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Aurora

I'm regularly offered products to blog about but almost always turn them down, but when Alyssa kindly offered me a pair of Aurora Shoes from her family company, I knew I had to say yes. I mean, look at them! Alyssa had been following this blog and a pinterest board for a while, and noticed I had a thing for flat shoes and simple style in general, and would I like to try a pair of Auroras?

Ordering a pair of these shoes is different. Like the best restaurants, there are just a few styles on the 'menu' to choose from. Then you trace both feet onto a piece of card and post them to the shoemakers, in Aurora, New York. The shoes take a while to make, because they are crafted around your tracings and are therefore made just for you. They arrive in a simple brown box, inside a calico bag, with your tracings included and a handwritten note. At first they are a snug fit, but are designed to gradually mould to your feet after a week or so of wearing. Unlike most things you buy these days, they are designed for the long-term.

My shoes arrived yesterday and they are already my favourite pair. I've worn them to the swimming pool, in the garden, to the city and to interview someone for an article. I love their classic shape and style, and they're getting more comfortable with every wear. They really do go with everything. I love them.

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25 responses to “handmade shoes”

  1. Emma Avatar

    Wow! These shoes are beautiful and flat and they run up to size 11 – I am super excited and must save for a pair. So so often I can’t find great shoes because I have big feet and hate heels. Thanks for blogging this!

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  2. Ruby Hoppen Avatar

    Oh my goodness these are wonderful! I find shoes to be difficult- not only in the comfort and sizing department but also in an ethical sense as well. To know that one person has made your shoes with their hands, taking the time and being payed fairly for it is an incredible feeling x

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  3. Megan Avatar

    Yep. Those would make me say yes too – beautiful shoes.

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  4. Amber Avatar

    Oh gosh – these are gorgeous.

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  5. tinyhappy Avatar

    thats awesome, emma- i am the same (sz 9 but hate heels too) and we have similar style i reckon. i know youd love these.

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  6. lori Avatar

    that’s so sweet, how kind of alyssa. enjoy your beautiful new shoes. i have actually had aurora shoes on my wish list!

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  7. Jacqui Avatar

    They’re lovely – I’m so enamoured of the idea of having a good pair of shoes that will last me 15+ years! AND that they would be made to fit my feet. Am definitely bookmarking/pinning/remembering these shoes.

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  8. briansanunusualnameforagirl@blgospot.com Avatar
    briansanunusualnameforagirl@blgospot.com

    Melissa, when I was growing up in Napier shoes very simliar to these its kinda freaky were everywhere, then they disappeared. There was also a style that were strips of brown leather instead of whole strips. I have spent far too mcuh time internet searching looking for such shoes and here they are!!

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  9. Nicole Avatar

    Those are exactly the kind I would order. I love them!

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  10. Ella Avatar

    Cutest style of shoe – ever. I’m all about flats too. Does anyone really wear heels all the time? Must be a killer. So glad to see a good review of these, it’s scary buying stuff online (especially anything a bit costly).

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  11. Sarann Avatar

    Oh I have been looking for flats today and came up with nothing! Thanks heaps great to see the review.

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  12. Andrea Avatar

    Hi Melissa
    I have been considering a pair of these shoes for a while. But I’m worried my feet will do the same thing to them as yours possibly are – the front part of the foot kind of twisting outward – do you know what I mean? Do you think that could be a problem?
    What I can see of your feet looks so like mine!
    Ta
    Andrea

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  13. Cozy Memories Avatar

    Thank you for sharing the link to these, I went to the website, looked their video about their process, and am totally under the charm ! They look like awesome shoes. I am short & have small feet, hate heels, and it’s usually a pain to find the right shoes. oxoxo

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  14. Lynsey aka Swirlyarts Avatar

    Oh how lovely! I have just ordered myself a pair of handmade clogs from a local maker and I can’t wait for them to be made! It will be my first pair of handmade shoes 🙂

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  15. tinyhappy Avatar

    hi andrea,
    i think i know what you mean- but, well i think that effect is simply my being slightly pigeon-toed (if you know what i mean) and not the fault of the shoes! im known for being a slightly clumsy, hence the need for flat shoes. 😉

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  16. Heather Avatar

    I wish I knew how to make shoes. I’ll add that to the list.

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  17. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar

    Now that is a rewarding customer experience. I’d love for them to all be so beautiful.

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  18. caireen Avatar

    they are lovely, and I like the way in the last photo, you can see the shape of where your feet + toes are already imprinted! Happy weekending, m – Cx

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  19. Charlotte Avatar

    They are perfect! I will be ordering some for Summer 🙂

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  20. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    they are indeed lovely! great to see your hard work here being rewarded!

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  21. anissa Avatar

    These are perfect Melissa! They are on the wishlist for sure. Hope this summer is being good to you and the whanau x

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  22. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    They are beautiful. As a teenager I had my mum’s pair of black Maryjanes from the Last Footwear Company which unfortunately went bust years ago, but that kind of handmade quality is rare these days. If only another NZ company would make these – is it difficult to order through NY? And are they ‘solid’ or thin leather soles?

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  23. Lucy @ motherwho Avatar

    Oh wow, they are absolutely lovely!!!

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  24. tinyhappy Avatar

    hi angela,
    i would say theyre medium sole- not thin or too chunky. about 3cms and 4 at the heel part? i found them easy to order from NY- i just posted my tracings (it probably took a couple of weeks in all) and then the shoes were shipped quickly. i know what you mean by the LFCs maryjanes- i long coveted a pair of those!

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  25. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I have the same kind and color as you. Love them!

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