2010 Mar 20 Take 5: Beijing's Best Shoemakers
Most of us grew up thinking of cobblers as just funny figures from folk tales. Here in China, though, having footwear made to order is a feasible and affordable option. If you've ever longed to own a pair of shoes that fit you perfectly, consider the following shoemakers.
Tong Sheng He 同升和
One of Wangfujing Avenue’s oldest stores, Tong Sheng He custom-cobbles shoes for men only. The shoemaking process involves more than 100 steps – all performed by hand. Once a customer places his first order, the wooden model of his foot will be archived as a reference for future orders. Home measurement is also available. Custom shoes start around RMB 2,800/pair.
6-1 Tianshuijing Hutong, Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District (6522 0433)
东城区王府井大街大甜水井胡同6-1号
Adidas 阿迪达斯
Here’s your chance to design your own football, running, tennis or basketball sneakers. On-site experts employ a computerized system to find the best fit for each customer; then you discuss your dream shoe’s desired functions, style and color – and any personalized details you’d like to incorporate (e.g. your name or team number). In three weeks, your one-of-a-kind design will be delivered to your home. Around RMB 1,200/pair.
Bldg 11, South Area, Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6416 1342)
朝阳区三里屯南街19号11栋
Beautiful Youth
This Tianjin-based Taobao store specializes in handcrafting vintage-style leather brogues (RMB 225), Oxford booties with kitten heels (RMB 220) and Roman gladiator sandals (RMB 250). The drawback of a web-based cobbler is that you’ll need to measure your feet on your own, but these shoemakers are happy to make alterations if the fit is off. Most orders require 25 days for completion.
http://beautifuyouth.taobao.com
Lao Yu Handmade Shoes 老余手工鞋店
Offers bespoke shoemaking service for both gentlemen and ladies (RMB 600-1,200). The owner encourages customers to bring their own samples or photos when they place an order; note, however, that wedges and stiletto heels are not available. Lao Yu requires four weeks to handle each order; during this time, the customer will need to come in for a fitting.
37 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6404 1406)
东城区鼓楼东大街37号
Store #3017 at 3.3 Shopping Mall
Recreate any of your favorite Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin shoes for RMB 1,000-2,000 (price depends on your bargaining skill). They work in a variety of leathers including suede, snakeskin and crocodile skin. Each pair takes 15 days to complete. They also custom-make bags and suede coats.
Room 3017, 3.3 Shopping Mall, Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District (133 4115 8795, 133 9162 5461)
朝阳区三里屯北路33号3.3购物中心3层3017
Search for more Beijing shops by name and neighborhood or share your opinions with the rest of Beijing by adding a user review of any of the shops in our online directory of venues.
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Footwear Fashion 5-0
Remember when you went to school? Your sneakers could be the cause of much upset if you didn’t have the “right” pair. Thing is, things don’t really change. People are still going to notice and comment on your choice of footwear. On the upside, Beijing is not gangland, so there’s no risk that those shoes your mum picked out could get you shot.
Win a Brand New Pair of Shoes From D:FUSE!
This women's shoe brand, first founded by expats in Shanghai in 2007, is now up to 14 Beijing branches and counting. (For a list of all existing store locations, click here.) According to their website, D:FUSE "strives to bring the latest Scandinavian urban trends to the fashion forward Chinese consumer."
It just so happens that their trend-conscious footwear appeals to us expats as well. And now, one lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of free shoes! Whether sandals or pumps, their designs typically range from RMB 600-1,500, with most of them priced at around the RMB 700-800 mark. You can check out some of D:FUSE's latest styles below, or peruse the full collections here.
The rules? With the exception of the higher-priced Desire line, you can choose whatever pair meets your fancy (though do note that their largest size available is 39).
Studio Ruyi: Porcelain Pieces to Buy
A peek inside reveals that this family-owned studio’s specialty is porcelain. Shards of valuable china, some over 300 years old, clutter the shelves and adjoining workshop, ready to be cleverly reincorporated into rings (RMB 88-1,289), silver and gem bracelets (RMB 828) and earrings (RMB 148-308).
Minijupe: Skirting Around in Sanlitun
“There are no straight lines on a woman’s body / Her beauty is in her curves,” reads this young Chinese brand’s website. It’s a decidedly inflammatory stance in the high fashion world, an industry largely occupied by waif-like women and shapeless clothing. And yet Minijupe’s founder, Dodo Mai, cites her admiration for the female body as the main impetus behind her work.
Get the Look: Nordic Warmth
According to The Weather Channel:
Yesterday’s temperature in Reykjavik, Iceland: 4 degrees Celsius high, -1 degrees Fahrenheit low.
Yesterday’s temperature in Beijing, China: 5 degrees Celsius high, -7 degrees low.Brrr. When you’re subjected to such brutal conditions as this, of course it makes sense to gravitate towards fur, flannel and chunky knits. And when you’re wearing that many layers, you have to inject some fun into your get-ups somehow. Pick up pieces peppered with snowflakes, stars and reindeer, and match with shaggy ear muffs or utilitarian booties. The look is equal parts rough and refined; the effect is you'll look positively adorable.
songgirl78
Re: Take 5: Beijing's Best Shoemakers
This is fun! I can't wait to get a pair done - thank you for gathering this information.
nanananayeah
Re: Take 5: Beijing's Best Shoemakers
does anyone know where to go for good quality handmade leather bags? i have photos and measurements, just need someone to do the work...
Trust me, it's so danger.
David_Bdx
Re: Take 5: Beijing's Best Shoemakers
there was an advertisement several days earlier about some girl who does ipad leather bags. perhaps she can help you. check the classifieds "For sale"