Commissioning an “Impossible” Pair of Shoes from Maftei, Vienna

Raphael journeys to Vienna to commission a pair of shoes from Alexandru Maftei, the master of the “wood-pegged” waist and one of Europe’s most prolific bespoke legends. 51 Minutes of Bespoke Craftsmanship While the conversation in this guide is in German to capture the authentic spirit of the atelier, this video provides the essential English translation and technical breakdown for our global audience. “Yes, at Scheer it was very good, a very good job, very calm… but I wanted to do something else.” Alexandru Maftei, MAFTEI VIENNA Maftei Bespoke Shoemaking: Frequently Asked Questions Who is Alexandru Maftei? Alexandru Maftei is a legendary Viennese master shoemaker known for operating one of the largest and most respected bespoke shoe ateliers in Europe. Originally from Romania, the Maftei family has preserved traditional Austro-Hungarian shoemaking techniques for generations, blending artistic flair with architectural precision. What makes Maftei bespoke shoes unique? The hallmark of a Maftei shoe is the wood-pegged waist. Unlike modern machine-made shoes, Maftei uses tiny wooden pegs to secure the sole at the waist. This allows for an incredibly narrow, elegant “fiddleback” silhouette that is physically impossible to achieve with standard Goodyear welting. How long does the bespoke process take? For a first-time client, the process usually takes 6 to 9 months. This includes the initial measurement, the carving of your custom lasts, a “trial shoe” fitting to ensure perfect comfort, and the final hand-finishing of the leather. Subsequent pairs are typically faster once your personal last is on file in the Vienna atelier. Can I commission Maftei shoes if I don’t live in Vienna? Yes. Alexandru and his son Lucian Maftei frequently conduct “trunk shows” in major cities across Europe and occasionally in the United States. During these events, you can be professionally measured and choose your styles in person without traveling to their main atelier in Vienna. “But it is very rare today that you, your son, your brother, and your nephew are all bespoke shoemakers.” Sven Raphael Schneider, Owner and CEO of Gentleman's Gazette Follow MAFTEI on Instagram More from Our Vienna Series 200 Years Of Bespoke History Inside Rudolf Scheer & Söhne Bel Etage Vienna A Collector’s Paradise for Art Nouveau & Art Deco Kniže & Co A First-Hand Look at Vienna’s Most Storied Tailor Wonderful/toll! Was interesting to hear occasional English terms with the German, and the Bavarian “GruB Gott” mixed with the Austrian “Gruetzi”. (sind Sie Bayerner?) Vielleicht werde ich eines tages so etwas kaufen koennen…