| Aspect | Mass-Produced Shoes | Handmade Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Visual consistency at scale | Long-term wear and natural aging |
| Leather Treatment | Heavy surface correction, synthetic coatings | Natural grain, minimal correction |
| Aging Behavior | Delayed, then abrupt deterioration | Gradual, organic evolution |
| Creasing | Sharp, high-contrast cracking | Soft, natural creasing |
| Color Change | Uneven fading or peeling | Subtle, layered patina |
| Construction | Cemented or rigid factory build | Stitched construction (e.g. Goodyear welt) |
| Flexibility Over Time | Decreases as materials fatigue | Improves as leather adapts |
| Comfort Lifecycle | Immediate softness, fast decline | Structured at first, improves with wear |
| Repairability | Limited or impractical | Designed to be resoled and maintained |
| Longevity | Short to medium term | Long-term, multi-year use |
| Value Over Time | Declines quickly after purchase | Increases through use and care |
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