Shoe Glossary | Open vs Closed Channeling: Goodyear Welted Shoes Explained

Look at the bottom of a Goodyear welted shoe and you'll find one of two things: visible stitching, or a sole that looks completely seamless. That difference is open vs closed channeling, and it says a lot about how a shoe was actually built. In this video, we break down what a channel is, the difference between open and closed channel construction, why most brands skip the closed channel entirely, what to realistically expect when the flap starts to wear, and the craft behind 360° Channeling Insole Welted Goodyear construction. Got a pair with a closed channel sole and the flap has started lifting? Drop a comment, we'll help you sort it out. If this helped you understand your shoes a little better, please subscribe for more deep dives into how Goodyear Welted footwear is made. #GoodyearWelted #Shoemaking #MensShoes