Note: This article is no longer valid because Sara Macintosh is no longer making shoes. But you’ll find lots of good handmade shoes at the Shopping Portal
The idea of presenting collections of handmade shoes has been percolating on my mental back burner for-practically-ever. I don’t know why I put it off so long, but I do know why I’ve wanted to do it. I go way back with shoes and, for most of that time, the relationship has been rocky. That’s because most commercially made shoes are designed for some imaginary person who has perfectly matched feet that fall into the range of standard sizes. I am not that person, and I suspect I’m not alone. Otherwise Dr. Scholl’s wouldn’t be selling poor-shoe-fit-fixers in every drugstore.
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| Custom Women’s Sandal | Custom Women’s Mary Jane | Custom Women’s Boot |
| But there are shoemakers in the handmade world who are dedicated to putting you into a pair of shoes that fit both feet perfectly, look great, and will last as long as you want to keep wearing them. Like Sara MacIntosh, the cobbler at Sara’s Shoes in Chicago. Sara has been making shoes for 38 years and has a well-honed system for showing you how to measure your feet so she gets the information she needs. When you select your custom shoes, Sara will send you a kit with the tools you need for measurement. She even includes an instructional DVD. You measure both feet so you get a perfect fit on each. You also let Sara know whether you prefer a fit that is snug or loose or in between. And whether you wear thin, medium, or thick socks. You even choose whether the toe is tapered, rounded, or square. You also pick the materials used in your shoes, including leather type and color, and the color of the sole. And, if you have special needs, like bunions, or you use orthotics, or you need extra calf room in your boots, you will get exactly the fit you need. | ||
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| Custom Men’s Walking Shoe | Custom Men’s Walking Shoe | Custom Men’s Desert Boot |
| Sara has a wide selection of styles and colors to choose from. I’ve made some picks that I like. Just click images for details. Or pick one of these categories so you can see them all: Custom fitted women’s shoes, women’s boots, men’s shoes, and men’s boots.P.S. If you’re in the Chicago area, you can make an appointment with Sara and she’ll measure you herself. And, if you have an itch to learn the shoemaking craft, check out Sara’s school, the Chicago School of Shoemaking.
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