Friulane shoes — also called scarpez, papusse or furlane — originated in the mountains of the Italian region of Friuli where Contadina and peasant women, who were always busy making their own clothes and accessories with what they had on hand, would piece together leftover strips of fabric to create comfortable slippers.
In time, these women brought their creations to Venice where they became beloved by gondoliers for their comfort and stability while standing on the wood of their gondolas. Venice even dedicated one of its streets to Friuli people and The Venetian Gondolier Shoes brought fame to the Friuli region and that's how they got its additional name.
The shoes have become a symbol of the craftsmanship that goes into each one, with visible seams and stitches that connect the upper and sole.
Care and maintenance
Care and maintenance are essential if you want to ensure your velvet friulane shoes last for years.
Traditional velvet Friulane shoes are easy to clean but the delicate materials and craftsmanship that go into making friulane shoes have a way of developing a unique character, and it's important to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
Care and Maintenance of Velvet Friulane Shoes
To clean your Friulane shoes you can use a soft-bristled brush and a dab of water with Marseille soap. You can also use a white shoe bag and wash them in the washing machine in delicate cycles and cold water temperatures. Do not tumble dry but hang them in a dry place or open drafty airway and not in direct sunlight.
Cleaning
The delicate materials and craftsmanship that go into making friulane shoes have a way of developing a unique character, and it's important to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. Regular cleaning and care can help them look and smell fresh.
The first step is to wipe them down thoroughly with a cloth dipped in a solution of liquid laundry detergent and warm water, working the soap into the fabric in gentle circular motions. Rinse the cloth as often as necessary to remove any soapy residue.
Once the exterior has been cleaned, take care to scrub any insoles that may need it as well. You can use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub off any stains or dirt that have been trapped in the insole.
Baking soda can also be sprinkled into the interior of your used shoes to soak up odors and disinfect the space. Alternatively, you can stick dryer sheets inside the insoles for a few days to eliminate any remaining odors.
Stains
If stains occur, try mixing a solution of baking soda and white vinegar with water and scrubbing them gently. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove large clumps of dirt, then rinse with clean water. If stains persist, consider using a bleach pen and wait until the stain is completely dry before trying to wash it off with detergent.
A good shoe is a work of art, and that's just as true for these shoes. In fact, the best ones will have been carefully designed to facilitate a dynamic stride and provide maximum comfort for the wearer.
In the world of handcrafted footwear, Friulane shoes (also called Furlanes or Gondolier shoes) are a trend that's quickly making a name for itself. They are the perfect hybrid of slipper and ballerina, proving that fashion and function can go together like butter and coffee. They look great with jeans and chinos, as well as evening dresses and tweedy wool suits. And they also make an excellent alternative to high-heeled fashion boots and booties.
About Mar Soreli: Some say that Venice holds the key to the romantic language of Italy, we say it must be the shoes the Gondoliers are wearing - Friulanas. With their non-slip bicycle tire rubber soles and a variety of primary colors being offered by the local artisans of Friuli, you can't go wrong in having comfortable stylish Italian shoes indoors or outdoors. Feel the difference, and shop at Mar Soreli for your Friulanas to complement your wardrobe.
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