Pavel Švienty

Shoemaker

©Pavel Švienty

Step by step towards his purpose

Pavel's first leather objects were water flasks
His specialisation is Goodyear shoes
He gives courses on shoemaking

Pavel Švienty has always worked with his hands. But for quite some time, it wasn't shoes he made with them. He was a carpenter, plumber, builder and – in his free time – he took an interest in historical fencing. It was this latter hobby that brought him to shoemaking. He started to work with leather and learn from his fellow craftsmen. After a while, he joined two prominent Czech shoemakers as an assistant, basically becoming their apprentice. And some years later, on an adventurous trip to Peru, he decided to dedicate himself to shoemaking entirely. "I was there, at 3,000m altitude, searching for myself. And it came to me what I should do." Today, after more than 17 years of experience, he's an established cobbler with his own brand and many apprentices of his own.

Interview

©Pavel Švienty

©Pavel Švienty

What was the first pair of shoes you made?: I remember exactly the first pair. My friend asked me to tailor-make orange leather shoes for her, she couldn't find any suitable footwear in this colour. Back then, I didn't have my own workshop, so I made it at my friend's studio. It was my first real order.
So when did you open your own workshop?: It wasn't ideally timed. I opened in 2008, during the global economic crisis. But I was very motivated. Honestly, anyone who decides to do this craft must be ready for hard work and little money at the beginning. I held my head up, worked hard and tried to do what I loved as well as I could.
When did success come?: It's a gradual process. A good sign was when prominent shoemakers, Mr Lawart and Mr Zachariáš, invited me to work with them. That was a great compliment and it took my skills to the next level. But success is every pair of shoes that match the customer's expectations, ideally exceed them.
What does success means for you today?: The balance between the slow, romantic approach and effective work. Each client has different demands – I love to meet them. For example, customers with orthopaedic issues can’t wear normal shoes, and it is a huge privilege to be able to create a shoe that ensures their comfort.

Pavel Švienty is an expert artisan he began his career in 2010