For Simon Schäfer, being a shoemaker does not equal being a cobbler. What brings Schäfer’s work to an entirely different level, is his focus on creating art in every single piece he produces. Schäfer started his training in Italy, in a city famous for fashionable footwear, taught by a family-owned manufacturer dating back three generations. After finishing his education, he decided to move back to Berlin. Here, he seized the opportunity to fulfil his own vision: creating a place to manufacture shoes that are both aesthetically beautiful and orthopedically appropriate. Since then, his team has consisted of 14 talented shoemakers crafting every unique piece with love and attention. Entering his shop at Engeldamm near the Engelbecken, you can feel the quality of his handmade leather goods. According to Schäfer, our feet not only support our bodies, but define our stability in life. For, after all, everybody knows that clothes make the man, but we often forget he wouldn’t be able to go far without his shoes. (Text: Helen Hecker / photo: Ben Fuchs)
Meisterschuh, Engeldamm 64, 10179 Berlin-Mitte; map
Mon-Fri 8.30-18.30h, Sat 10-14.30h
Helen Hecker has been living in Berlin for three years and has settled in Richardkiez, Neukölln. She is a freelance editor, photographer and blogger, and currently works for Folkdays.
