Andrew Aigner-MuehlerHoi An shoe makers
May 9th 2008 07:11
Once you get accustomed to all the tailors in Hoi An the shoe makers stand out. I wasn't 100% convinced that the shoes would be any good and visited a fair few shops to check the quality and workmanship. The choice is extensive.
Dong Shoe Shop is located at no. 16 Tran Phu St, Hoi An and is typical of the shops throughout Hoi An. Concrete steps lead up from the street and through to the show room floor. The owner of the premises lives out the back and during the day perches himself on a blue plastic chair out front. It's a little strange as he doesn't do anything in the shop just sits and watches the world by..........and he's always in the same place.
I decided to have a pair of silver thongs made first to test them out. The shop assistant spoke great English and asked me to place both feet on a sheet of A4 paper. She traced them and then took a tape measure out to record measurements across the width of my feet.
This was done around 10am in the morning and I was asked to return at 5pm for a fitting and if they were OK I could take them with me. Wow - that's fast. When I returned the thongs were ready and waiting for me. For the bargain price of $5 AUS I walked away with custom made thongs.
Based on this success I asked for a pair of black knee high leather boots to be made. Same process....stand on a sheet of A4 paper for my feet to be outlined then a tape measure to record the measurements up my leg. The negotiation process is simple - never accept their first price. I was able to bargain down to $40 AUS which I was very pleased with. Having a pair of custom made boots is a luxury.
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