Our journey began when we spotted the original pair of Charix in a tucked away shop in old city Istanbul. It was a love at first sight for their eye-catching style, and became an everyday favorite for their comfort. From seaside to the city, and the world in between, Charix became our go-to shoe for every quest. Friends would invariably ask: can you bring me a pair next time you visit? Well, we got the message! Now we want to share Charix with the world.
Our Story
What is Charix?
Charix is our intentional twist to the local word "charik", which refers to traditional shoes from Turkey. They are handmade by skilled craftsmen using techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Reimagined.
As avid travelers, we thought that the perfect pair would combine the original shoe's unique aesthetics with better comfort, consistent fit, and lasting quality – without sacrificing any part of either. So we set out to make it.
Our Improvements.
We brought-in modern tools, capable hands, and an abundance of of creativity into our atelier to rebuild the classic version down to every last detail. Improvements include: (1) Memory-Foam Insole, (2) Durable Rubber Outsole, (3) Half Sizes, (4) Consistent Fit, (5) Contoured Heel, (6) Micro-liner Shape Retention, (7) Ergonomic Instep.
Result.
Trial after trial, we found perfect harmony: a new version that preserves the magic of the traditional footwear and feels like you are walking on cloud nine. We are the first and only brand that offers these ancient style of shoes with the specifications of contemporary high-end footwear.
Big Dream.
We want to spread our love of Charix with people around the world. They are perfect with any look and ready for any adventure. Join our journey as we turn them into the next world classic.
For The Curious
Founding.
Charix was founded in 2015 by an Istanbul native living in the States. Coming from a family of apparel manufacturers, our founder spared no lesson of craftsmanship in making the best shoe of this kind. He is joined by like-minded, travel-loving friends, who share the big dream.
Vision.
We believe in minimalism. It highlights the high-quality of our materials. We believe in simple, thoughtful design. It transitions effortlessly through time, place, and occasion. We believe in fewer and better goods that are truly worth creating and owning.
Charix Atelier.
Our shoes are produced at Charix atelier in Istanbul with the love and care of our artisans. Our atelier is equipped with modern tools, experienced hands, and an abundance of creativity.
Craftspeople.
Our craftspeople are perfectionists, testing and editing our products to the last detail. We are like one big family. Everyone is treated fairly, compensated well, and are given health benefits, free meals and transportation.
Materials.
We use premium materials that keep-up with you for the long-haul. We hand-pick the finest natural leathers, which age beautifully over time. Our hidden memory foam insoles keep arches unstrained. We use a durable minimalistic rubber outsole for grip, and water resistance.
The Last.
The last is one of the most important components of shoe making. It gives the shoe its shape, fit, and feel. At the core of every pair of Charix is an original set of lasts developed by our exceptionally talented last-maker. Once you put on a pair of our shoes, you will immediately feel the difference. It fits like a glove.
Price-Point.
We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style and quality for price. Our price point was determined based on the feedback of our early customers, not a margin calculation. Charix offers all the qualities of high-end shoe at a price that is fair, not inflated.
Differentiation.
You can find the traditional version of Charix in souvenir shops in Istanbul or through dealers in the US. They are made with the exact same construction, but priced and marketed differently. Instead of being one of many, we wanted to make Charix better than the rest. Below is how.
Original Shoes
The traditional version is handmade by cobblers using ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. There are various versions; some feature a curled toe, some a flat vamp, and some a woven design... And of course there is the version that inspired us to start our brand. Here is a picture from 2010.
First Prototype
In the summer of 2015, we completed our first of prototype. They were stitched according to the traditional method, unchanged for centuries. We spent rest of that summer wear-testing and preparing for our launch. Then we realized two things: (1) there were other brands selling them at varying price-points, and (2) they all lacked the level of comfort, fit and durability we would expect from our shoes today. So we decided take a different approach.
Final Product
Instead of launching what we now call the 'souvenir' version, we spent the rest of 2015 and all of 2016 in our atelier with experienced shoemakers to rethink the old world shoes for new world people. We pioneered a new sole construction, added memory-foam insoles, created new propriety outsoles, along with over a dozen edits. We did not allow cost to hinder our pursuit of perfection. We extensively field-tested each of our prototypes and improved them with each round. Eventually, it became clear that our customer strongly preferred the consistent fit, better comfort, and higher quality of our modern version over the traditional version. That is when we finally launched our line; one and only, Charix Shoes!