• Lifestyle
    • Art & Culture
    • Mountains

Pedü

Hand made by the women in Lanzada, Pedü were by far the most common footwear in Valmalenco until the 1950s.

Pedü is Lanzada town's typical footwear made of a thick fabric sole with velvet ribbed and laced upper sewn onto it.

This characteristic shoe consists of a sole - made of multiple layers of fabric recycled from used clothes placed on top of each other and sewn together with the help of a large triangular needle - a shoe upper - made of two layers of fabric sewn together, velvet on the outside and fabric or corduroy on the inside - and laces inserted with a hole.

They were used everyday both inside and outside the house. Everyone was wearing them and there were different kinds of Pedü: the one used as slippers, for everyday life, or the one for special occasions. The Pedü were generally made in dark colours. However, the ones for the special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms or christenings, were decorated with ribbons and bows and made in brighter or lighter colours.

Today, however, it seems that nobody produce them any longer, if not a small group of elderly and energetic ladies in Lanzada. This handmade shoe is likely to remain just a memory, but there is no reason for this to happen. The municipal administration and the library in Lanzada set out to bring them back to life, in a new form, to restore value to our past.

Their realization will put two generations in touch, able to create together something old and new at the same time.
 

On the same topic

Milan, shopping, fashion & design

Fashion Week and Fuorisalone. Shopping, Fashion & Design. Guide to appointments not to be missed in Milan
  • Lifestyle
Milan, shopping, fashion & design

September 2025 Events in Lombardy

September in Lombardy is all about food and wine, feasts and folklore: summer meets autumn in this most convivial month
  • Lifestyle
September 2025 Events in Lombardy

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale
  • Lifestyle
Varese in un weekend

Travelling with books

Projects for bookworms
  • Lifestyle
Viaggiare con i libri

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces
  • Lifestyle
Monza in a weekend

The Milan of the balconies

The railing houses, a Milan a bit retro but not out of fashion
  • Lifestyle
The Milan of the balconies

Paolo sarpi a little bit of china in milan

Oriental atmospheres, Asian deliciousness in this suggestive corner of China in Milan
  • Lifestyle
Paolo Sarpi: a little bit of China in Milan

Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

Dai vita al commercio
  • Lifestyle
Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

10 good reasons to visit Milan

10 suggestions we are sure you will fall in love with Milan
  • Lifestyle
10 good reasons to visit Milan

Ancient knowledge: the pezzotti of Valtellina

  • Lifestyle
Valtellina craft products

Historic cafes and pastry shops in Milan

  • Lifestyle
Historic cafes and pastry shops in Milan

Porta nuova

Visit the most futuristic area of the city, with its glazed skyscrapers and elevated squares
  • Lifestyle
Porta Nuova

Mantua in a weekend

An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Mantua in 48 hours
  • Lifestyle
Mantua in a weekend

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...
  • Lifestyle
Torre Allianz

10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

  • Lifestyle
10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

Street market in Milan

Sounds, colors and traditions in the streets of the city
  • Lifestyle
Street market in Milan

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in August 2025

VIP Tour at Monza ENI Circuit

Experience all the thrills of the Monza Circuit with a super-exclusive visit..
  • Lifestyle
Tour Vip Autodromo di Monza

Pavia in a weekend

On the trail of the Longobardi or among the cloisters of the University, without forgetting flavors and traditions
  • Lifestyle
Pavia in a weekend