Matthias Vickermann & Martin Stoya

Shoemaker

©Vickermann u. Stoya

All about shoes

Matthias initially trained as a tax consultant
His own large shoe size inspired him to make bespoke shoes
He and partner Martin give talks on shoe care on cruise liners

Matthias Vickermann turned to bespoke shoemaking after deciding that his first career, in tax consulting, wasn't his true passion. Having rather large feet (UK 14/EU 49), Matthias had always struggled to find fashionable, high quality shoes, so he decided to take an apprenticeship with a master shoemaker in Baden-Baden. In 2004 he opened a workshop in the town with his partner Martin Stoya, aimed at both clients looking for bespoke shoes and anybody else interested in the craft of shoemaking or shoe care. These days, Matthias and Martin are well known for giving talks on shoemaking all over the world. In the workshop itself, considered one of the most beautiful in Germany, they regularly offer shoe care workshops for individuals or small groups.

Interview

©Vickermann u. Stoya

©Vickermann u. Stoya

What drew you to the craft of shoemaking?: It was a combination of being fascinated by leather, its special scent and characteristics, and being able to produce unique, singular objects. My passion was already there when I made my very first gentleman’s low shoe, a classic Oxford cap toe out of black calfskin, and it has never declined.
What inspires your shoes?: Discussion with my customers. Everyone has different taste and, of course, unique feet. Being a foot consultant in all respects inspires me, discussing orthopaedic issues as well as questions of fashion and design. I’m thankful when I reflect on how many people are wearing my shoes this very minute.
Has there been an unforgettable moment in your career?: Years ago, Vickermann & Stoya was invited to join cruises on MS Europa/Hapag Lloyd and Sea Cloud to give specialist talks on shoe care. It was a great honour for us to have this opportunity and of course even though it was work, it was a privilege to travel the world while winning new clients.
How do you innovate in your craft?: We are a classical shoemaker using very traditional manufacturing methods, and we also tend to recommend the more classic, rather than cutting-edge, shoe models to our customers. But we present ourselves in a very modern way. Recently, we launched a website with an online shoe repair system.

Matthias Vickermann & Martin Stoya are master artisans: they began their career in 2004 and they started teaching in 2008