I love a good success story—especially when it’s about someone who, despite all odds, chases their dream with relentless passion. That’s exactly what Emi Liao, a bespoke shoemaker from Taiwan, has done. Her journey is one of perseverance, skill, and self-belief — and I’m proud to introduce her to you today as a rising name in the industry. If you’ve never heard of Emi Liao Bespoke Shoemaker, you soon will.
A few months back, I wrote a reflective post explaining that while heritage means something in shoemaking, the real mark of quality is passion. And passion doesn’t come in a specific color, shape, or origin — it’s simply the willingness to go all in. That post touched Emi, and she emailed me in response. Her words struck a chord, and I felt compelled to share them — and her story — here.
Emi Liao Bespoke Shoemaker: Thoughts on Craft, Identity & Value
As someone who once worked at both George Cleverley and John Lobb 1849, I can’t deny the value of European heritage brands. If you’ve ever stepped foot in one of those ateliers and seen the aged display shoes — still captivating, still proud — you understand why they command the respect and prices they do. Their history, design language, and detail are irreplaceable.
But that doesn’t mean newer brands or makers don’t deserve the same recognition or pricing.
Many emerging shoemakers today produce incredible quality and craftsmanship, yet are often seen as “imitating” European styles. As a result, their work is undervalued. You’ll hear them referred to as “affordable alternatives.” But calling something an “alternative” suggests it doesn’t deserve the same respect. The real issue isn’t price — it’s perception. It’s the lack of identity and recognition.
I’ve always respected Japanese shoemaking culture. Their success comes not just from dedication to the craft, but from developing a unique sense of style and voice.
Take Mr. Yohei Fukuda, for example. Though his work is clearly influenced by GC, his shoes are unmistakably his own. That ability — to honor tradition while developing your own aesthetic — is what sets makers apart.
My mentor, Mr. Masachika Morita, once told me:
“There will always be people more skilled than you in terms of technique. But style—that cannot be imitated. When everyone’s craftsmanship reaches the top level, what remains is the expression of personal style.”
Another challenge we face as emerging makers is geographic bias. People often expect our pricing to reflect our country’s labor costs and GDP. Even if our products reach international standards, we’re still asked: “Why is this priced like a European brand?”
This subtle “price discrimination” makes it even harder for non-European makers to be taken seriously on the world stage.
But our real fight isn’t just about pricing. It’s about changing mindsets, building trust, and creating a personal style that resonates. All we can do is continue to create with honesty and focus—offering work that reflects both craftsmanship and soul.
Only by doing that can we build something truly our own.
Thank you again for your thought-provoking post. It sparked reflection in me, and I’m sure many others in our craft felt the same.
Emi’s Journey in Her Own Words
I’m originally from Taiwan. After graduating from university, I moved to Florence to study shoemaking at Accademia Riaci. My first teacher was Angelo Imperatrice, and later I had the great fortune to train with my mentor, Masachika Morita. I returned to Taiwan in mid-2018 and began refining my skills while working as a pattern engineer for a Nike manufacturing partner.
After four years in the industry, my heart was still drawn to traditional shoemaking. So I moved to the UK, where I worked as a bottom maker at George Cleverley, and later, John Lobb.
Now, I’m starting a new chapter in Qingdao, China, launching a bespoke shoemaking line called Aria Badia, under the Badia brand. I’m building it alongside my friend Dao, who you might recognize as the third-place winner in last year’s World Shoemaking Championship. We met years ago while training in Florence.
A Rising Talent to Watch
I met Emi Liao at the 2024 London Super Trunk Show, where she placed 18th in the World Championship in Shoemaking. The year before, she ranked 23rd. And in 2025 — after relentless focus and passion — she cracked the Top Ten, placing 4th overall!
That kind of perseverance is powerful. She kept showing up, kept learning, kept improving. That self-belief and drive is something I admire, not just in shoemakers, but in anyone who dares to chase a dream.
Emi is a shining example of the future of bespoke shoemaking: skilled, thoughtful, and unafraid to forge her own path. I look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.
Learn more about Emi Liao Bespoke Shoemaker: https://www.instagram.com/emi.and_
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
Shop · Marketplace · J.FitzPatrick Footwear · Patreon
