Special Footwear and Orthotics was established over fifty years ago. Here at Special Footwear, we are proud of the traditions of shoemaking and aim to acknowledge and respect the bonds between the past and what we create here in the present. Shoemaking is comprised of many trades. You have the last maker, the pattern maker, the clicker and the upper cutter. All these pieces are then stitched together to form the upper; the shoemaker does the rest. We always stick to the core principals of sound shoemaking: function, protection and fashion.
Anthony Andrews and his talented team of expert craftsmen will endeavour to fulfil all of your tailor made shoes and custom insoles needs using traditional methods. We would be delighted to show you around our workshop in the West End of London in person.
We make a range of stylish, fashionable designs for bespoke handmade shoes that you will be thrilled with, time and time again.We can create custom orthotics or adapt/raise your favourite shoes for differences in leg length.
If the footwear/orthotics are required urgently we can do this at no extra cost. Please also requests to see our wonderful shoemakers workshop where you will experience our method of making bespoke shoes and stunning orthopaedic footwear.
Step out of pain and into pleasure by giving us a call today. All of our shoes and orthotics are made on site in our basement workshop. Therefore we can give a very fast service.
Our contact details are right here
Tony first started making shoes when he was just 11 years old. His father was a shoemaker so he used to help wherever he could. This is when he discovered his natural skill and love for the art of shoemaking.
In his teens, Tony started making Orthopedic footwear for the NHS, he found this to be frustrating as the NHS budget for specialist footwear was always quite restricted, meaning the spec and finish had to be basic. However, this helped him develop his skills to be able to make shoes for the most complicated of conditions and feet. The shoes made through the NHS were often quite bulky and unsightly as budget didn’t allow for special materials.
Tony then began to make shoes for private customers in his spare time with limited equipment in his bedroom.
Within no time, his shoes were in such high demand that he outgrew his humble bedroom workshop, and in 1968, the company Special Footwear and Orthotics was born. The first shop opened on Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London.
After 10 years, in 1978, Special Footwear and Orthotics outgrew its first shop and moved into its new home in Mussel Hill where Tony and his team would stay for 25 years.
In 2003, Tony noticed that a lot of his clientele were coming from central and West London. These customers wanted a better class of shoe, high quality materials, a range of styles, patterns, colours and more than one pair!
He decided to look at a shop right where it all happens, The West End. Straight away, Tony fell in love with a quirky shop on New Cavendish Street, a stone’s throw away from the famous Harley Street. He bought the shop and Special Footwear and Orthotics made its biggest and final move in late 2003 onto New Cavendish Street, where it is to this day.