityat first think only “for work”. Those shoes were so beautiful, but they soon ended up becoming da walkingtransforming the Moneywithin a few decades, into one of the flagships of the classic shoe made in Italy internationally. In the seventies, the employees had reached 650 and the shoes were exported to North America reached a record 90 million pairs. Other tenses: times from economic boomglobalization was not yet there and the competition of Asian countries And South Americans with low cost laborit tickled Soldini.
Then things went another way, the footwear market has transformed and into 1994 the company had to deal with a devastating fire which put her to the test. But the second generation of the Soldinis, led by Rossanohe resisted, adapting to the changes without lowering his quality standards. On the contrary. It concentrated on the production of superior quality footwearcreating more valuable collections and committing ourselves to the forefront for the protection of made in Italy. A battle that in 2005 brought a great, pioneering result for the European shoe industry: achieving the introduction of duties on leather shoes from China.
«What we haven't been able to do, however, is obtain mandatory mark of origin for products manufactured abroad, thus allowing the deception of many consumers”, Rossano spreads his arms. His father, old Gustavo, at the end of his days, about ten years ago, thinking of the good times with pride but also with a hint of bitterness, sighed: “We taught the Chinese to work.” But that's it.
Made in Italy shoes, a tradition that is renewed in Arezzo
There, a Capolonaa stone's throw from Arezzo – where the air still smells of the true province, all of it pici all'aglione, Chiantigoldsmith shops and quality manufacturing – at the Money the shoes even today they are made as Gustavo wanted: all strictly by hand, only craftsmanship And very high quality raw materials. The world has changed all around, there is no doubt, the community that was created around the factory has shrunk, employees have dropped to 150 and production has also specialized market niches like them military footwear and for the private security.
But i Moneywho had arrived in the meantime third generation – Francesca is now leading the factory alongside father Rossano and this is also a sign ofesprit du temps – they have been able to diversify by introducing innovative technologies and new brands, including Ancient Leatherworks In the 2018and keeping the founding values of quality, craftsmanship And authenticity.
Soldini80: the sneaker celebrating 80 years
And since there's an important birthday coming up, the Money has decided to celebrate it as appropriate, that is, offering yet another testimony of resilience and of innovation: «This company is my life, 61 years of presence here have taught me that, to keep a reality like ours alive, we need passion, innovation and a deep bond with Italian roots. Our will to resist, combined with research and knowledge of the markets, has allowed us to overcome many challenges. We are developing new ideas, as one innovative shoe which has already received approval”, explains Rossano. The new one shoe in question, which in theArezzo atelier we are making our way through elegant derbies and charming brogues from dandyit's one soft sneaker And stylish which within a contemporary silhouette contains decades of craftsmanship. His name? It couldn't help but be Soldini80.
«I've always dreamed of making a pair of unique shoes of their kind”, he says Matteo Erbicelli Grecothe visionary Sicilian designer whose collaboration, born almost by chance, with Rossano, led to the genesis of Soldini80. «The meeting with Rossano Soldini he gave me the opportunity to make this dream come true, thanks to his experience and creative support. We combined ideas and skills to create something truly special,” he adds Erbicelli Grecodescribing the shoe in detail: «It's a concentrate of softness And flexibilitymade entirely in Italy with very high quality materials. The only external components are the laces, a testament to the company's commitment to the 100% Made in Italy».
The collection, he explains, is made up of three models – Akira, Hobbes And Darth – who draw inspiration from 80s comicsan iconic era that also resonates in the packaging design. Made in very soft suedethe Soldini80it was meant to be one universal sneaker, unisexcapable of adapting to any context and being combined with both looks casual That formalthanks to the variety of colors And unique details. «A shoe that can accompany you at any time of the day», as its demiurge underlines, «I didn't want a kitsch product, with championships, stars And flagsmy idea was to transfer the concept of to the final consumer moccasin declined in a gymnastic key, uniting elegance And practicality. We wanted to position ourselves in a range medium-highwith a price accessible but a strong identity linked to Made in Italy».
Pitti 2025, new collections arriving for Soldini
It's with this one sneakers which seems like a monument to “knowing how to do Italian” – history, tradition, innovation, quality – that the Money will celebrate his 80 years old. «The launch of the Soldini80 marks a return tocraftsmanshipcombining the contemporary design with fine Italian fabrics, such as Prince of Walesusually used in clothing. But it also represents a new chapter in the history of Fratelli Soldini shoe factoryuniting innovation, craftsmanship And sustainability to meet the needs of an increasingly aware market. There qualitythe flexibility and the softness that distinguish our products were at the center of the project”, he points out Rossano Soldiniwho at a certain point cannot help but add: «The footwear manufacturing it is a job that can only be done if you truly love it, because there are easier and more profitable jobs. There family tradition and the passion for this sector they are the heart that pushes us forward. When Matthew presented me the project, I immediately understood that we could do something extraordinary.”
Available in store as early as this month December, Soldini80 has already aroused great interest, especially thanks to its presentation during the latest edition of Pitti. «The enthusiasm we received has pushed us to plan new collections which we will reveal at Pitti 2025», he anticipates Erbicelli. The shoe, meanwhile, is already present in 280 prestigious boutiques in Italy and abroad, including Gary And Lafayette in Franceas well as iconic locations such as Caruso Russo to Capri, Dell'Oglio to Taorminaand then Rome And Palermo. And consumers – the target of Soldini80 go on 25 years and abovebecause its aesthetics recall values shared between very different generations – they seem to have already welcomed this with enthusiasm sneakerswhich combines authenticity, quality and a competitive price that is positioned between 169 and 179 euros on the shelf.
Footwear, disproportionate prices in a distorted global market
An accessible cost that marks a turnaround in a market premium increasingly inflated instead by skyrocketing prices: «Today the final consumer he is more aware and is not fooled – replies the Sicilian designer – he searches authenticity, real qualitynot products with disproportionate margins. Many large groups, such as Kering and LVMHthey raised prices disproportionately. It is emblematic: a product that has a out-of-pocket cost of 100 euros arrives on display at 1,800 euros. This system has led to a market distortionalso fueled by strategies of geo-pricing. Today, for example, a Korean consumer buys a bag at the same price as a European customer, eliminating the competitive advantage of parallel sales.”
«This situation has damaged many companies, which over the years have distanced themselves from the end customer. THE physical stores have lost their identity, often treating the customer with disdain, while the online market has suffered constant promotionssuch as Black Friday, which drastically reduce margins. The detachment between the customer and the shopkeeper has become evident – concludes Erbicelli Greco – but the return to human relationshipto personalized service, is what can make the difference.”
A shoe who wants to put themanthe traditionpersonal taste andidentity in short, at the center of everything Soldini80. A kind of “white fly” in an increasingly growing market global, approved and more than ever dominated by fast-fashion.
Up there, somewhere, wherever it is, Gustavo Soldini can be satisfied.