MOGADA as “wearable art”: a perfect harmony of tradition and modern beauty

Reducing MOGADA’s shoes to the label “high-end” misses their essence. The brand’s core is captured by the founder’s belief, expressed in interviews: “We craft shoes by traditional handwork while keeping modern aesthetics in mind.” This is a challenge to reconcile British bespoke tradition with designs that suit contemporary lifestyles. The result is “wearable art” that is classic yet never old-fashioned, modern yet never flimsy, balanced on a fine edge. Through the five Cs, Craft stands at the world’s highest tier by objective standards, which in turn guarantees ultimate Comfort and long-term Continuity. This rare value is precisely why MOGADA commands passionate support from shoe lovers worldwide.

A milestone at the 2025 World Championships of Shoemaking

The most objective proof of MOGADA’s quality is the victory at the 2025 World Championships of Shoemaking. Judging is conducted on three rigorous axes: technical difficulty, finishing precision, and design beauty. The dark-brown double monk strap submitted by Louis featured an astonishing 30 stitches per inch, a seamless heel without joins, and an original horseshoe-shaped heel—all of which impressed the judges. This is hard evidence that his Craft sits at the pinnacle not only by subjective taste but on shared global criteria. The win shows that MOGADA’s shoes are not merely expensive indulgences but products with asset-like value backed by world-class technique. After the victory, major outlets such as the BBC covered the story, spreading the name beyond specialists to the general public.

Bespoke DNA: British tradition honed at Gaziano & Girling

MOGADA’s excellence is rooted in Louis’s background. Passionate about handmade footwear since his student days, he joined the top British maker Gaziano & Girling after graduating, training under bespoke craftsman Daniel Wegan. There he learned the essence of the West End tradition—namely, hand-sewn welted construction. As he says, “When I trained in the UK, I fell in love with this traditional way of shoemaking.” In contrast with the lightness often associated with Italian shoes or the allure of French shoes, MOGADA’s hallmark is the British blend of robustness and architectural beauty. Because this technical foundation (Craft) is unshakable, the shoes retain dignity even with modern design elements and deliver long-term Continuity.

Uncompromising hand-sewn welted construction across Bespoke, MTO, and RTW

MOGADA’s true distinction is that its philosophy of handwork extends without compromise even to Ready-to-Wear (RTW). While many high-end shoes on the market adopt machine-stitched Goodyear welted construction, MOGADA makes hand-sewn welted construction the baseline even for RTW. From a Cost perspective, this is inefficient; yet it is the necessary choice to achieve a level of fit and break-in that machines cannot—i.e., ultimate Comfort. Partner workshops in Italy perform the hand lasting and welt stitching, and final finishing is done by Louis himself in MOGADA’s Munich atelier. This stringent quality control proves that MOGADA RTW is not “just” ready-made. For example, the full brogue design that placed sixth at the 2019 World Championships later became the RTW “Corinth” model—its pedigree speaks for quality.

Your one-and-only pair: the concrete process for Bespoke and MTO

To seek the ultimate pair at MOGADA, choose Bespoke or Made-to-Order (MTO). From a practitioner’s perspective, the process is a dialogue with the client. In Bespoke, Louis himself takes measurements and conducts an in-depth interview; based on that, he shapes a last from zero and pursues perfection through at least two fittings with trial shoes. The making requires roughly 200 hours—a collaborative effort between client and maker. MTO builds on existing models and customizes leather, design elements, soles, and more. There is also a Made-to-Measure option that creates a new last tailored to one’s foot, approaching Bespoke-level Comfort. On Instagram, you’ll find examples like MTM loafers for a client in Canada and MTM shoes for a client in Paris, showing how customers worldwide use the program. This is not merely making shoes; it is a practice of creating a personal experience for each individual.

RTW beyond preconceptions: fitting to find the best pair

“I live far away, so Bespoke or MTO is difficult”—that common notion doesn’t apply to MOGADA. Its unique fitting service removes geographic constraints. Clients can have try-on shoes in desired sizes shipped home and conduct a fitting with Louis himself via video call. Beyond determining the best size, he advises how to adjust the last to suit individual quirks of the foot. This strategy secures Continuity in supply and opens the door worldwide. It also dramatically reduces risk when buying expensive shoes online. As noted in interview, “This method works very well and is appreciated by clients all over the world.” Thanks to this service, ordering from Japan is reassuringly feasible.

See the work in person and speak with the maker

The best opportunity to understand and order MOGADA shoes is the trunk shows regularly held across Europe. Louis himself travels to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Geneva, and more to meet clients directly. Practically speaking, a trunk show is not just a sales event: visitors can handle samples, confirm leather textures and build quality with their senses, and test fit on their own feet. Most importantly, they can discuss their ideal shoe images and foot concerns directly with the maker. This is essential in pursuing ultimate Comfort. In autumn 2025, trunk shows are planned in Munich, Geneva, and Paris, with a first London stop as well. In Paris, for example, events are hosted with trusted local partners such as the menswear store “Ardentes Clipei,” giving peace of mind. As shows are by appointment only, each client receives dedicated time. To participate, check the latest updates on the official site and Instagram, and reserve by email (mail@mogada.de).

Is it worth the price? MOGADA’s pricing and ROI

When choosing MOGADA shoes, Cost is an unavoidable factor. Pricing is as follows.

• Ready-to-Wear (RTW): from €1,300
• Made-to-Order (MTO): from €1,500
• Made-to-Measure (MTM): MTO price + €300
• Bespoke: from €5,000

These prices are high even compared with typical luxury footwear. Yet value should be judged not by price alone but through the lens of ROI. Thanks to hand-sewn welted construction, resoling is straightforward, and with appropriate Care the shoes can be worn for decades. Compared with repeatedly replacing inexpensive pairs that wear out in a few years, the long-term view may in fact be more economical. Moreover, the championship win provides an objective endorsement of value. Acquiring MOGADA means stepping away from short-term consumption and allocating your capital to functions optimized for your own feet and to the character that deepens through cycles of care and resoling. In other words, this is a pair to be evaluated not by ease of resale or inheritance but by the use value that accumulates through long-term wear.

On “waiting”: timelines for bespoke and the mindset until delivery

Ordering MOGADA—especially Bespoke—requires a corresponding period of waiting. This process asks for an understanding of slow making, a counterpoint to fast fashion. From first measurements to completion, Bespoke typically takes 6 months to 1 year. That includes lastmaking, trial shoes and fittings, and final production—many hours of handwork. With demand likely rising after the championship, timelines may grow longer. But this “waiting” is more than the passage of time: through dialogue with the maker, it cultivates anticipation and deepens attachment to the pair to come. Choosing MOGADA is not only to buy a finished product but to share in the story of how the shoes come to life (Continuity).

MOGADA’s philosophy and future: tradition carried forward, global outlook

MOGADA’s story has only begun. Louis Lampertsdörfer respects the traditional techniques learned in Britain while actively introducing modern approaches—such as remote fitting—that bring fresh air to the world of bespoke. His philosophy is not to preserve the old for its own sake but to redefine its value today and carry it forward. The highest standard of Craft underpins Comfort and Continuity, with Cost aligned to that value. With a world championship to his name, he is now known to shoe enthusiasts everywhere. Beyond European trunk shows, plans for the U.S. and Asia are in sight—an expansion that may open new horizons as a global bespoke brand. A pair from MOGADA is not just footwear; it is an experience of wearing the maker’s passion and philosophy—and the future of shoemaking itself.

How to experience MOGADA

Acquiring MOGADA is an experience beyond purchasing a product. It means encountering world-class craftsmanship, nurturing a pair that reflects your values, and—perhaps—passing on its story to the next generation. If this article has sparked your interest, take the first step: visit the official website or Instagram and immerse yourself in its world. If possible, attend a trunk show or use the remote fitting service to speak directly with Louis. From there, your personal bespoke story begins.

Workshop Information

MOGADA

Address: Schmaedelstr. 15, Munich, Bavaria, 81245, Germany

Email: mail@mogada.de

Website: https://www.mogada.de

Instagram: @mogadamunich

Facebook: Mogada | Munich