History
Where would you go for handmade bespoke sneakers? Established in 2005, Saint Vacant is a footwear company that does things differently. The brainchild of designer and shoemaker Janne Lax, the Helsinki-based company sets apart with creativity and a decade of experience in handcrafting custom shoes. So whether it’s bespoke sneakers you’re after, or a classic derby with a twist from the readymade collection, you’re getting a shoe that marries classical shoemaking tradition with modern details in a way no mass-produced shoe can ever match.
Philosophy
Designing a beautiful shoe is the easy part. Making it fit perfectly and comfortably for long periods of time is a lot harder. The key to the perfect fit is a great last. The last design used in Saint Vacant readymade collection is the end product of a long development process. It has optimal heel-to-ball measurements and the shape of the foot’s arch embedded in the last, providing excellent support every time your foot hits the pavement. The upper is cut tightly in the arch area while the slightly larger toe-spring allows the shoe to roll better. Combine this with an asymmetrical cut that matches the contours of the ankle bone and a full length cow leather lining instead of the more common half lining, and you have a remarkably comfortable shoe that’s built to last.
Highlights
Saint Vacant bespoke shoes are all about individuality and the highest possible quality. The shoes in the readymade collection lend details from bespoke collection but come without the wait and at a more affordable price point. Within the Saint Vacant readymade collection there are two lines of shoes. The Fine Line features formal & peculiar styles for men in sizes 40-46. The Sneaker Line brings unisex styles for urban life and comes in sizes 36-46. The Bags collection includes styles for both men and women. All shoes come with removable suede insocks and a shoe bag. Saint Vacant bespoke shoes are made in Finland while the readymade collection is made by a small family-owned company in Portugal. At Saint Vacant the devil is in the detail. The uniquely designed last, the high quality materials, and the dedication that goes into each pair is something unheard of in a market dominated by mass-produced shoes.
