John Ives, sixth generation in line from Walter Henry Ives, and one of the oldest family shoe businesses in England.

In the 1700's the Ives family were curriers in Cratfield, near Halesworth, Suffolk. In 1864 Walter Henry Ives established his curriers business and then started manufacturing boots for the wholesale trade whilst brother Charles was making boots and shoes for direct sale.

The factory invested in new machinery and by 1913 was producing 400 pairs of shoes a week exclusively for Curl Bros in Norwich, Norfolk. The factory was closed in 1925 as the family developed into shoe retail. By 1930, three Ives brothers, Herbert, Jack and Jim had shoe shops in Leiston, Halesworth, Diss, Bury St. Edmunds and Littleport.

As well as adult shoes, our Woodbridge shop, John Ives, has a large children's department (John Ives Kids) stocking amongst other brands, Clarks, Ecco and Reiker. Highly trained staff professionally fit the shoes to ensure comfort and correct fitting for growing feet.

Our Colchester shop, Finefeet, stocks adult shoes only, and sells some of the brands as Woodbridge but also brands which appeal to the more fashion conscious who want that extra bit of style without losing out on comfort.

John, David and Fay are justifiably proud of the long Ives Family History.