SAVOIR-FAIRE
Our craftsmanship is rooted in the people and traditions of Oliveira de Azeméis, near São João da Madeira — the historic capital of Portuguese shoemaking, where generations of artisans have shaped local life for over a century.
Within this vibrant community, António Ferreira and his wife Natércia — the current directors of VISE — carry their expertise into the world of contemporary fashion, remaining true to the founding values of 1979: a relentless pursuit of quality, profound respect for craftsmanship, constant innovation, and a shared commitment to client satisfaction.
Our 4,500 m² facility, fully renovated and expanded in 2023, demonstrates our dedication to efficient, forward-thinking production. We craft a full range of women’s and men’s footwear in-house, with a daily capacity of over 600 pairs.
Each piece, meticulously crafted in-house by our skilled artisans, reflects technical mastery, refined material knowledge, and an aesthetic sensibility aligned with the codes of contemporary design.
Our Talents
At VISE, know-how is inseparable from the hands that pass it on.
Modelling, cutting, sewing, refining… each of these crafts is part of a living tradition. We rely on a team of 90 employees — mostly from the local community — and actively support skills development through training, hands-on learning, and intergenerational mentoring. In close contact with CTCP, Portugal’s leading technology centre, we stay attentive to sector developments, combining artisanal excellence with technological innovation.
Pattern Maker
Both technician and interpreter, the pattern maker brings ideas to life. Working from sketches, they imagine volumes, create patterns, and refine lines. They seek the perfect balance between the designer’s intention, the comfort of the foot, and production constraints. Every prototype begins in their hands—like a three-dimensional sketch.
Cutter
With a sharp eye and steady hand, the cutter works in close contact with the material, making the most of every resource. Nothing is left to chance: they select the finest parts and cut them by hand or using computer-assisted tools. Precision to the millimetre ensures a flawless result.
Stitcher
The stitcher brings the pieces together, reuniting the fragments into a coherent whole. By hand or machine, they guide the thread with great dexterity, paying attention to every seam, junction and tension. Their work—both structural and decorative—must be clean, even, and perfectly controlled.
Assembler
Skilled and versatile, the assembler fits, adjusts and joins the upper, sole and structure with meticulous precision, transforming a flat object into volume. In their expert hands, the material takes shape, finds its form, and achieves perfect balance. An invisible yet essential craft, ensuring support, comfort, and a flawless fit.
Finisher
Final gestures, final glints: the finisher signs off the piece. They examine it from every angle, correct subtle imperfections, apply creams and treatments, brush, polish, and nourish the leather. Their work reveals the grain, the textures, the depth of each material—bringing the piece to full expression, right down to the finest detail.
Quality Manager
Present throughout the production process, the quality manager ensures precision of gesture, rigour of execution, and fidelity to the original design. Nothing escapes their eye: lines, materials, structure, finish. From first cut to final inspection, they follow each piece closely—guardians of craftsmanship at its finest.
Technical Development Manager
The bridge between you and us. From the very first discussion, they coordinate trials, refine prototypes, and anticipate technical challenges. Attuned to your expectations and the finest details, they preserve the essence of each model, from design to full-scale production.
Also known as glued, this is the most common method for sneakers and casual shoes. The lightweight, flexible sole is attached to the upper using an adhesive, usually applied hot.
Inspired by the iconic Air Jordan, from which it takes its name, this cemented construction incorporates stitched reinforcements for enhanced stability. Ideal for premium sneakers designed for urban wear.
This Italian finishing technique, prized for ballerinas and soft leather shoes, joins the lining to the upper like a small bag (‘sacchetto’), with no visible internal seams.
Traditional and artisanal, this technique consists of stitching the upper directly to the insole, without a separate midsole. It is ideal for comfortable, supple, and visually relaxed styles such as moccasins and slippers.
This integral assembly, typical of moccasins and slippers, combines suppleness, comfort, and lightness. The upper wraps under the foot like a tube, without a rigid insole, providing a sensation akin to wearing a sock.
Our Specialties
