“Shoes are like puzzles
Every single part can be shaped and arranged in an infinite number of ways
and I am in control”

René van den Berg

ABOUT

Specializing in designing and manufacturing tailor-made shoes for creative professionals and private individuals, René van den Berg carries on a family tradition of shoemaking which dates back to 1902.

Building on his thorough background as orthopedic shoe technician, René set up his workshop for tailor-made shoes in 1992. It is here where he combines his creativity and designer skills with extensive knowledge on feet, materials and shoemaking techniques.

Among others René has collaborated with Walter van Beirendonck, Thierry Mugler, JANTAMINIAU, Ilja Visser, Chris Donovan, Klavers van Engelen, Anouk Wipprecht, Heineken, Leanie van der Vyver and Joop van den Ende Theaterproducties.

In addition René works as a teacher in traditional shoemaking at the DSA, the Dutch Shoe Academy, centre of excellence for craftsmanship.

THE PROCESS

BRAINSTORMING01

Finding solutions to the clients challenges by gathering thoughts, materials, ideas and shapes.

SKETCH + DESIGN02

Creating 2D drawings from various angles to visualise the intended product.

SHAPESTUDY 03

Building a basic wearable 3D model to test it’s function and to show what the product will look like in it’s actual dimensions.

PROTOTYPING 04

Creating the real product that meets up to all requirements of shape, function and materials.

DEVELOPMENT 05

Creating all necessary parts such as the molds, lasts and patterns for reproduction on a bigger scale.

COLLABORATIONS

RANDOM TIPS

CUSTOM MADE SHOES, THE VIDEO
EXCLUSIVE SALE
You have all seen the ASSIMILA shoes during the Haute Couture Presentations one year ago in Paris. Only... Continue Reading
CONTOUR GAUGE
A contour gauge is a simple, but smart tool that will make your life as a shoemaker a... Continue Reading
NARROW CUTTING BOARD
How to make a narrow cutting board. Wait, what is a narrow cutting board? It is a selfmade... Continue Reading
FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE
I have a 4x8 meter workspace. This means there is not much room to install all of my... Continue Reading
WORKSHOP HEELS
HEELS During this one-day workshop you will learn how to create a heel that fits your last. We... Continue Reading
WORKSHOP MOLDS
MOLDS Because it is quite difficult to make 2 identical heels, I have set up the workshop mold... Continue Reading
NOISE
Punching holes can be a noisy activity. Try placing some solid material underneath your cutting board. In my... Continue Reading
SHOEMAKING STARTS WITH FEET
The human foot is built up out of 26 bones which makes it the bodypart with the highest... Continue Reading

CUSTOM HEADING TITLE GOES HERE

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