How we make our shoes

Each and every pair of our shoes is part of a highly skilful, labour intensive process that includes up to 130 individual steps, and over 50 years experience. From concept to finished product, at ara we recognise that our feet are exposed to significant strain where prolonged over-exertion will ultimately have a detrimental effect on the entire body. To ensure that our footwear remains comfortable even when worn for extended periods of time, we incorporate a number functional elements. A case in point is shock absorption, which relieves the stress exerted on muscles, joints, bones and ligaments. Additionally, breathable materials are designed to provide the best possible climate control.

Our Constructions

Strong. Light. Flexible. There’s some inner magic within your ara shoes,
here’s a glance as to what’s within.

Injection Moulded Soles

An extremely strong, light and flexible method of shoe making, here our uppers are stitched directly to our insoles with our air cushioned rubber soles subsequently affixed via direct injection. The result is a seamless bond between all components for exceptional cushioning and flexibility.

Moccasin

A traditional hand made process whereby our uppers are shaped and sewn to form a “sock” at the fore-foot, ensuring a degree of “give” so as to mould around your feet over time with glove like comfort.

Strobel Stitched

Light and flexible, here our uppers are stitched directly to our insoles for a completely sewn bond between shoe and sole, with our outer soles then either side stitched or ago constructed thereafter. Being sewn, these shoes provide for a degree of give with time, thereby adjusting to your feet seamlessly.

Our Leathers

Natural. Beautiful. Unique.

Only the finest materials are used in our shoes, all of which are tested for hazardous contaminants on a regular basis by independent institutes ensuring beauty is more than skin deep.

Our Features

There’s a world of features to be enjoyed, here’s a glance at what’s on offer.

Extra light

Our extra light technology offers genuine comfort. The lightness of the outsole and high-tech materials ensure reduced overall weight. As a result, legs and feet are relieved from strain, alleviating tiredness and pain particularly when travelling.

Light and easy does it
For maximum comfort and pleasurable walking
Relieves legs and feet from strain

Gore-Tex®

Gore-Tex® shoes offer optimum heat transfer and outstanding moisture management, ensuring a perfect foot climate. The waterproof, breathable and highly durable Gore-Tex® membrane is placed at the very heart of the shoe and has been specially engineered to ensure dry feet and optimal comfort in any type of weather. Even in extreme conditions, your feet are kept warm and dry.

Ideal for any type of weather
Permanently waterproof
Highly breathable
Extremely durable

Removable Insoles

Our exchangeable footbeds ensure a perfect feeling of well-being. Designed to adapt to the anatomy of your feet from heel to toe, they relieve the stress on muscles, bones, joints and ligaments. Easily exchanged and refitted, these shoes offer the perfect solution for those who wear their own specially designed orthotics.

The basis for you well-being
Anatomically fitted
May be replaced with specially fitted footbeds

ara width system

Your feet and their feelings are individual, personal and unique - we suggest always trying on prior to purchase.

F = Regular Width
G = Regular + Width
H = Comfort Width
K = Specialised Width