Authentic Friulian Venetian slippers , also known as furlane or Venetian slippers, represent a jewel of Italian artisanal footwear , fusing centuries-old tradition with timeless comfort. Originating in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, these slippers emerged from the context of rural ingenuity and have evolved into an icon of understated elegance. At Cayumas, this heritage is preserved through glueless hand-stitching , elevating Friuli hand-sewn shoes to a contemporary level of sustainability and accessible luxury.
Although some sources mention roots in the 18th century, the historical consensus places the birth of authentic Venetian Friulian sandals in the late 19th century in Friuli, an agricultural region marked by post-war poverty. Friulian women, facing material shortages after World War II, repurposed jute sacks for the lining, recycled bicycle tires for the non-slip soles, and leftover fabrics or inexpensive velvet for the exterior. This pioneering approach to the circular economy transformed waste into versatile footwear: ideal for daily work in the fields, but also for Sundays and weddings as a luxurious alternative to clunky clogs.
The mastery lay in the hand-sewing without glue , a technique that ensured durability without compromising flexibility. Each family or village developed unique variations: subtle embroidery, distinctive stitching, or stylized toes, making each pair a personal item. The peasants called them "scarpèt" or "stafets," emphasizing their humble yet essential role. This craft, passed down through generations, preserved not only a trade but also a cultural identity in Friuli, where handcrafted Italian footwear symbolized resilience.
At that time, authentic Venetian Friulian sandals were unisex, although they were more commonly worn by women for parties. Their innovative, non-slip rubber sole allowed for walking on uneven terrain without slipping, a feature that distinguished them from traditional espadrilles. Today, this heritage inspires brands that prioritize authenticity over mass production.
The move to Venice marked a transformation of the authentic Venetian Friulian sandals . After the First World War, Friulian workers migrated to the city of canals as water carriers or day laborers, carrying their sandals in wicker baskets. Around 1918, gondoliers adopted them en masse: the soft sole didn't scratch the fine wooden gondolas, and their lightness made it easy to row for hours without fatigue.
Soon, Friuli's hand-stitched shoes rose in social standing. Venetian artists, poets, and nobles were captivated by their comfort and vibrant velvet colors. At La Fenice Theatre, orchestra conductors wore them in understated black. The Venice City Council granted permanent stalls to Friulian vendors, solidifying their reputation. From peasant footwear to a Venetian symbol, Friulian shoes transcended borders, with materials evolving from jute to velvets from Lake Como and refined silks.
This cultural migration explains their dual name: Friulian by origin, Venetian by adoption. In the 1950s, Italian firms like Drogheria Crivellini marketed them, but their modern rise came with influencers who positioned them as "quiet luxury."
Cayumas honors this tradition by crafting its authentic Venetian Friulian sandals in a single workshop in northern Italy, where a Master Craftsman sews each pair by hand, without needle and thread or chemical glue. Founded in 2020 by Ana Cerrato and Borja de Madariaga, the brand selects premium fabrics such as linen, recycled cotton, and sustainable velvet, while maintaining the original recycled rubber sole. This glue-free, hand-stitching ensures they will last for years, aligning with the slow fashion movement.
At Cayumas, the evolution includes fragrances customized by French perfumers and limited production to minimize environmental impact. Models like Pagliacci Rosso capture the Friulian rounded toe with contemporary touches. This commitment to Italian artisanal footwear appeals to those seeking authenticity over mass-produced imitations.
Discover our A collection of men's Venetian footwear , with versatile options for him that blend tradition and everyday style. For her, explore the Collection of women's Venetian footwear , full of colors and handcrafted designs.
Authentic Friulian Venetian shoes embody timeless values: ergonomic comfort thanks to their anatomical shape, breathability for warm climates, and versatility for both casual and elegant outfits. In a world of fast fashion, their hand-stitched Friuli shoes stand out for their durability and low environmental impact.
Fashion experts choose them for their " silent luxury ": perfect with jeans, boho dresses, or tailored suits. In Spain, with Cayumas' expansion to Madrid, we're seeing a renewed interest in local craftsmanship. Their return to the catwalks confirms it: what began in Friulian fields is now gracing red carpets.
Cayumas' glueless, hand-stitched construction offers superior flexibility, avoiding industrial rigidity. Recycled cotton insoles absorb moisture, while non-slip soles maintain the gondola essence. Compared to modern slippers:
|
Aspect |
Friulian Cayumas |
Industrial Slippers |
|
Sole union |
100% hand-sewn |
Chemical glue |
|
Materials |
Recycled and premium |
Massive synthetics |
|
Sustainability |
Circular economy |
High impact |
Pair authentic Friulian Venetian sandals with flowing trousers for summer or thin socks in winter. Men opt for navy with chinos; women, vibrant red with midi skirts. Their lightness—less than 200g per shoe—makes them ideal for travel.
At Cayumas, every purchase supports Italian artisans. Visit our collections linked above and join the Friulian tradition.
