Gerhard Wieser

Wieser Shoe Design

Shoemaker

Putting his best foot forward

Gerhard loves the latest fashion trends from Italy
Passion and humility are important values to him
He feels international networking is crucial for success

Gerhard Wieser is an exceptional bespoke shoemaker who learned the traditional techniques of his craft from his father and grandfather. After working in the ski boot making industry for several years, he decided to return to his roots with an ambitious goal: to combine traditional shoemaking with the most fashionable designs and materials. The first signature shoe he made was for himself, made from light brown imitation ostrich leather combined with plain calfskin. Today, he is one of Austria’s trendiest shoemakers, whose signature shoes are produced from a single piece of upper leather without any seam. “Hole in one” is his own trademark for this technique.

Interview

Where do you find inspiration for your shoes?: After my profession, Italy is my second passion – I spent many years of my career in the ski boot industry there. Italian lifestyle and fashion are therefore big inspirations for my shoe designs.
What role does sport play in your life?: As I am passionate about practising different kinds of sports like ski touring, hiking and running, I decided to produce sports footwear, initially for my own use. After running a marathon with my own made-to-measure running shoe, I started to develop bespoke mountain boots based on that first model.
What do you appreciate most about running your own workshop?: Receiving direct and honest feedback from my customers, being able to realise my own ideas and designs and having the chance to create a tangible object after a day of working hard – all these elements are important for finding personal fulfilment in my job.
Has there been a particularly special moment in your career?: Winning my first gold medal for shoemakers and creating my first shoe out of python leather were two of my most special moments. But even in moments of great success you should never forget how demanding it is to attain perfection in craftsmanship. It takes years and years of practice, so complacency always is a dangerous way to go.

Gerhard Wieser is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1992