emocion

Norman made it big as a lawyer in Argentina, tossed it all away for a passion and to work with his hands.  His workshop on Enrico Granades looks unassuming, maybe even half done.  The wooden shoe mold door handle and the creative window displays say maybe not.  I press my face against the window.  The door is locked.  Oh...a shadow moves...He opens the door and welcomes me in.  It's just him, a workbench and tables of one of a kind shoes and boots.  After finding corporate life way too boring, Norman decided to do what he always wanted to do...he went to cobbler's mecca -- Florence.  There, found the best maestro and learned bit by bit.  Then took his passion, centuries old techniques, and a good eye to Barcelona.  With tools handed down through more than four generations of Spanish cobblers, each time he picks up a tool he has a helping hand.  Every pair of shoes is a complete original (starting at 1,500 Euros!), totally custom designed and fit and never made again for anyone else ever again.  After 90 tools-worth and 200 hours of craftsmanship and passion.  Emocion from a friendly Buddist who wears sneakers on his own feet.