Our Heritage — Four Generations of Shoemaking
A craft family, a young brand
Bespoky Shoes was founded in 2018. The brand is young; the craft behind it is not. The shoemakers who make our shoes come from a family that has practised shoemaking for four generations, with the skills passed from one generation to the next.
Our own workshops in Gaziantep and Istanbul
Every pair is made by hand, to order, in our own workshops in Gaziantep and Istanbul, Turkey. The people who cut, stitch and finish your shoes work in these workshops. Gaziantep, in southeastern Anatolia, has a long tradition of leatherwork and handmade footwear.
What the heritage means for your shoes
- Made by hand — cutting, stitching and finishing are done by our shoemakers.
- Made to order — we make your pair after you order it, in the size and colour you choose.
- Genuine leather — every pair is made from genuine leather; each product page lists the exact leather and finish.
- Foot-shaped lasts — our barefoot styles have a wide toe box and a flat, zero-drop sole.
One shoemaker, one pair
Each pair is made from start to finish by one shoemaker and takes 10–14 hours of handwork. We use vegetable-tanned, chrome-free leather, and our shoes have a biodegradable construction. Working this way is only possible because the skills have been passed down within one shoemaking family.
Anatolian shoemaking, worn every day
Flat, flexible, hand-stitched leather shoes have deep roots in Anatolia; the traditional Yemeni slip-on is one example. Our collection carries that way of making shoes into everyday styles: sneakers, Oxfords, Chelsea boots, sandals, slippers and Yemeni shoes.
Frequently asked questions
When was Bespoky founded?
In 2018.
Where are Bespoky shoes made?
By hand, to order, in our own workshops in Gaziantep and Istanbul, Turkey.
What does "four generations" refer to?
Our shoemakers come from a family that has practised shoemaking for four generations. It describes the craft heritage of the people who make our shoes; the Bespoky brand itself was founded in 2018.
Who is behind Bespoky?
Bespoky was founded by Mesut Bozkurt, who also writes our journal.
What are the shoes made of?
Genuine leather, vegetable-tanned and chrome-free. The exact leather and finish — for example calf, suede or nubuck — is listed on each product page.
How long does it take to make a pair?
10–14 hours of handwork, by one shoemaker from start to finish.
Read more: our heritage · inside our workshops · how a pair is made · shop the collection.
