bespoke shoes handmade in Austin, TX
bespoke shoes handmade in Austin, TX
Perfect fit and custom style.
Handmade by Zoe in her Austin Studio.
After choosing the style and taking many measurements, a last is selected and adjusted to fit and flatter the foot. A simple mock-up of the shoe is made and tried on at the first fitting.
The shoe is built from the insole up. The pattern is made and the leather is carefully stitched before being pulled into place. The shoe is tried on at the second fitting, before the sole has been added. If adjustments are to be made an extra fitting might be required.
There are a variety of soling materials to chose from depending on the shoe, including Italian leather and natural rubber. After the sole is added, it is allowed to cure, then polished and ready for pick-up.
Zoe is from Windsor England and studied fashion design in London before moving to the U.S.
After moving to Waco, TX for her husband's career, Zoe did an apprenticeship at Uptmor Saddlery where she learned traditional leather work and boot making from master boot maker Greg Carmack.
Zoe began making shoes in 2007. In addition to being a respected shoemaker, she is a retired pedorthist. She specialized in fine leathers and hard-to-fit feet. Many of her customers suffered from various foot ailments and deformities. She is currently designing Prosthetics and performance footwear in collaboration with NIOP.
Zoe now lives and works in Austin, Texas.
Performance footwear designed for minimal disruption to a healthy gait and for use with coordinating performance prosthetic foot is in development and will be available soon.
Consultation for product development, and individual shoe making classes available by the hour.
Please call or text to book.
You can also find me on FaceBook!
Zoe is not taking bespoke orders at this time, follow on Facebook for updates. Please submit an email for product development consultation.
By appointment only.