“I am 61-years-old and the CEO of Rozsnyai (pronounce ROASH-gnaw-yee) Shoes. My education is industrial engineer of leather-processing from the Technical College of Budapest in 1975, and a cordwainer. I have a wife of almost 40 years and 2 sons. They all support me and both of the sons help with the family business. I was the fourth child from a total of 5, and several of my siblings were attached to leather industry, so it wasn’t suprising that I became interested in shoes. My father was working as a belt-maker, and my brothers and a sister worked in the leather industry as well, but I saw the opportunity and art of shoes. The start of the hungarian socialism was a little bit suprising, beause in those times not many men were brave enough to become entrepreneurs. I started my first company in 1980 after many years of working for other shoemakers. I received success as my products were nice and comfortable, and I had to work a double shift to satisfy the demand.

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

I made classic shoes from the beginning, but I started the Rozsnyai brand with top-quality materials and finishing about 10 years ago. We still produce the traditional, classic models, complemented with more modern and exotic leather ones. I have always wanted to make timeless shoes that are wearable anytime. I’ve gathered my knowledge first through my family, later in school, and got the highest available degree in the Hungarian shoe industry. Our models are a little bit mixed: besides the traditional, classic, well-known models, we produce many pointed italian styles, modern pairs and special leather shoes. With Rozsnyai, classic meets contemporary. I am a maximalist: the pursuit of perfection motivates me.

In our shop the customer isn’t restricted to the display models, we also make MTM and bespoke shoes. You can come in from the street with a prior shoe or a drawing, with an idea, and we make it reality. Instead of well-known shoemakers, we don’t make shoes in bulk amounts; we have preserved the guild-like company form, so we can pay as much attention to every pair of shoes as they require. Our shoes are not just nice, they are comfortable as well. We also produce orthopedic shoes, all made to measure, so we have a lot of experience making shoes for all kinds of feet. We know what’s good and healthy for them. I always wear our own footwear, my style is a bit sporty with an elegant manner. I’m not a brand-dependant man, but I enjoy quality and comfort. I also like gardening and spend as much time with my grandchildren as I can.

Most people don’t know why truly handmade shoes are special. They think the handcraft makes them more valuable, but it’s just a part of the truth. These kinds of shoes are made from the finest quality materials, so they will be much more durable than any other shoes. The handsewing of the sole guarantees that it will never come off, even if some stitches break. All of the stitches live their own life, contrarily to machine-sewn shoes, where, if a stitch breaks, you can pull out the whole yarn. With leather soles and handsewing, the foot gets more air, so it won’t sweat as much as in rubber soles. The custom innersole made to your feet provides the healthiest walk possible.”

http://www.rozsnyaishoes.com/index.php/en/

Picture: © Rozsnyai