We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationships with a range of exceptional independent shoe retailers across the UK, and The Golden Boot is no exception. The Golden Boot is the longest-running family-owned and independent shoe shop in the country. Since William Randall founded the company in 1790, seven generations of shoemakers, merchants and traders have shaped and moulded The Golden Boot into the highly respected and established institution it is today. Based in Maidstone, Kent, The Golden Boot is a prominent destination for talking to experts and experiencing the very best in children’s fitted footwear.
Start-Rite has been a long-respected mainstay within their brand roster, and much like Start-Rite, The Golden Boot recognises the importance of correctly fitted shoes as a crucial first step to the healthy development of tiny feet. The Golden Boot wants to ensure that you and your child have a memorable first shoe experience to treasure and remember forever! We spoke to Edward Martin, Managing Director at The Golden Boot, the 7th generation of the family to run the business.
The Golden Boot offers a brilliant selection of baby and toddler shoes, as well as offering their ‘First Shoes Club’! The club guides parents through every step of their child's development with email reminders for fittings, complimentary shoe checks, second purchase discounts, and most importantly, expert guidance at each stage of your child’s foot development.
As expected from a shoe specialist, The Golden Boot’s expertly trained shoe fitters will measure your child’s feet in-store to help them find the perfect pair of shoes. The Golden Boot realises that the fit of every style of shoe differs, and an extensive knowledge of product is key to ensure the perfect fit. The team sees every foot as unique and makes sure that the best level of service is provided for all customers, with all team members completing a comprehensive training course.
The Golden Boot has been selling Start-Rite shoes for over 100 years and has shared a passion with the brand for just as long; selling children’s shoes that focus on and promote foot health. This has meant that The Golden Boot has seen many different styles and shoes throughout these decades, and in that time, built their knowledge of the Start-Rite brand specifically, and learnt first-hand how it continues to deliver high-quality, durable and biomechanically tested shoes.
The Golden Boot welcomes thousands of children each year who are looking for their first pair of shoes, and stocking Start-Rite's quality products (available in whole and half sizes with multi-width fittings) reassures the team that they can provide their customers with the best shoes for their children’s feet. Edward also recognises the most strength in Start Rite’s ‘First Shoes’ and ‘School Shoes’ collections and sees all the reason for these styles to succeed going forward.
The business is working hard to educate parents on the importance of expertly fitted footwear for the busy developmental period from first steps through to school days. Commenting on his two favourite Start-Rite styles, Edward said: “Impact is particularly on trend and is a durable style that offers a comfortable fit thanks to the lace fastenings. We also love the design of Tumble in Pink Leather as it’s a soft, flexible shoe great for little toes.”
The Golden Boot works tirelessly to ensure purchasing shoes at any stage of development is a great experience, and the dedicated team encourages customers to put their trust in The Golden Boot through the ‘My First Shoes’ club. By joining the club and booking an appointment, customers receive a Golden Boot ‘keepsake bundle’, consisting of a custom wooden toy train and a photograph of your child in their new shoes, presented in a beautiful wooden frame. This is all present in a special ‘my first shoes’ bag along with a complimentary 10% off voucher for the 2nd purchase and opportunity to join the loyalty scheme.
Author: Vista, published 15-07-2024.
