Into the mind and sole of Jon Mors

Trainers are not what usually come to your mind when you think of high-end shoes. The fitness fiends, you’d think, would hardly be concerned about anything beyond functional utility, more often than not considered the bastion of the swooshes and the stripes. But if you want something for the genteel and not just mere gents, Jonathan Mors is the man for you, for he handcrafts footwear that fit your feet as well as lifestyle.

“I started Mors two years ago; I was made redundant from a large sports brand I was designing footwear for. I had an idea of making hand-crafted sneakers, as I didn’t see much choice in sneakers that were made from quality materials,” says Jonathan.

Of course, designing shoes that appeal to the eye and give comfort to the feet have to be inspired from somewhere and it’s not uncommon for newer fashion trends to refer back to trends or the classic fashion scenes from yesteryears. So what inspires this shoemaker? “I’ve taken inspiration from many areas, including industrial products and items. I’ve seen people wearing classic shoes, maybe for its detail or for its material or, perhaps, the style… all these aspects add to the richness of the designs. Also, I design sneakers that can easily go with what you’re wearing. It doesn’t look too sporty, but at the same time looks like a sneaker. I like the shoes to have a tactile quality to them; so when you feel the softness of the leather, it feels like a special product. “

The shoes are made out of the finest quality Italian leathers, some from Italian suede or canvas. “I’ve also made shoes in Arctic Elk leather (very soft and strong) and fish leather (salmon skin), which has amazing texture and strength. I like to use interesting materials, now and then, to give some interesting aspects to the shoes. A Mors shoe always has a tactile material, whether it’s the softness of calfskin or the scales of a fish,” Mors explained enthusiastically.

Handcrafted shoes also need adept handling since the slightest extra pressure or a few more drops of glue can very easily spoil the fine finish or that premium feel of the skins. Mors has helping hands who are experts in shoe-making in the world. Most of his shoes are made in small European factories (Portugal and Eastern Europe) and top quality European materials are used because compromising on quality is almost a crime with them.

The speciality of shoemakers is their heritage. Each one first works as an apprentice, closely observed by their fathers. They all learn the art and trade first hand, just like Da Vinci trained under the venerable Andrea del Verrocchio, although not in paint but in leather. “That’s how they instinctively know how to make a shoe look good,” said Mors.

Apart from the art of shoemaking, Jonathan Mors also gave us Economics 101 on supply and demand. “I try to limit the stores. My product is sold only in exclusive boutiques so that my company’s name can be mentioned in the same breath as well-known brands in the future.” Fashion sceptics may ask why they should buy a Mors over a Nike or an Adidas, to which Mors has an answer. “I make a handcrafted artisan product from top quality materials in low numbers. So, no corners are cut. They are crafted from rich leather and are fully leather-lined; they gain character as they wear in. Nike and Adidas make products on a huge scale from the lowest price materials in large factories. It’s a different product altogether. You’ll see millions of others wearing the same Chinese Adidas shoes as you have, but not many others have a product as exclusive as mine. My product is only for those who can appreciate quality.”

For those eyeing a pair of these exclusive footwear, visit www.morsfootwear.com or www.danieljenkins.co.uk.