ULTIMATE SHOES- High Fashion Street & Clubwear for the Girl in you!
ABOUT ULTIMATE SHOES				P.O. Box 572 Norwich NR1 2SD England Tel: (0)1603 661652 Fax: (0)1603 622116 email: sales@ultimate-shoes.com

It started in 1995, on a visit to Los Angeles, where quite by chance we met up with a manufacturer and wholesaler of very high fashion ladies footwear. We were surprised to find that their size range (in common with many US fashion manufacturers) was up to at least size 10 UK (12 USA ladies). We were then asked to assist in setting up a European connection for them, which mainly involved developing a web site to appeal to customers outside the USA.

The web site attracted a large number of retail customers. Our supplier was a wholesaler and was really looking for commercial contacts. So we developed a small retailing division whereby we could supply customers ourselves direct. It was this development which proved by far the most successful, and by 1996 led to the establishment of Ultimate Shoes as a retailer to the public.

At first, we imported mainly high fashion platforms from the USA. Although popular (as they still are) we also began to source other suppliers to expand our catalogue. This led to us being able to supply footwear from manufacturers in the USA and the UK. We began a more disciplined advertising strategy including adverts in major UK fashion publications as well as our internet web site.

Our reputation was quickly to focus on the larger size ranges we could supply. While we maintained a general size range to suit most fittings, we made it our policy that generally (there must always be some exceptions) we would offer footwear that was available in a size range up to at least 10 UK, and up to size 12 or larger if possible.

In 1999 we were offered, and acquired, a substantial amount of stock which had been made originally for the Australian drag market (The company who ordered them had gone bust). This was the Ruby Collection, had been made in the UK, and were in four styles and in some fabulous colours. For those who are familiar with the musical, the Australian connection will not be lost on you. The original styles are named after the characters in the Wizard of Oz - Auntie Em (now re-named Emma), Dorothy, Judy and Glinda. This collection was such a success that we decided to re-manufacture, adding new colours and materials and new styles, but using the original lasts which had been designed to give maximum comfort and fitting.

So, the Ruby Collection gave us that enormous step forward from simple retailers to manufacturers. The shoes are manufactured in Thailand and China where we have factory facilities, including specialist design and fitting advisors. We have added new styles to the original collection (Rachel and Sarah) and in due course will add more styles and colours as resources allow

In January 2005 we developed and commenced manufacture of the Milan Collection, a carefully styled range of court shoes after Italian fashion. These are entirely unique shoes, exclusive to ourselves, and sold under the Ultimate Shoes Milan Collection label. And of course, we have made sure they are available in a full size range of 3 - 11.

We do, of course, still offer footwear made by other manufacturers, especially those which we import from the USA. The combination of products from both our own factory and other manufacturers gives our catalogue a unique collection.