Our Story
After more than 30 years practising as a podiatrist, Charlotte has seen just about every foot type — and every kind of footwear — come through her door.
One concern came up time and time again: people simply couldn’t find shoes that were both comfortable and stylish.
Recognising this gap, Charlotte set out to change the way people think about footwear. She believed that no one should have to compromise on comfort to look good — or sacrifice style to support their foot health.
From that belief, The Shoe Room was born within Feet First Podiatry — a space dedicated to functional, fashionable footwear that truly supports the feet they’re made for.
The Shoe Room began exactly as the name suggests — a small room with a carefully selected range of footwear. From the very beginning, the focus was on shoes that offered more than just style: extra depth, wider fits, cushioning, arch support, and the structure needed to properly support overall foot health.
As a podiatrist, Charlotte saw firsthand how difficult it was for people to find shoes that truly fit well and supported their feet. Too often, customers were forced to choose between comfort and style — and The Shoe Room was created to change that.
Over the years, we have grown and evolved, building strong relationships with trusted suppliers and expanding our range to better serve our customers. And now, in many ways, we’ve come full circle — returning to a smaller space and staying true to our name.
While our footprint may be smaller, what we offer has never been greater. Our range is thoughtfully curated to provide more choice, more support, and more solutions for a wide variety of feet and lifestyles — without overwhelming you.
We cater to people living with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, bunions, and hammer toes, as well as those who spend long hours on their feet and need reliable, supportive footwear. We also specialise in fitting shoes to accommodate orthotics, ensuring the right balance of fit, stability, and comfort.
At the heart of what we do is a strong focus on overall foot health. The right footwear can make a significant difference — not just to your feet, but to your posture, mobility, and overall wellbeing. That’s why we take the time to understand each customer’s needs, offering personalised fittings and expert guidance in a warm, welcoming environment.
True to our name, The Shoe Room may be a small space — but it’s filled with expertise, care, and footwear designed to help you move comfortably and confidently every day.
Our Store
The Shoe Room began its journey within Feet First Podiatry, before quickly outgrowing the space and relocating to a stand-alone store in Upper Riccarton in November 2019. From there, we continued to grow — building relationships with trusted suppliers and sourcing footwear from around the world, chosen for their exceptional fit, lasting comfort, and stylish design.
In December 2025, we moved to our current home in Ferrymead, located at 15/27 Waterman Place. This change marked an exciting new chapter — returning to a more intimate space while continuing to offer an expanded and carefully curated range of footwear.
While our location has evolved over time, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to exceptional customer service and thoughtfully selected shoes that cater to a wide range of foot shapes, needs, and lifestyles.
Within The Shoe Room, we’re pleased to have a small satellite clinic from our sister company, Feet First Podiatry. Currently running on Wednesdays, this in-store clinic offers a convenient option for those who would like access to podiatry support alongside their footwear fitting. Feet First Podiatry’s main clinic remains based in Upper Riccarton and continues to operate as usual.
Today, The Shoe Room brings together expertise, care, and a carefully chosen range of footwear — helping every customer step confidently and comfortably, whatever their day holds.
Our Team
Contact Us-
Charlotte
After 30 years practicing as a Podiatrist Charlotte has seen almost every foot type and footwear style come through her door. Many of her clients had the same complaint…that they could never find a comfortable shoe that also looked great!! Charlotte realised that there was a huge demand for Fashionable Functional Footwear, and this led to the birth of The Shoe Room at Feet First Podiatry.
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Ty
The Shoe Room - Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the disability sector and social media practically running through her veins, Ty brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to finding the right shoe for the right foot. She’s passionate about connecting with people and making sure everyone is in footwear that keeps them comfortable, supported, and mobile.
When she’s not helping customers into their next perfect pair, Ty loves dogs, sports, dancing, reading, and going to festivals.
Pop in, say hello, and help us make Ty feel welcome – she’d love to meet you and help you find your next pair of shoes!
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Andrea
The Shoe Room Team Member
Andrea is in charge of our the Aged Resident Care Centre "Pop-Up" sessions, as well as the In-Home Footwear Fittings and assisting in The Shoe Room. With a diverse background in fashion, art photography, and real estate, Andrea brings a unique flair to helping customers find the perfect blend of function, comfort, and style. Expect a fun, relaxed, and informative experience as Andrea helps you discover the best shoes to suit your needs!
Andrea is looking forward to organizing and running The Shoe Room’s ‘Pop-Up’ sessions at aged resident care centres across Canterbury. If your center would like to schedule a session, feel free to reach out at contact@theshoeroom.co.nz.
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Maree
The Shoe Room Team Member
Originally from Southland, Maree brings a wealth of experience in both retail and administration. With 18 years spent working at Southern Adventure Outdoor Store and 12 of those years also serving as Secretary for Scouting Southland, Maree’s expertise in customer service and organization is invaluable.
Since joining The Shoe Room team in January 2021, Maree has enjoyed helping customers find the perfect footwear, all while fostering great interactions with people from all walks of life. In addition to her role at The Shoe Room, Maree also works part-time as a receptionist at Feet First Podiatry, where her warmth and professionalism are appreciated by all.
Maree and her husband recently relocated to Rolleston to be closer to family, and they are loving the strong sense of connection that comes with it.
