Seattle is full of hidden treasures, and Leolo is one of its finest. This thoughtfully curated boutique offers more than beautifully crafted footwear and leather goods. It’s a celebration of design, sustainability, and personal style. If you’re searching for shoes that are as meaningful as they are stylish, Leolo is a destination you won’t want to miss.
Discovering Seattle’s Footwear Gem
Seattle is known for many things: its iconic skyline, vibrant tech scene, world-class coffee shops, and a deeply rooted creative ambiance. But tucked within the city’s buzzing neighborhoods is something refreshingly different: a thoughtfully crafted, artistically inspired footwear and leather goods destination known as Leolo. If you’ve ever walked into a boutique and instantly felt like you’d stumbled upon something truly special, Leolo delivers that rare experience from the moment you cross the threshold.
For those looking to elevate their personal style or simply find a pair of shoes that feels like they were made just for them, this Seattle standout is worth more than a passing glance.
For those looking to elevate their personal style or simply find a pair of shoes that feels like they were made just for them, this Seattle standout is worth more than a passing glance.
The Vision Behind Leolo
At the heart of Leolo is a passion for beautiful design, high-quality materials, and footwear that tells a story. The shop was founded with a mission to bridge timeless artistry with a modern sensibility. Unlike mass-produced options, Leolo’s shoes are curated and created with intention.
That mission begins with Leolo’s founder, Leanne Corcoran, whose lifelong fascination with design started well before the boutique ever opened its doors. As a child, Leanne spent her free time thrifting for shoes, clothes, and furniture — not to collect but to transform. She often roped her parents into helping her reconstruct these finds into one-of-a-kind pieces. Leanne’s creative instincts led her to earn an MFA in Painting, with her work exhibited in both New York and Chicago. But it was Seattle that called her home and where her vision for Leolo fully came to life. Before launching the boutique, Leanne opened a small design shop in the city. There, her desire to craft handmade shoes — a dream she had carried since childhood — began to feel tangible.
Today, Leolo reflects that journey. The boutique not only showcases thoughtfully selected brands but also offers Leolo Handmade Shoes — fully bespoke designs crafted using centuries-old methods. These custom creations involve over 220 individual steps, taking approximately 40 hours of meticulous work to complete a single pair.
That mission begins with Leolo’s founder, Leanne Corcoran, whose lifelong fascination with design started well before the boutique ever opened its doors. As a child, Leanne spent her free time thrifting for shoes, clothes, and furniture — not to collect but to transform. She often roped her parents into helping her reconstruct these finds into one-of-a-kind pieces. Leanne’s creative instincts led her to earn an MFA in Painting, with her work exhibited in both New York and Chicago. But it was Seattle that called her home and where her vision for Leolo fully came to life. Before launching the boutique, Leanne opened a small design shop in the city. There, her desire to craft handmade shoes — a dream she had carried since childhood — began to feel tangible.
Today, Leolo reflects that journey. The boutique not only showcases thoughtfully selected brands but also offers Leolo Handmade Shoes — fully bespoke designs crafted using centuries-old methods. These custom creations involve over 220 individual steps, taking approximately 40 hours of meticulous work to complete a single pair.
The Custom Process
Each handmade shoe is built with traditional techniques, including altered lasts, hand broguing, and detailed pattern-making. The materials used are equally intentional: Vibram soling for durability, responsibly sourced vegetable-tanned leather, hand-dyed finishes, and steel shanks for support.
It begins with a personal fitting, where the foot is carefully measured and traced. From there, the process of shaping the shoe starts with the last — a wooden foot form. Leanne sands or builds up the last with leather until it precisely matches the unique shape of the client’s foot. A pattern for the shoe’s upper is then created, followed by carefully cutting the leather for both the upper and the soles. Next comes the broguing — small decorative perforations punched into the upper, which add both beauty and breathability. After that, the leather is dyed by hand, creating rich, nuanced tones. Once dyed, the upper is sewn together and readied for assembly.
The sole is then shaped and fitted to the last, where it is left to dry overnight, ensuring proper form and structure. With the components prepared, Leanne uses a traditional “lasting” technique to attach the upper to the sole — a meticulous process that ensures a snug, tailored fit. From there, she adds the welt, shank, sole, and heel, each contributing to the shoe’s durability, balance, and support. Finally, the shoe is polished to a soft, glowing finish — a signature step that transforms craftsmanship into wearable art.
What makes the process even more personal is the involvement of Leanne’s mother, Maurine Corcoran, who continues to assist in the creation of these handcrafted works of art. Their collaboration captures the spirit of the brand: rooted in tradition, elevated by passion, and centered around the human connection behind every piece.
Whether you’re stepping into the boutique or sliding on a custom pair of handmade shoes, you’re experiencing more than design — you’re stepping into a story. Leolo exists at the intersection of individuality and sustainability, offering shoes that are made with care, made to last, and made just for you.
Leolo leans into the philosophy that shoes are an extension of personality. Whether you’re into minimal leather loafers, sculptural heels, or rugged yet polished boots, you’ll walk away with something that feels tailored to your individual sense of style.
It begins with a personal fitting, where the foot is carefully measured and traced. From there, the process of shaping the shoe starts with the last — a wooden foot form. Leanne sands or builds up the last with leather until it precisely matches the unique shape of the client’s foot. A pattern for the shoe’s upper is then created, followed by carefully cutting the leather for both the upper and the soles. Next comes the broguing — small decorative perforations punched into the upper, which add both beauty and breathability. After that, the leather is dyed by hand, creating rich, nuanced tones. Once dyed, the upper is sewn together and readied for assembly.
The sole is then shaped and fitted to the last, where it is left to dry overnight, ensuring proper form and structure. With the components prepared, Leanne uses a traditional “lasting” technique to attach the upper to the sole — a meticulous process that ensures a snug, tailored fit. From there, she adds the welt, shank, sole, and heel, each contributing to the shoe’s durability, balance, and support. Finally, the shoe is polished to a soft, glowing finish — a signature step that transforms craftsmanship into wearable art.
What makes the process even more personal is the involvement of Leanne’s mother, Maurine Corcoran, who continues to assist in the creation of these handcrafted works of art. Their collaboration captures the spirit of the brand: rooted in tradition, elevated by passion, and centered around the human connection behind every piece.
Whether you’re stepping into the boutique or sliding on a custom pair of handmade shoes, you’re experiencing more than design — you’re stepping into a story. Leolo exists at the intersection of individuality and sustainability, offering shoes that are made with care, made to last, and made just for you.
Leolo leans into the philosophy that shoes are an extension of personality. Whether you’re into minimal leather loafers, sculptural heels, or rugged yet polished boots, you’ll walk away with something that feels tailored to your individual sense of style.
Beyond Footwear: Handcrafted Leather Goods
While Leolo is best known for its handmade custom shoes, the boutique also offers a curated collection of leather goods that mirror the same commitment to quality, functionality, and timeless design. From everyday essentials to thoughtful travel companions, each item is crafted with intention and built to age beautifully.
Belts are hand-cut and hand-dyed, finished with solid brass hardware for a timeless look. Wallets are minimal yet functional, crafted from leather that softens with use. The bags, from crossbodies to messengers and weekenders, are built for daily wear with clean lines and practical compartments.
Leather aprons serve creatives and makers with style and utility, while travel accessories — like passport holders, dopp kits, and luggage tags — add ease and elegance to every journey. Each piece is designed to last, offering function and aesthetic integrity.
Belts are hand-cut and hand-dyed, finished with solid brass hardware for a timeless look. Wallets are minimal yet functional, crafted from leather that softens with use. The bags, from crossbodies to messengers and weekenders, are built for daily wear with clean lines and practical compartments.
Leather aprons serve creatives and makers with style and utility, while travel accessories — like passport holders, dopp kits, and luggage tags — add ease and elegance to every journey. Each piece is designed to last, offering function and aesthetic integrity.
Classes And Workshops
At Leolo, the love for artistry goes beyond the product; it’s something meant to be shared, explored, and passed on. That’s why Leolo offers classes and workshops designed for anyone curious about the art of leatherworking.
Whether you're new to working with leather or eager to expand your creative skills, these experiences invite you into a world where your hands bring ideas to life.
Each workshop provides hands-on instruction in a welcoming, inspiring space. You’ll learn the essentials: how to handle leather, understand its qualities, care for it properly, and use traditional tools to cut, stitch, and dye. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll move from foundational techniques to creating beautiful, functional items that reflect your style and imagination.
Class offerings include:
Whether you're new to working with leather or eager to expand your creative skills, these experiences invite you into a world where your hands bring ideas to life.
Each workshop provides hands-on instruction in a welcoming, inspiring space. You’ll learn the essentials: how to handle leather, understand its qualities, care for it properly, and use traditional tools to cut, stitch, and dye. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll move from foundational techniques to creating beautiful, functional items that reflect your style and imagination.
Class offerings include:
- Tote-making
- Custom-dyed belt-making
- Sandal-making
- Shoe-making
- Harness-making
- Bifold wallet-making
- Card wallet-making
A Final Step Worth Taking
Seattle is a city of many stories, and Leolo has become one of its most stylish chapters. So, the next time you’re looking for footwear that goes beyond the expected, take a detour to Leolo. You might just leave with your new favorite pair — and a story worth telling.
If you’re ready to explore everything that life in Seattle has to offer, connect with the expert team at Ensemble today.
If you’re ready to explore everything that life in Seattle has to offer, connect with the expert team at Ensemble today.
