Where to Get Custom Shoes in Calgary

3D scanning technology at Veritas means form-fitting footwear and a style uniquely your own

People are judged by the shoes they wear. Unfair? Perhaps, but the old adage that you can tell a man by his shoes still has the ring of truth to it, something Veritas knows all about.

Co-founder Thai Nguyen has been saving soles as a shoe cobbler since moving to Calgary seven years ago. His first business venture as The Shoe Doctor taught him that many of the expensive shoes clients brought in for repair were of such shoddy make they simply weren’t worth salvaging. “A lot of shoes come in for repairs, and it’s heartbreaking,” says Nguyen. “The client has paid so much for it, but with the parts they’re made of, I can’t even recraft the shoe for them.”

This issue inspired him to create custom fit shoes that would feel great, last long and be easy to fix. After tracking down quality leather suppliers in France and rubber manufacturers in South East Asia, Nguyen and co-founder Thanh Le soon had the materials they’d need to craft the shoes they wanted. By July 2013, Veritas was up and running.

Few stores approve of you sticking your foot in their scanners, but for Veritas it’s a requirement. Using 3D scanning technology the shoemaker can create a virtual model of your foot, printing out a wax copy they’ll use to build anything from ankle boots to classic wingtips that will perfectly your every bunion and callus. You can then choose from a wide selection of materials, styles, soles and colours to create shoes that fit like a glove.

Custom shoes can run into the $1,200 range, but if you take advantage of Veritas’ current promotional sale, you can get them for $700.

You can also get semi-custom shoes in 15 classic styles, picking from a variety of colours and sole types in regular sizes. Normally $400, its 30 per cent sale means you can get them for $280.

For a guaranteed match, get a custom belt made from the same material as your shoes for between $150 and 300 (both currently 50 per cent off during the sale) or pick up accessories like purses or key chains made from the store’s eclectic materials like leather, alligator or cobra skin.

True to its roots, Veritas still handles shoe repairs and heel lifts, which will run you between $15 and $30 depending on the style of shoe. The store also offer a $7 store credit in exchange for old, decent condition leather shoes, which it fixes up and donates to Mennonite Central Committee Canada’s thrift stores.

Veritas Shoes, 215, 101 6 Ave. S.W., 403-452-7463, veritasshoes.com

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