How it's made.
Designed in The Netherlands.
A shoe starts at our studio as a shape. We work on it the way a race team works on its car, down to the details even the eye can't see. It has to look right and feel good. One without the other is not finished.
Our own soles.
Most of our sneakers stand on one of three soles from our own moulds: Court, City and Rugged. The rubber blend is one we specified ourselves, with enough give to walk on all day and firm enough to hold its shape.
How it's put together.
ETQ sneakers have a Strobel construction: the upper is stitched to a flexible base before it meets the sole, so the shoe bends where your foot bends. The sole is then bonded on and pressed firmly into place. Inside sits a removable memory foam insole that softens to your foot, and most styles add a leather footbed. Wear them with socks, even no-shows. A leather lining lasts longer that way.
Not every hide makes it.
Our nappa, suede and nubuck come from tanneries in Portugal, Italy and Spain certified by the Leather Working Group, most of them rated Gold. Before a single cut, each hide is checked on finish, colour, surface and thickness. Leather that falls short goes back to the tannery.
25 people, at least.
Our sneakers are made in family-owned ateliers in northern Portugal. Follow one pair, stage by stage.
