THE SHOEMAKER
Jan P. Myhre was born in the year of 1960 – in Oslo, Norway. He has been working with shoes since 1981.
His shoemaking business is mainly based on the British classic tradition, which his selection of styles clearly indicates. The methods and techniques used in his work are based on a tradition developed to such perfection in the Renaissance that it has remained unchanged ever since. By commanding all the disciplines in the craft himself – last-making, pattern-making, clicking, closing and making – Myhre is in full control of every stage of the creation of each and every shoe
Much of his inspiration and expertise Myhre acquired as a trainee at John Lobb Ltd. London. Ever since his first visit to the shop at 9, St. James´s in 1987, the warm enthusiasts of this highly renowned company have been Myhre´s kind mentors and friends. Now, Jan P. Myhre has taken on the mentor role himself – teaching the craft to new and upcoming talents.
THE PHILOSOPHY
Happy feet are essential for our wellbeing and the basis to avoid leg and back problems. Thus, choosing one’s footwear is an important task not to be taken lightly. At the same time it is a fact that every pair of feet is individually shaped. However – during their lifetime, most people get to know only standard sized shoes, merely taking the length of their feet into consideration. Important factors like width, instep and other individual differences are often neglected.
The foot is a complicated structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones, which need a shoe of the right fit to be able to move freely and in a healthy way inside it. In spite of this, many people are using harmful footwear which prevents their feet from moving freely and causes pain, cramps and even leg and back stiffness. This paradox is the fundament on which Jan P. Myhre has built his working philosophy: Set your feet free!
YOUR SHOE IN THE MAKING
Every person’s feet are individually shaped. Consequently, Myhre hand carves customized lasts for each new customer, initially drawing an outline on paper of your feet to ensure the best basis for the lasts. A good last is essential to obtain both a comfortable fit and an elegant look.
Individually shaped and carefully drawn paper patterns are used as basis for the cutting of the leather pieces, which finally will be the finished upper-leather of the shoe. These patterns are designed with the aid of the shape of the individual lasts.
The various leather pieces are skived and stitched together, incorporating linings and stiffeners. Good closing, more than any single operation, give lasting distinction to the handmade shoe.
Then, the mellowed insole is attached to the bottom of the last. The upper-leather is pulled over the lasts (lasted) and all necessary linings and stiffeners are sewn in with the welt. The sole is stitched to the welt and the heel is built up piece by piece. The last is then removed from the shoe and the insole is smoothened out and covered with a sock. Finally, the dressed upper leather is polished.
