Florence turns sneakers into a story. At MyMancini, you design custom shoes in an Italian atelier setting, with real artisans and a hands-on feel.

You’re not just picking colors and calling it done. You’re shaping a pair that’s meant to fit your foot and match your personality, right in the middle of the city.

Two things I really like: the Willy configurator lets you plan your design details before you commit, and you get hotel delivery, so your new shoes don’t become a carry-on problem.

One thing to consider: the price can change as your choices get more specific, because upgrades in the showroom and extra production options can add cost.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Willy configurator preview: you pick model, materials, and colors, then see what you’re making before it’s finalized.
• Live handcrafting: you watch artisans build each element with traditional tools and techniques.
• Your measurements matter: your foot is measured so the sneaker is tailored toward a comfortable, custom fit.
• Design help from graphic designers and your sneaker maker: you work through details with multiple roles at the table.
• All-in-feeling experience: snacks, coffee/tea, bottled water, plus a wine and typical Italian product tasting.
• Possible showroom add-ons: the experience includes an Advanced Edition, but extra upgrades can cost extra.

Florence’s secret ingredient: an atelier you can see

This isn’t the usual “shop, order, and hope.” In Florence, you’re sitting in a 250 m2 showroom on Via Calzaiuoli while people work like they mean it. The setting matters because you get to understand the craft, not just buy the result.

MyMancini frames the experience around making emotions that tell your story. In plain terms, it’s fashion with a process, and the process is the fun part.

You’ll be working in a private setting with your group only, and the experience is offered in English. If you like seeing how something is made, this is the kind of activity that feels more like a workshop than a showroom stop.

Where to start: the My Mancini meeting point and the flow of time

You start at My Mancini – FirenzeVia dei Calzaiuoli, 41, 50123 Firenze (FI), Italy. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not sent wandering across town with a sketch and a prayer.

Expect about 4 hours. That timing is important: it’s long enough to measure your foot, design your pair, and watch the creation process, but not so long that you lose your whole afternoon to one stop.

If you’re using public transport, you’ll find the area convenient. And if you’re the kind of traveler who hates logistics headaches, you’ll appreciate that your finished sneakers are delivered to your hotel (when included in your booking).

Designing your pair with the Willy configurator

The core of the experience is the design stage, guided by your team in the showroom. First you’ll explore combinations through the Willy configurator, where you can mix models, materials, and colors.

This is where you’ll feel the difference between “custom” as a buzzword and “custom” as a real process. You define details with help, rather than just pointing at options and crossing your fingers.

Then the team adds a layer of visualization. A graphic designer and your dedicated sneaker maker work together with you so you can preview your sneaker and define every detail. If you’re picky about tiny things—stitching look, panel choices, color harmony—this is the stage where you actually get to steer.

One detail I like from this kind of setup: you’re not forced to make every decision instantly. You can iterate, adjust, and see how choices change the look as the design becomes real.

Turning sketches into handcraft: watching the build happen

After you lock in your design direction, you get to witness live creation. The atelier portion is built around a simple idea: each element takes shape with traditional tools and craft techniques.

You’ll see the process as your materials become parts, and parts become a sneaker. Even if you don’t know leatherworking from a distance, it’s satisfying because you can see cause and effect. Pick a detail in the design stage, and then watch it show up in physical form.

The experience emphasizes that the sneakers are made entirely by hand, with the quality that comes with Made in Italy craftsmanship. That’s not just marketing language here—it’s the reason the experience is built as a workshop.

If you’re the type who wants to understand what you’re buying, this is the moment that makes the price feel more logical.

What the Advanced Edition includes (and what it doesn’t)

Your booking includes the Sneakers Advanced Edition, plus the basics that keep the day comfortable. That means you get snacks, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and a personal designer guiding the process.

You also get help actively participating in the process of creating your customized sneakers, guided by the craftsmen. And to keep it from being a souvenir that becomes clutter, your sneakers are delivered to your hotel.

One more pleasant layer: you’ll have a tasting with wine and typical Italian products. In an experience like this, those breaks matter. They slow the day down just enough so you can focus on the decisions and enjoy the setting, instead of feeling rushed.

What’s not included is also clearly part of the structure: Advanced Edition upgrades are available in showrooms and come with an extra fee. So if you’re thinking about going all-in with special materials, extra finishes, or more complex design elements, you should expect additional costs beyond the base package.

A practical note on fit: the value of measuring your foot

There’s a reason this experience leans into measuring. The process includes tailoring based on your foot measurements, including details like length and width.

That’s the difference between a pretty sneaker and a wearable sneaker. If you’ve ever bought something online that looked right but felt wrong, you’ll understand why this stage is valuable.

And because you’re in the shop while your design is being shaped, you can ask questions about comfort choices while it still matters. You’re not dealing with a return policy months later. You’re working in real time.

I’d treat this like a “get it right today” activity. If your shoes typically run narrow or wide, plan to mention it. If you have any comfort habits—thicker socks, certain insoles—this is the time to think about how your feet actually feel.

The wine-and-snacks pause: why it’s more than food

Yes, you get snacks, coffee/tea, and bottled water. But the bigger point is that the tasting with wine and typical Italian products sits inside a design afternoon, not at the end like an afterthought.

That kind of pacing helps you stay present. You’ll be making lots of micro-decisions about your pair, and small rests make it easier to focus instead of speed-choosing. It also makes the experience feel more Italian in the everyday sense: long conversations, good food, and taking time with craft.

If you care about atmosphere, this is one of the reasons the day won’t feel like a transaction.

Price reality check: why the final number can shift

Here’s the main thing to understand before you go: the experience price structure is tied to choices you make during design.

The information you get in advance says 850€ includes the Advanced Edition, and that you can add extra upgrades in the showroom for a fee. Separately, the starting point mentioned publicly for a base shoe model is lower than the final customized sneaker price.

So what does that mean for you?

1) Your final price is dependent on how complex your customization becomes.

2) You’ll likely have moments during the design where you’re seeing options that go beyond the included package.

3) If you want certainty early, ask for an itemized estimate before you start adding upgrades.

Also pay attention to tax details. One concern raised in the past involved VAT and tax-free expectations for customized goods, and the provider clarified that customized footwear is treated as made-to-measure/non-standard and may not qualify for Tax Free procedures under applicable rules. The practical takeaway: if VAT refund matters to you, ask what applies to your exact order before paying the balance.

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about making the day predictable.

Who this is best for (and who might bounce)

This experience is a great fit for:

• Sneaker and fashion lovers who want the story behind what they wear
• Travelers who like craft-focused activities more than big-ticket sightseeing
• People who care about fit, not just aesthetics
• Anyone who would rather design in-person than rely on online customization

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a quick “drop in and leave” shopping stop
• You hate price uncertainty in the middle of a process
• You’re not interested in sitting through a detailed design workflow

If you’re traveling with a tight schedule, this is still doable because it’s about 4 hours, but it’s not a “before dinner” last-minute errand. Plan it like a meaningful afternoon.

Practical tips to get the best result

A few habits will help you make smarter choices during the design stage:

• Bring your usual socks (or at least think about how your sneakers will be worn). If you prefer thicker socks, that can affect comfort feel.
• Know your fit preferences: narrow/wide, arch support needs, and any comfort quirks.
• Ask about add-ons early if you want a ceiling. Don’t wait until the end of the design stage to get clarity on what upgrades will cost.
• Think about daily use: a sneaker might be gorgeous, but you’ll enjoy it more if it matches your travel wardrobe and how you actually walk.

Also, since your sneakers are delivered to your hotel, you’ll want to confirm your hotel address details at booking so it lands smoothly.

Should you book MyMancini in Florence?

I think you should book if you want more than new shoes. This is one of the few Florence experiences where you can control the design, watch real craftsmanship, and walk away knowing your sneakers were shaped for you.

You’re paying for the time, the human attention, and the handcraft process. If you approach it with curiosity—and with a plan for how customization upgrades might affect your final cost—you’ll likely feel like the value makes sense.

If you’re unsure about spending on customization or you need hard price certainty before you even sit down, I’d treat it like this: ask for a clear estimate before you add upgrades, and make sure you’re comfortable with how the final figure is confirmed once the design details are set.

FAQ

How long is the MyMancini sneaker-making experience in Florence?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, you’ll have a mobile ticket.

Is hotel delivery included?

Yes. Delivery to your hotel is included.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included items are the Sneakers Advanced Edition, snacks, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, a personal designer, participation in creating your customized sneakers with the craftsmen, and a wine and typical Italian products tasting.

Are upgrades available during the experience?

Yes. Advanced Edition upgrades are available in showrooms, and extra customizations have an additional cost.

Is this tour private, and are service animals allowed?

Yes, it’s a private tour/activity (only your group participates). Service animals are allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.