I still remember the day of the stratosphere jump. I believe it still is the world record for highest parachute jump.

Astorflex in Italy for good shoes on a budget. If willing to shell serious money, I’m sure Italy has countless cordwainers to cater to that as well.

Then there’s Carmina and Sendra in Spain which I hear are high quality, no personal experience of those.

I understand that Portugal is the shoemaking center if Europe. Lots of brands from around the continent produce there.