At Loretta Shoes®, our passion is creating beautiful, comfortable shoes for women. For over 50 years, we’ve handcrafted our shoes in our UK-based factory, using only the finest leathers and materials.
Our History
Loretta Shoes® was founded in 1967 by Loretta Vitale, a talented shoemaker from Italy. Loretta learned the art of shoemaking from her father, who ran a small shoe workshop in their village.
When Loretta moved to the UK after getting married, she was disappointed by the lack of high-quality, comfortable ladies’ shoes. Most were either uncomfortable or poorly made.
So Loretta decided to put her shoemaking skills to use. She set up a small workshop in her garage and began handcrafting beautiful leather shoes.
Word soon spread about Loretta’s exceptional shoes. Customers loved the combination of comfort, quality, and classic style. Within a few years, Loretta had grown her business into a thriving brand.
In 1975, we opened our first shop in Kent. Our range of shoes, including court shoes, sandals and boots, proved extremely popular with women looking for comfort without compromising on style.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, the Loretta Shoes brand went from strength to strength. We expanded our range to include more casual styles, and opened more stores nationwide.
Loretta’s belief in comfort and quality has remained at the heart of our brand. Although she retired in 2000, her values continue to guide everything we do. We’re proud to still be handcrafting our shoes in our UK factory after all these years.
Our Shoemaking Philosophy
At Loretta Shoes®, we believe that shoes should be comfortable, stylish and made to last.
Our shoemaking philosophy is inspired by our founder Loretta, who believed in “quality, comfort and classic style”. We stay true to her vision by focusing on three key elements:
Premium Materials
We only use high quality leathers and materials, like soft nubuck, supple suede and buttery calfskin. Our leathers come from trusted UK tanneries that share our ethics and quality standards.
Expert Craftsmanship
Our shoes are entirely handcrafted in our UK factory, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Our skilled shoemakers train for at least three years before being allowed to make Loretta Shoes.
Timeless Elegance
Our designs are classic, timeless and feminine. We avoid fleeting trends, and instead focus on elegant styles that will stay in your wardrobe for years. Each Loretta Shoe is made to become a trusted favorite.
Our Handcrafting Process
Producing a Loretta Shoe is a careful, thoughtful process from start to finish.
It all begins with our designers, who hand-draw new styles each season. Their designs are inspired by catwalk trends but always focus on wearability, comfort and our heritage.
Once a design is selected, it passes to our expert pattern cutters. They translate the hand-drawn design into template patterns ready for cutting. All our patterns are still made from sturdy brown paper, cut by hand.
Leather cutting happens next. Skilled cutters arrange the leather skins on tables and use presses to cut out each part of the upper, from the vamps to the linings. It’s precise work, as not a scrap of leather can go to waste.
The components then pass to our specialist shoemakers who craft the shoes by hand using traditional techniques like Goodyear welting. With decades of experience behind them, their work is quick but exquisite.
Each Loretta Shoe is lovingly shaped over a traditional wooden last before being left to settle overnight. The soles are added the next day along with any finishing touches.
Finally, every pair undergoes a thorough quality inspection before being boxed up ready for delivery to our stores or customers. We reject any shoes that don’t meet our high standards.
Our Commitment to Comfort
Here at Loretta Shoes®, we believe that shoes should be comfortable from morning to night.
To ensure unmatched comfort, we use advanced construction techniques like:
- Breathable leather linings that keep feet cool and dry
- Cushioned insoles that provide underfoot support and shock absorption
- Flexible soles that move naturally with the foot
- Lightweight materials to reduce fatigue
- Careful fittings to eliminate rubs and pressure points
We also offer multiple width fittings, adjustable fastenings and soft underfoot cushioning on many designs. Our goal is happy, comfortable feet for life!
Our Collections
We offer an extensive range of footwear across four main collections:
Classics Collection
Our Classics Collection stays true to our vintage heritage. Timeless styles like the Grace, Martha and Sophia celebrate the elegance of eras past through ladylike T-bar shoes, Mary Janes and court styles.
Materials include glossy patent leathers, lustrous satin, and colourful brocade. Styles come in slim to wide fittings.
Casuals Collection
Our Casuals Collection covers fashionable yet easy-wearing designs. Choose from on-trend sandals, slingbacks, loafers, espadrilles and slip-ons.
This versatile collection features mix-and-match colours, touch fastenings for easy wear, and extra cushioning for all-day comfort. Ideal for holidays, weekend wear and walking.
Boots Collection
Our Boots Collection brings together knee-high, calf and ankle styles in options from classic Chelsea to rugged walking boots.
Crafted from soft nubuck leathers and suedes, these elegant boots pair perfectly with skirts, jeans or dresses. With options in standard or wide calf fittings.
Occasion Collection
Our Occasion Collection offers show-stopping shoes for weddings, parties and special events. Choose from bridal styles, dazzling high heels, peep toes and occasion sandals in shades perfect for the evening.
With options like diamante trims, dainty straps and luxe metallic finishes. Crafted from silky satin or glittery lace.
Our Ethics
At Loretta Shoes® we pride ourselves on strong ethics and responsible practices. Some of the principles we uphold:
- Small carbon footprint – our UK factory means less transportation pollution
- Sustainability – we use 100% recyclable boxes and bags
- Responsible manufacturing – we visit our tanneries and monitor conditions
- Traditional crafts – we keep heritage shoemaking skills alive
- Supporting UK factories – all our shoes are made in our UK workshop
- No sweatshops – we have complete control over ethical practices
- Good working conditions – all staff enjoy excellent facilities and benefits
- Community values – we partner with local charities and schools
Join Our Story
We hope you’ll love becoming part of the Loretta Shoes® story as much as we do.
Our shoes make women feel confident and comfortable wherever life takes them. We can’t wait to bring you on that journey with us.
Visit our website or stores today to discover your perfect pair. Our friendly team is always on hand for style advice and fittings.
Here’s to the next chapter in the Loretta Shoes story – yours. We can’t wait to have you walk with us.
