Hello and welcome ! I have been creating bespoke shoes since the 1980's. My love for enduring style, together with a deep respect for the traditions of the process is born out of a response to excess consumption of non renewable resources.
A historical footwear design ethic influences with style, with added quirky twists, giving my work a retro flavor. Each pair is individually handmade in my studio, on Waiheke Island - where you can experience ordering bespoke footwear the 'oldskool' way.
Use of good quality materials, rich in character, skillfully cut and molded to shape - crafting classic, sustainable, unique footwear and leather goods that evolve with the wearer creating a special relationship over that time.
Veg tanned leathers for all footwear linings & soft stitched belts - allow for the naturally tanned leather against the skin to " breathe". Chromed tanned leathers of rich hue and character are soft and malleable and have a better resilience to weather (sun and rain) making for an ideal exterior leather for bags and footwear.

I studied shoe design at Cordwainer's College London (L.S.F) and learnt traditional techniques from master last-makers & pattern cutters in London City. I set up small studio shops in Camden Lock, London in the 90's, Cuba St, Wellington NZ & Cape Town in the 00's and now work from my Shoemaker's Shed in the garden of live in an old 1940's cottage on Mako Street, Oneroa, Waiheke Island.
Its a quick 35 minute ferry ride to the island and 5 minutes to my studio- visitors are most welcome to pop in.
Please do get in contact if you would like to take a tour of the studio where you will find me either crafting foot attire myself or teaching others some of the art of shoe-making with my privately run courses

Thank you for your interest
With best wishes!
Sue
studio@sue-engels.co.nz