Shoe production can be carried out in three ways: Manual, machine or mechanised. Until 1912, Van Bommel made its shoes manually. This was done by block workers and lap workers. A block worker placed the shoe on a rotating cobbler's block made of cast iron in front of him, leaving both hands free to work on the shoe. However, such a block was quite an investment for an independent shoemaker, that is why a lot of work was also done on the lap. For this, a shoemaker sat on a stool and, to have both hands free, fixed the shoe with a strap or wooden clamp in his lap.

From 1911, Van Bommel switched to machine production. A major difference compared to manual shoemaking was that the shoe was no longer made by a single shoemaker. The shoe follows a production line and was assembled by several specialised employees using machines. Each machine is operated by hand. The craftsmanship of the employees still determines the quality of the shoe.

(Image below: Lap workers at work in Waalwijk, around 1909.)

In a mechanised process, everything is fully automated and there are virtually no humans involved in the manufacturing process. Van Bommel does not make use this production method.

(Image above: A lap worker in the 18th century. The shoe is pressed firmly against the thigh with a strap that runs under the foot. This way, both hands are free to work on the shoe.)