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

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