Inside the Mind of a Shoemaker

For more than 60 years, Gilbert & Lisson has crafted specialist footwear from a deep understanding of any medical conditions which impact feet from its workshop in Marylebone, London. Shoemakers and orthotics specialists work closely together. Discussion, questions and observations including a detailed electronic gait analysis help to address complex foot conditions, reduce discomfort and support long-term wellbeing.

At the heart of this approach are the people who bring the work to life. Robert, a master shoemaker is one such person whose journey as a craftsman reflects the blend of tradition, problem-solving and care that defines Gilbert & Lisson’s approach.

Robert did not set out to become a shoemaker.

“I became a shoemaker by chance,” he says with a smile. “My mum had enough of me being at home, so she told me to accompany her to work.”

Robert’s mother was a skilled ‘closer’, responsible for stitching and assembling leather ‘uppers’ (the uppermost leather parts of a shoe) for bespoke shoes. In her workshop in Hungary, Robert was introduced to the foundations of shoemaking, initially learning through observation before gaining hands-on experience. He later began making riding boots, developing an understanding of materials, structure and durability. They were impressionable early years in a highly skilled craft.

That early exposure eventually led Robert to a shoemaker in London. In 2018, when Gilbert & Lisson expressed a vacancy for an additional shoemaker, Robert’s mother knew exactly who to recommend. Under the guidance of a veteran master shoemaker, Robert’s understanding of shoemaking deepened significantly.

“That’s when I really learned about biomechanics, orthopaedics and how to build shoes that last for problematic feet,” he explains. “It completely changed how I think about footwear.”

Why Comfort Is Personal

Ask Robert what makes a shoe truly comfortable and his answer is clear: there is no universal solution.

“Comfort is very personal,” he says. “People often think of softness as comfort, like a soft sole or flexible upper. But most of our clients don’t need softness. They require support.”

Many who come to Gilbert & Lisson present varying degrees of collapsed arches, gait or ankle instability or complicated structural foot issues. In these cases, added cushioning alone can worsen the problem.

“If you support the foot in the right places,” Robert explains, “the shoe becomes comfortable because the foot is working properly again.”

This philosophy underpins everything at Gilbert & Lisson. Shoes are not designed to disguise problems but to address them, restoring balance, function and long-term comfort. They can also look amazing.

What People Rarely Notice About Their Feet

Robert has a simple analogy when it comes to foot awareness.

“Shoes are like teeth,” he says. “People only think about them when there’s pain.”

In his experience, many people wear the same style of shoe day in day out without considering how little variation their feet are afforded. Over time, this can contribute to discomfort and structural problems.

“Many of us don’t think about our feet as much as we should,” Robert adds. “And by the time people come to see us, they’ve often been uncomfortable for a long time leading to all sorts of pain, discomfort and unhealthy gait and posture ailments”.

Craftsmanship Without Limits

Before joining Gilbert & Lisson, Robert thought he understood shoemaking. Years later, he feels he has gained a far broader understanding of foot complexity, and conditions and the vital role tailored shoemaking plays in pain relief and gait rehabilitation.

“You can make ballet shoes, running shoes, footwear for athletes or shoes for severe and complex medical conditions,” he says. “Within that, there are endless variables. Support, sole construction, materials, aesthetics and design. Every change creates a different type of shoe.”

One example he points to is a boot made for a gentleman living with both Drop and Charcot Foot, conditions that significantly affect stability and control.

“His foot is permanently turned to the side,” Robert explains. “We had to build strong ankle support and add a caliper to prevent rolling. It’s very firm, but it’s comfortable for him. And that’s what matters.”

Problem-Solving as a Team

For Robert, the most rewarding part of shoemaking is working as part of a specialist team.

“At Gilbert & Lisson, we don’t solve problems alone,” Robert says. “We have a very knowledgeable team, and that gives me the framework to focus on solving problems every day.”

Shoemakers collaborate with biomechanics specialists to solve complex problems. This blend of craftsmanship, medical understanding and teamwork makes the work deeply fulfilling.

“It’s challenging and meaningful,” Robert adds. “Helping someone walk comfortably again, that’s something special.”

Gilbert & Lisson extends this collaborative approach internationally, offering consultations that deliver the same standard of care beyond London.

Medical Orthotic Consultations Now in the Algarve

Following our successful initial visit in October 2025, we are returning to Portugal to provide our full orthotic and footwear consultation service to residents of the Algarve.

Date: 9th-12th March 2026

Venue: Top suite, Hotel Quinta Jacintina, 8135-025 Almancil, Portugal

Book the consultation here.

Your appointment or consultation will cover (on a complimentary basis):

● Full biomechanical and electronic gait analysis (this will be recorded on video and discussed with you)

● A personalised footwear and orthotic consultation

● Review of any particularly medical or foot concerns such as bunions, dropped arches, hammer toes, fused bones, diabetic ulcers or imbalance

● Options for bespoke shoes, orthotic insoles and long-term support

Given the demand, these visits will take place bi-monthly, allowing customers in the Algarve to receive continuous care without travelling to London.

Limited private consultations available by appointment - click to book today!

For more information, please contact Gilbert & Lisson at +44 20 7486 4664 or info@gilbertandlisson.com.

Our address: 12 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 8UN, United Kingdom