Good shoes the only constant at Thomas Shoes

REMEMBER getting your school shoes from Thomas

Shoes in South Dunedin?

David Thomas certainly remembers lacing them — his holiday job was inserting laces into the tower of Clarks, 10 or 15 pairs high in a variety of sizes, that would sell out in the first two weeks of school being back. Decades later, the same customers brought their children in to buy school shoes and, seemingly in the blink of an eye, their children’s children for Bobux toddlers’ shoes.

Things change, waistlines expand, hair thins, but one thing stays the same: Thomas Shoes continues to keep Dunedinites well shod.

A family business started by David’s father’s father Arthur Thomas senior, who worked in a footwear factory before opening the store in 1921, now run by grandson David, Thomas Shoes specialises in variety, quality and comfort. Their years of business in South Dunedin mean they have seen it all when it comes to clothing trends passing the window, but as generations of shoppers can attest, everything goes with good shoes.

Thomas’s is the ultimate in sustainable shopping, a local business with a lot of loyal customers and a fantastic range of men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, including the very popular Bobux, founded in New Zealand 25 years ago, the futurefeet specialists making infant and toddler shoes designed to be orthopaedically excellent for growing feet.

It smells fabulous instore, that lovely newleather smell. A wall of softleather boots in marvellous autumnal colours is a regular United Nations of footwear: Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Portugal, Spain . . .‘‘Really good quality leather shoes,’’ says David, because cheap shoes are always regretted. It makes sense to invest in boots that will last, pardon the pun. ‘‘And if you don’t wear them, they’ll last forever,’’ he jokes.

What makes a great pair? All shoes have got to be comfy, says David, leather is best for winter, it breathes and you can waterproof it. You need a supportive insole and, most important: a nonslip outsole. With the leaves falling and the city’s trees turning red and gold and orange, it’s time for tights and boots. They hide a multitude and add style to any outfit. Ziera features extra cushioning and support without sacrificing style.

Rieker winter boots come in lovely shades of pewter, blue and grey; the perfect complement to jeans and jerseys, or dress them up with patterned tights. Short boots have been the leading style for 23 seasons and are still going strong. As are Thomas Shoes, fashionably reliable for 97 years.

Shop Thomas Shoes online at www.thomasshoes.co.nz or pop instore (a much nicer sensory experience): 149 King Edward Street, South Dunedin. Phone (03) 4553704.