Happy Feet Made to Order

Or you may want to wear something “exclusive” on a,comparatively,shoestring budget. Here are some options:

The Neighbourhood Cobbler

Not all cobblers round the corner can stitch up the perfect footwear,but the neighbourhood of Karol Bagh metro station offers several options. Here,half a dozen small shops provide made-to-order shoes for as less as Rs 200. “I got these shoes made eight months ago and they are still perfect,” says Jamal,a regular customer. Kisan Kumar,owner of a shoe shack,adds,“We generally make shoes for men. But if women want a design,I don’t refuse. Some clients have been coming here for as long as 15 years,” he says proudly.

Damage: Rs 200-Rs 500

USP: Easy on the pocket,easy repair

The Modern Shoemaker

This breed of shoemakers keeps up with the trends. They mix and match,improvise and,occasionally,come up with a winner. When you enter Oscar Shoes on Panchkuian Road,you will see suede boots,formal shoes and strappy sandals hanging from the walls. Proprietor Kamal Jajoria says,“We generally improvise on designs from catalogues and magazines. Sometimes we create our own designs.” He himself is wearing a pair of self-created white pointed-toe leather shoes,and it looks as good as branded variety. Almost all shoe-makers have a large number of clients that are specially-abled. Their shoes require precision and minute measurements. “It is our job to make these shoes so that our clients are not only comfortable but also feel good,” says Jajoria.

AVE’s in Mumbai is popular for its customised sneakers and keds with sport funky pictures,all hand-painted. Aastha Verma,of AVE’s,says,“I got noticed when I participated in the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival this year. I take a brief from the client,improvise,and create my own custom design.” Verma sells her customised shoes chiefly through her page,www.facebook.com/aveshoes.

Damage: Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,500

USP: Well-finished products

The Shoe Couturier:

Flip through the pages of a fashion magazine,and you cannot help wondering if you will ever own anything that can match Jimmy Choo,Miu Miu or Salvatore Ferragamo. At John Bros in Connaught Place,owner Jude Yep says confidently,“Yes,you can.” John Bros carefully selects its raw material so that the final creation looks as good as the fashionable brands. “Some men want to look taller,so we make the shoes in such a way that it adds height but doesn’t look like they are wearing heels,” he adds.

At a.k.a. in Mumbai,designers Aeiman Jarwala,Karan Berry and Ateev Anand offer a range,from classic to high-end bridal wear. “We have many discerning clients who believe in customising their accessories to suit their style,and we cater to their needs,” said the designers.

Damage: Rs 3,000 onward

USP: International designs at local prices