The Traditional Furlane from Venice

The Venetian furlane speaks an international language. They are the product of their unique and cosmopolitan city, a meeting between the East and West, in a rich cultural mix marked by the advanced Venetian civilization that shines from its history, power and taste for the pleasures in life.    

This typical slipper called friulane or furlane (from the neighboring region of Friuli) started out as a modest shoe worn by farmers in the north-eastern part of Friuli which was later adopted by the Venetian gondoliers for their non-slip character thanks to its sole made of tire. Because of its rich history, its practical features and beautiful design, the furlane stands strong and has today, become a cult piece.

Was it perhaps Venice that invented the slipper? In any case, it was the furlane that has given it international fame and made it an essential. The furlane are to Venice what the espadrilles are to Catalonia, an institution and a symbol of the city.  

You can still find them today, in black velvet, on the feet of orchestra conductors at La Fenice and the experienced amateurs frequenting this high place of art. Numerous poets and famous artists have adopted them just like elegant locals for the unique comfort and style of the furlane, this sensation you get from feeling the vibrations of the ground and the water passing through Venice under your feet.

The furlane combine beauty and purity, and the shimmering colors of the precious velvet give them an air of luxury. Though they emerged from poverty and hardship, their design echoes with the prosperity and splendor of the 18^th century Venice.

In the 19^th century, a wave of poverty hit the countryside of Friuli and the wild mountains surrounding. This is the context in which the “scarpez” aka the furlane, were created, “a symbol of a survival economy, of resistance and dignity”. During these poor times, it was the women who started making these shoes from recycled materials but with a lot of care and attention to details. This shoemaking tradition eventually became part of the region, and the practical and sustainable features of the furlane make them incomparable.

After the countrymen of Friuli, the gondoliers were the first devotees and adopted them because of their non-slip character, ideal for this profession as they guaranteed stability and didn’t damage the precious paintworks of the gondolas, symbols of la Serenissima.

After World War I, the poverty was so striking that the furlane experienced a new upswing in a context where nothing was wasted; old bike tires were recycled to make the soles as it was a waterproof and resistant material, jute bags for grains were used for the padding. For the upper, old clothes and textiles were applied. And so, this inexpensive shoe, accessible to everyone, replaced the unaffordable leather shoe.

Once again, the delicacy and originality of the furlane quickly made it a shoe desired beyond Venice.

And so, the country people of Friuli transformed into tireless salesmen roaming the squares and alleys of the Floating City, with large baskets over their shoulders, selling this charming shoe. deTOUJOURS went looking for it at its source, at the foot of the Ponte di Rialto where the municipality of Venice assigned a spot for a Friulian to open his shop, so long ago. Piedàterre, our manufacturer and the number one furlane reference of Venice.

From now on, the furlane, of all colors, will accompany you, every season, year after year, as summer sandals and winter slippers.