Stridewise.com Expert | Managing Director & Shoemaker, Bridlen Shoes
Expertise: shoemaking, cordwaining, shoe construction, boots, leather, lasts, last making, sustainable footwear
Meet Affan, a third-generation shoemaker. He is the shoemaker-in-chief at Bridlen. Trained as an economist, Affan’s journey as a shoemaker began under the tutelage of an experienced Northampton-based last maker. He apprenticed under Kiyotaka Watanabe in the factory, intending to preserve and reintroduce old-school techniques of shoemaking.
Having spent a decade studying and working in the sustainability space and at the United Nations, Affan aims to promote the concept of Goodyear welted shoes as a sustainable consumer choice. The factory under Affan focuses on recyclability and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Remaining true to the founding principles of Bridlen, Affan aims to make shoes using elements of bespoke shoemaking, the finest leathers from reputed tanneries across the world offered at a price point that is more accessible to a wider menswear community.
Affan served as a judge at the World Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina Competition 2024 in London.
As he carries forward his family’s tradition, Affan remains dedicated to preserving the art of shoemaking and putting Indian craft on the world stage.
Affan’s Featured Articles:
Further Reading
Bridlen Shoes: Inside India’s First Goodyear Welted Shoe Brand
Affan showed us around Bridlen’s India-based factory where we saw several new shoemaking techniques. Learn more →
