CELLULAR CONSTRUCTION

This construction is unique to Rivers. This method begins by pulling the leather tightly over the last with the laces done up tightly. The leather is then steamed and placed into the mould. Polyurethane is then injected directly onto the bottom of the shoe, and then left to cool and harden. Once it has expanded to the required amount the shoe is then trimmed by hand with a soldering iron. The advantage of Cellular Construction is that the sole itself is very flexible, and extremely comfortable. The sole is durable and wraps 7/8 mm up the side of the shoe resulting in no edge on which to catch the shoe, and therefore putting no strain on the sole. Also with the polyurethane being moulded directly onto the upper, there is a reduced chance of the sole coming away.

MOCCASIN CONSTRUCTION

With Moccasin Construction, the foot is surrounded by the upper leather, which is directly stitched to the sole. The perfect shoe to wear without socks. This method of construction has the following benefits:

High oil content leathers 
This direct stitching method allows us to use leathers that have a much higher oil content than can be used normally. The oil keeps the leather 'nourished' and supple, and is much softer and more comfortable to wear.

Wax, rot proof thread
Water won't weaken the stitching.

Upper fully Blake-Stitched on to Sole
(or mid-sole depending on style)
Much more secure bond to the sole

CEMENT CONSTRUCTION

Under this method the upper is stretched over the last and attached to the inner sole. The leather is then 'roughed up' to allow the adhesive to grip, and cement bonded to the sole using the best quality polyurethane cement. Only leathers with a maximum of 12% oil/fat content can be used under this construction method.

STITCHDOWN CONSTRUCTION

Here the upper is stretched over the last, folded or flanged out and glued to the midsole. They are then stitched with a "lockstitch" machine and cement bonded to the soles using a neoprene adhesive. A lockstitch has a top and bottom stitch which is interstitched. This stitching will not unravel even if a stitch is removed. Stitchdown construction shoes can use leathers of a higher oil, fat content than cement construction and therefore have a more supple feel. When 12 cord rot-proof stitching thread is used, the shoes will not rot like cheaper imitations. Meanwhile, Rivers shoes are stitched using the lock-stitch method for greater security. (Won't unravel)

OTHER CONSTRUCTION METHODS

The following is a list of other construction methods that are not currently used by Rivers. 

Hand Lasted Construction
This is generally used by Rivers in conjunction with cement construction when making some of our sandals. Luckily, we still have some skilled, older shoey's working in Ballarat who know how to hand last shoes. This is virtually the same construction as cement, but the lasting is done by hand, not by machine, to ensure a proper fit.

Side-Stitch
This method is the same as cement construction but the sole wraps around the side of the shoe. Once the sole has been bonded to the midsole, then it is stitched with lockstitch around the outer casing to give added security.

Welt Construction
This method of construction is almost redundant and little used by Rivers. It is a very labour intensive and complicated method of manufacture. It is a combination of both cement and stitchdown construction and is generally saved for high priced dress shoes.

Vulcanised Construction
In this method, sheets of rubber are laid in a press, and are 'cooked' onto the bottom of the shoe. This is allowed to cool, rubber foxing is then 'cooked' around the soles of the shoes. Most canvas shoes use this method. Foxing is the rubber-like substance that seals the sole and the upper together.

THE GLOVE SOFT STORY

"The average pair of feet takes about 10,000 steps per day. A person in an average job will walk around 2.4 kilometres a day." The faster the body moves, the more weight each foot carries. Which is why Rivers introduced a range of men's shoes that specially care for hard-working feet. It is called the Rivers Glove Soft Range. It's your guarantee of comfort because every shoe in the range has been road tested against rubbing, jarring and shock.

Rivers has selected shoes with features like soft supple leather uppers designed to breath well, flexible soles built for comfort, extra cushioning to reduce jarring and soft padded linings.