Vitallo
Passion in ShoeMaking.
To us, Vitallo is more than just a brand. It embodies the passion and perfection with which we have pursued our calling for generations. Vitallo stands for bespoke masterpieces of the highest caliber – defined by exceptional craftsmanship and the most exclusive materials.
The name Vitallo was created in 1988 by Friedrich Hackner and is composed of two parts. The first syllable comes from the Italian word “vita”, symbolizing life and freshness – qualities that continue to inspire new and distinctive creations in our manufacture.
The second syllable, “-llo”, is also derived from an Italian word: “cavallo”, meaning horse. Its strength and elegance represent the dynamic spirit and beauty that define bespoke Vitallo shoes and accessories. The brand icon – a stylized tree – reflects our deep connection to nature. We live this philosophy through sustainable craftsmanship in our manufacture and the use of resource-conscious materials. All of these elements merge into an inseparable unity of brand and symbol, capturing the unique character of every handcrafted Vitallo model.
Finest Craftsmanship
Masterful
We take great pride in the fact that the creation of a Vitallo bespoke shoe is a true masterwork – crafted entirely by hand using traditional methods. There are no automated processes, and time plays only a secondary role in our manufacture. A single pair of Vitallo shoes often takes more than 40 hours to complete. The only thing that matters in the end is absolute perfection and quality.
Unhurried
That’s why each Vitallo shoe remains on its last for several days during production – ensuring exceptional fit and long-lasting shape retention. While our carefully selected leathers are shaped over the last, they are not fully stretched. Thanks to these special Vitallo construction techniques, the leather retains its natural softness and signature suppleness.
Heritage of Knowledge
Many of these techniques were developed and refined by us over the years. They are the essence of a knowledge base built through generations and decades of shoemaking experience. The result: bespoke masterpieces that are second to none – delivering a truly unique wearing experience.
Truly Hand-Stitched
Elaborated and Perfected
Enduring Connection
The most durable connection in shoemaking is a stitch. It withstands heavy wear and combines flexibility with longevity. Our aim is to use only the finest components for a Vitallo bespoke shoe – and that includes our manufacturing methods. That is why every Vitallo features at least one seam that connects the upper to the midsole. Depending on the model and construction, up to three rows of hand-sewn stitches may fulfill this task.
Unique Tool
Genuine leather is a very special material, and a shoe upper is a highly complex, three-dimensional structure. That is why this seam requires a tool that is both sensitive and versatile to achieve the level of quality we demand: the human hand. Only a human is capable of working so artfully and intuitively with varying materials, judging the right amount of tension for each stitch to create an optimal connection.
Vitallo Design
Modern and Timeless
Vitallo shoes and accessories are recognized not only for their impeccable craftsmanship, but also for their distinctive, timeless design. Our ambition is to create true classics – designs that continue to impress even after years, thanks to their deliberately reduced and essential lines.
BYOD
One abbreviation – one idea: maximum freedom in designing your own Vitallo. Whether it’s the leather, the stitching, or the sole – you decide. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to own a pair of shoes perfectly color-matched to your favorite wardrobe pieces?
One of a Kind
BYOD: Be Your Own Designer – simply become your own designer. Configure your Vitallo exactly the way you like it. Choose your ideal combination from a wide range of leathers and colors. Pair them with a broad palette of stitching and sole colors to create a truly unique piece.
Innovation & Sustainability
Our Promise
Holistic
One of our key goals is to manufacture sustainable and environmentally friendly products – starting with the selection of innovative, eco-conscious raw materials, continuing through the production process, and extending to the recycling of leftover materials.
Responsible
We are deeply committed to sourcing raw materials of German or European origin. This allows us to support local suppliers and ensure short transportation routes – a factor that significantly contributes to the excellent environmental footprint of our shoes. In addition to origin, we place great value on the ecological and socially responsible production of our raw materials.
Environmentally Friendly
All Vitallo upper and lining leathers offered as standard are produced in Germany. The highest standards apply here in terms of working conditions, wastewater treatment, and environmental protection. The tanning agents used to produce our Vitallo leathers are derived from the bark and fruits of various tree species.
Skin-Friendly
Using these renewable raw materials helps conserve our planet’s natural resources and results in a truly unique product that is exceptionally skin-friendly and guarantees outstanding wearing comfort.
Vitallo Means Bespoke
King of Shoes
As individual as each person is, so too are their feet. That’s why every Vitallo shoe is made exclusively to measure. The bespoke shoe represents the pinnacle of handcrafted shoemaking. Numerous parameters directly influence the design of each pair.
The Individual Measurement
The first step is a precise measurement of the feet. This requires a great deal of experience, as every foot is different – including how tightly the measuring tape is applied and whether adding or subtracting length at specific points will benefit the final fit.
Lasts and Cutting
These measurements are used to shape the lasts. The upper is then formed over this individually adapted foot model. Based on the measurements and the last, a set of templates is created, which are used to cut the leather pieces by hand with a specialized knife.
Manufacture
By stitching the two-dimensional leather pieces together, the so-called upper is created – a three-dimensional structure. Through hand-lasting and many other labor-intensive steps, a one-of-a-kind Vitallo shoe is brought to life.
Perfectly Tailored Accessories
A leather jacket that fits like a glove. A belt in the ideal length. That’s exactly how it should be. Which is why our standard of bespoke craftsmanship naturally extends to Vitallo accessories as well.
Climatocork
More Than a Footbed
The Interior
Vitallo and Climatocork form an inseparable duet. Developed exclusively by us, Climatocork is the foundation of the bespoke interior in every Vitallo shoe – a true synonym for pure luxury underfoot. The cork granulate we use is sourced from the bark of Portuguese oak trees. We rely exclusively on premium-quality cork, the same grade used for champagne bottle stoppers.
Maximum Breathability
Climatocork is distinguished by exceptional breathability and comfort, ensuring an ideal climate inside the shoe. Our soft, purely vegetable-tanned top leather is not bonded to the cork with adhesive. This allows the Climatocork interior to retain its unique ability to absorb moisture, unfold natural cushioning in return, and gradually adapt to the shape of the foot.
Vitallo Means the Finest Leather
Naturally Unique
At Vitallo, one principle applies above all: only the best is good enough. This doesn’t just refer to craftsmanship – it naturally extends to the materials we use. But leather is not all the same. For Vitallo shoes and accessories, only the highest quality is considered. Our leathers are unmistakable in their texture and feel – a truly unique piece of nature.
A Matter of Character
Through elaborate and gentle tanning and finishing processes, each hide is given its own distinctive character, allowing the natural grain to emerge in all its beauty. Equally important to us are the wearing properties: every Vitallo shoe is fully lined with exceptionally soft, breathable leather that has been tested for outstanding skin compatibility.
