Sabah shoes, handmade in southeast Turkey
I get such a kick out of dealing with people, anywhere, who love what they do. I had some “issues” last week on my flight to Orlando and dealt with one after another VERY pleasant and helpful Southwest employees – at 5:00 AM, no less. I couldn’t help but smile, and as corny as it sounds, felt so happy for humanity. There is almost nothing I love more than supporting a company and people who love their work, which is why I try to support smaller, independent designers as much as financially possible.
Which leads me to Sabah. I hadn’t heard of the brand until Cola commented about them on my espadrilles post, but I went to look immediately, and fell in love with the photo above of the “makers” beaming with pride at their work. Looking at them makes ME smile.
And the shoes are nothing to scoff at either. I love their simplicity, tradition, and focus on quality; they look like a great shoe for travel, especially, and life, in general. AND, Sabah allows you to order two sizes for only an additional $15 return shipping so you can choose the size that fits you the best without having to pay for two sizes up front. Brilliant. And something I wish more clothing designers and manufacturers did.
That green is so appealing!! Of course I would probably go for black, or a more “nude” brown color, but the colors are really beautiful for spring.
What do you think of Sabah shoes? Which companies/designers do you try to support because of their excellent customer service, and pride in their work? Any local designers you’d love to share?
I love Chie Mihara shoes (Spain) for the same reason. Most of her styles are rather opposite to my minimalist aesthetics, but every year I still find manage to find sandals I love (sone of my favorites to Google: Wagamama, Jari, Ichigo). The sole has the perfect shape for my foot, the craftsmanship is top notch and they are super comfy. Most importantly, and in reference to your post, I spend way too much time on her website and web store just because it makes me happy to look at it !!
One that comes to mind instantly is Sevilla Smith. Her shoes are the dreamiest ? I just got a pair of Terilyn boots and they are almost too pretty to wear! But they are also incredibly comfortable and impeccably crafted by hand. They look like they are going to last forever — and hopefully they will!
Check out The Sabeh’s Instagram account. It’s so colorful that it always puts a smile on my face. I love their shoes and I’d really rather have a pair of these (in bright magenta) than espadrilles.
I feel like Dosa is handmade, right? There is a store in Amagansett that sells it, but talk about pricey!!!
Wow – I can try on these Sabehs in person in New York! Lucky me! I had never heard of them until now so thank you for that 🙂
I’ve been admiring the Sevilla Smiths too. I’m a little concerned about support and the leather stretching too much. Heather I’d love to know how you think they’d hold up for heavy city walking. I like a sturdy sole and don’t want to feel every pebble beneath my feet.
That’s actually exactly what I bought them for! I walk about 5 mi daily commuting. I do tend to prefer minimal shoes in terms of support, though, which I know isn’t for everyone. I haven’t worn them outside of the house yet, and they’re quite tight, which I guess is how they are supposed to fit initially. Hopefully they won’t stretch too much!
Another shoe company I love — especially in terms of customer service — is Soft Star. Made to order in Oregon. Their styles may not be up everyone’s alley, but they have some nice ballet flats! I have a couple pairs, and they’re great. I had a small issue with wear on one of them, and they sent me a replacement pair, no questions asked!
She’s the designer who made Elizabeth Suzann’s shoes!! I love them
So much. Beautiful shoes…
I used to really love chie mihara shoes but they really don’t speak to me aesthetically anymore at all. Coclico is more up my alley for sure… But i always appreciate craftsmanship and quality! And chie mihara is known for that.
Oh yes!! Please let us know what you think when you do try the sabehs. I’d be concerned too about the leather and sole of the Sevilla smiths. But man, they’re beautiful!!
Love Coclico. More than half my shoes are Coclicos. I’ve even paid full for a pair or two. Only thing that bugs me about Coclico (well, other than the $$$) is the soles are really thin on most styles and they wear down quickly. Aesthetically though they’re my absolute faves.
I do love looking at Chie’s shoes – they make me happy and so does Chie’s enthusiasm for what she does. That she’s managed to build so much comfort into her pretty shoes is amazing. I’ve had a couple pair over the years – still have one – and wearing them always puts me in a better mood. 🙂
Thanks Heather! Really appreciate you take on them. I don’t need a ton of support – I just like something sturdy underneath me. I notice she does say that the shoes should be snug initially so I think you’ll be ok. I like the idea of being able to wear them without socks – something I just can’t tolerate with shoes that have any plastic components or stitching in places where it would rub. And yeah, I do often wear short booties in warm weather. The Sevilla Smiths really do seem worth trying 🙂
I emailed Sabeh to get a appointment. I’ll definitely report back. Very excited about this. I need an excuse to get something colorful! I can’t possibly stay grumpy looking at the smiles on those craftsmen – how cute are they?! – so maybe the shoes have anti-grump powers 😉
I’m hoping too that we’ll hear about Heather’s Sevilla Smiths when she starts wearing them outside!
I think it’s sabah, with an a not an e.
Wow. How did I miss that??? Thanks for the heads up. Oops. Should be all fixed now
Yes! And at a much more reasonable price point…shhhh 😉 I’ve been wearing them nonstop and they. are. amazing.
Sorry, just seeing this now! After a week or so, I can say absolutely that they are worth every penny. No break-in time whatsoever, and (I know it’s a cliche!) but they fit like a glove. I love them.
Hi Heather,
I would love to hear how those Sevilla Smiths holding up after a year or so. I am thinking about getting some but worried about longevity and reviews on her stuff are scare outside of Etsy!