START-RITE SHOES LIMITED is the oldest shoe company in England and it is a source of pride that the company has been in the hands of one family throughout its history.

James Hanly`s great-nephew Peter Lamble is Chairman.
It is 1792 and in a small workshop behind Norwich market place, James Smith, cordwainer, hammers diligently at a boot he is making for an upper class foot. It is made-to-measure and of the best leather he can get hold of - and James takes great pride in his work.

At home, steam driven machinery is centring the old-style industries in the North and weaving, as we know it, is coming to an end. James, with a confidence that belies the times, extends his premises, trains up those unemployed nimble fingers and becomes the first shoemaker to manufacture ready-made, off-the-peg footwear.

Along these lines the shoe factory - and shoe retailing itself - was born.

The year is 1955 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for three years. Her heir, Prince Charles, and his sister Princess Anne, are fitted regularly with START-RITE shoes.

As such the Queen has honoured us with the first ever Royal Warrant for supplying children`s shoes.

Today the company operates in a global market and use the talents of top class factories abroad to complement the work of the Norwich-based product design and development team.

Quality, stylish and fitting footwear is as much in demand as ever. The START-RITE twins have two well-shod feet planted firmly in the future!

Your child`s foot health is the main priority. That`s why START-RITE are the only company to make shoes in whole and half sizes, and in up to six width fittings.
With impeccable fit, stylish good looks and superb quality, it`s no wonder the footware is worn by the world`s most precious feet.