Fifty years ago, in the heart of Italy’s renowned Marche region, Andrea Santoni had a vision – to industrialise the art of shoemaking while preserving the meticulous craftsmanship that defines luxury footwear.
What started as a small artisanal workshop in 1975 has since evolved into a globally recognised brand, synonymous with elegance, quality, and innovation. Today, under the leadership of Andrea’s son, Giuseppe Santoni, the company continues to honour its heritage while pushing the boundaries of artisanal excellence.
The Santoni brand stands on two foundational pillars – a long-term vision and an unwavering commitment to quality. From the very beginning, Andrea sought to merge traditional craftsmanship with innovative production techniques.
This elegant balance has propelled the brand into the upper echelons of the luxury footwear industry, making it a benchmark for artisanal shoemaking around the world.
Today, Giuseppe has successfully carried forward his father’s mission, expanding the brand’s presence while maintaining its core values.
Under his leadership, Santoni has solidified its status as a symbol of Italian excellence. “Seeing a small artisan workshop grow into a major global brand is my greatest achievement, not just as CEO, but as a son,” says Giuseppe, expressing immense pride in the company’s 50-year journey. His words encapsulate the brand’s essence – a company deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern luxury.
A visit to the Santoni headquarters in Corridonia offers a glimpse into a world where craftsmanship and technology harmoniously coexist. The manufacture, often referred to as the ‘factory of wonders’, is designed with sustainability in mind.
Constructed from glass, steel, and aluminium – 90 per cent of it recyclable – the venue embodies Santoni’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Solar energy powers a significant portion of the facility, ensuring that the shoemaking process remains as eco-friendly as it is luxurious.
Inside the factory, every step of production is a testament to Santoni’s dedication to detail. The process begins with the selection of premium leathers, stored in climate-controlled rooms to maintain their integrity. Then, skilled artisans cut, paint, and assemble each shoe, making sure every pair meets Santoni’s exacting standards. Particularly striking is the hand-painting process, in which expert colourists create unique shades using techniques reminiscent of a painter’s studio.
Despite the presence of advanced machinery, at Santoni’s core remain its artisans. Machines do not replace craftsmanship – rather, they enhance and refine it. Approximately 2,000 pairs of shoes are produced daily, each one bearing the unmistakable mark of exquisite Italian artistry.
One of Santoni’s most ambitious initiatives to date is the Academy of Excellence, a training programme designed to pass down artisanal skills to the next generation. “The Academy is an opportunity for young people to become our future builders of beauty,” Giuseppe explains. Students receive intensive training from master artisans, learning the intricate techniques that define Santoni footwear. The Academy ensures the brand’s tradition of excellence is not only preserved but continuously refined and redefined.
Santoni’s bespoke segment is also thriving. Crafted entirely by hand, bespoke shoes offer customers a deeply personalised experience, with materials and designs tailored to their preferences. This market segment continues to grow, highlighting a renewed appreciation for true craftsmanship in an era seemingly defined by mass production.
Its 50th anniversary marks a fresh chapter for Santoni. To honour this half-century milestone, the brand has introduced a new symbol, its calling Santoni Culture, An Emblem of Mastery. This striking insignia is a tribute to the artisans who have been so integral to the brand’s success.
The new logo is a visual representation of Santoni’s values, and includes elements like a tree, symbolising the brand’s roots, and a needle and thread, representing the craftsmanship that defines each pair of shoes.
This year also saw the debut of the Meravigli collection, a blend of tradition and innovation, featuring some of Santoni’s most iconic designs. After being showcased at Milan Fashion Week in February, these pieces will hit stores this fall, giving customers a glimpse into the brand’s 50 years of mastery.
As the Santoni company continues to expand globally, the Middle East remains one of its key markets, with boutiques already established in both Dubai and Kuwait, and plans are underway for a new location in Doha. “The Middle Eastern customer has a true appreciation for our craftsmanship, and we’ve seen great success with our leather sandals, which perfectly align with local culture,” Giuseppe enthuses.
With an eye to the future, Giuseppe is determined to preserve Santoni’s legacy while driving its growth.
“Our anniversary isn’t just a celebration of our past – it’s about shaping the future,” he says. “We’re committed to innovation, but we’ll always remain true to the artisanal craftsmanship that defines Santoni.”
“It is thanks to our artisans – their skill, their hands, and their knowledge – that we have been able to elevate the ‘simple’ craft of shoemaking into a true art form,” he adds.
Reflecting on his journey, his advice is simple yet powerful. “Perseverance is essential, but you must have a clear and consistent vision,” he asserts.
It is this vision that has propelled Santoni to its half-century mark — and will guide the brand as it moves forward, still focused on creating beautiful, timeless Italian products that celebrate Marche’s craftsmanship.
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