Words by Jennifer Jory
Artisan, philosopher and entrepreneur—shoe craftsman Eugo Gombosed unites all of these roles at his European-style atelier in Burlingame. A third-generation shoemaker, Eugo carries on his grandfather’s legacy of creating custom leather shoes and goods. “The Bay Area is a vibrant intersection of art, technology and design,” Eugo points out. “However, the tradition of true handcrafted shoemaking, particularly full bespoke work, is quite rare in this region.”
His passion for his craft also offers a life lesson on making a job meaningful. “I may work with leather,” he says, “but I see my true work as something else: creating pieces that hold emotion, spirit and story.”
In the beginning of his career, Eugo studied law and practiced as an attorney. But his family’s artistic roots, which originated with his grandfather in Mongolia, drew Eugo back to the time-honored tradition. “It isn’t just a skill,” he emphasizes. “It’s something that lives in my blood—a tradition, a way of seeing the world, a set of values.” Heeding his calling, he enrolled in the London College of Fashion where he refined his skills in the bespoke craft. “My journey has been a fusion of many things: law, heritage, European craftsmanship and human-centered design,” he clarifies. “My core mission is to understand the meaning of true craft and to create real value with my own hands.”
While studying in London and creating his own footwear designs, a colleague introduced Eugo to Jimmy Choo, founder of the luxury fashion brand. “He noticed my work,” Eugo says. “He gave me encouraging feedback and the opportunity to work with him. It was incredibly motivating to have my skills recognized by someone of his global stature.” Eugo says that connection inspired him to push his craftsmanship and dedication even further. Eugo went on to work with a number of prestigious shoemakers in Europe, honing his knowledge of foot anatomy, making lasts (a form shaped like a foot) and custom design.
Eugo decided to bring his expertise to California, landing in Burlingame where he opened euGo on Broadway. He believes hand-crafted shoes are more than something to wear—they can be an extension of who you are. Eugo says he sees his clients as co-collaborators whose story, needs and preferences shape the creation. “When this relationship is strong, the shoe becomes more than just footwear. It becomes a shared creation—rich with intention, emotion and value.” At times, his clients have requested he stitch initials, personal logos and symbolic messages in the creations. “Some clients want to embed memories or meaning into their shoes,” Eugo adds. He has subtly stitched in everything from a tribute to a first date to a loved one’s name.
While he is passionate about his profession, Eugo confesses that he doesn’t always enjoy the process of making shoes. There are moments, he says, when his work can be repetitive, exhausting and too focused on survival. “What I truly value is the process of discovering new ideas,” he shares. “Experimenting, testing shapes, materials and sharing that journey with others is when I feel most alive—in the act of creating meaning, not just creating things.” Eugo says he is not looking for an easy path, but a meaningful one. When making something custom, there is a human connection that a machine can’t replicate.
For those who have foot pain, Eugo’s unique ability to create a custom orthopedic shoe sets him apart from many manufacturers. “My goal is not just to make a shoe; I want to understand the underlying cause of the discomfort.” He emphasizes that every step of the process, from pattern-making and material selection to stitching and shaping, is done entirely by hand. Eugo explains that high-end craftsmanship is only part of the technical precision. “What I do involves crafting a completely personalized last based on each client’s foot shape, gait, arch and pressure points,” he says. “This is not just a craft; it’s a practice rooted in precision, care and tradition.”
And he makes more than just shoes. Eugo also creates handcrafted leather goods like wallets, belts and bags. He plans to also launch a ready-to-wear line of boots as well. For the leather craft curious, Eugo hosts private group workshops where participants can roll up their sleeves and work with leather by hand.
While Eugo may be making shoes, he also offers a fresh perspective on looking beyond the technical and mundane side of one’s job. “I am not chasing perfection. I’m walking a path,” Eugo says. “On this path, the most fulfilling moments are when I connect with people through something I’ve made, and together we feel that it means something.”