The largest and longest remaining manufacturer of men’s and women’s shoes is Dunedin based McKinlays. Founded in 1879 McKinlays still operates from its South Dunedin factory. McKinlays traditional shoe construction technique (the “veldt” method) has won it customers from all around the world. The shoes are the closest you can get to having your own pair crafted just for you. The company also makes custom shoes, perhaps the most unusual being the size 23 pair of black shoes for 2.36 metre (7ft 8 in) Fijian, Kaliova Seleiwau in 2007. Mckinlays shoes are sold in some NZ footwear shops and can also be bought on their website www.mckinlays.co.nz.
The main competitor to McKinlays in Dunedin was Frames which started manufacturing boots for local farmers in 1890. In 2004 Frames sold their manufacturing plant to Joe Burdis from Mainland Boots who brought the plant up to Christchurch. Mainland Boots use the traditional Frames method for making high quality boots especially designed for different occupations such as farming, forestry and freezing workers. It also makes boots especially for hiking and motorcycling. Only 20 pairs of boots are made each day to enable the workers at Mainland Boots to take special care over every boot constructed. Boots can be purchased off the website www.bootznz.com.
The younger, Wellington based Ideal Shoe Company was founded in 1919. The Ideal Shoe Company boasts supplying boots to the 1924 “Invincible” All Blacks to providing the footwear for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, River Queen and King Kong. Until a couple of years ago Ideal operated from its premises in Miramar. Now the leather is cut by owner Grant Langley in Rongotai and the shoes are made up by a Christchurch footwear maker. Very reasonably priced school, casual and dress shoes can be bought off the Ideal Shoe website www.idealshoe.co.nz.
A late arrival on the footwear scene is the Canterbury Leather International Limited that manufactures sheepskin boots (and apparel) at its Christchurch premises. The company markets and manufactures under two brands - "Canterbury Sheepskin" and "Homestead". Canterbury Sheepskin is the ultimate in luxury sheepskin footwear and garments while the Homestead Brand incorporates the same high standards but is targeted at the more value conscious buyers. Its website is www.cantyleather.co.nz.
The baby of these five companies is the Last Footwear Company which was founded in 1979. Operating out of Nelson, the Last Footwear Company has also won customers from around the world. Its boots and shoes can also be purchased on its websitewww.lastfootwear.co.nz.
Not to be outdone by the men, a small number of women’ fashion footwear manufacturers still exist today. Two of these are the Auckland based companies of Minnie Cooper and Briarwood. Both have their stories and their products displayed on their websites. As well as footwear Briarwood manufactures footwear bags and accessories and Minnie Cooper combines these with a range of knitwear and T’s. You can see these products at www.minniecooper.co.nz and www.briarwood.co.nz.
And finally, the “last” word goes to Pitter Patter, manufacturer of shoes for 0-2 year old feet. These shoes are made in soft leather, with non-toxic dyes and soles made from non-slip soft suede leather. Makes you want to be young again! www.pitterpatter.co.nz.
Although the New Zealand footwear manufacturing industry is down, it is certainly not out. There are still footwear companies left determined to make it here.
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