Junyuan HandmadeSee Address

Run by two couples, this friendly, airy shoemaker shop immediately puts us at ease, especially when we learn the owner's family has been in the cobbling business for four generations. On our visit to get shoes made we're asked to stand on paper, where our feet are outlined twice and measured at the ball, heel and toes, taking about ten minutes.

English-speaking manager Neo explains the leather choices are Guangzhou leather or Japanese imported (the same price) – any shoemaker claiming to use Italian leather at this price is lying. Usually, the process takes three weeks, but when we tell them we're in a rush, they agree to one week.

The overall quality of the final shoe is excellent, with buttery soft, durable leather and careful stitching on the shoe breast, ensuring comfort and longevity. Points off for the rubber heel, which should have been wood.