Our Story

Our story includes a number of different strands laced together:

Karandonis Shoes

Rod McHugh has had a long association with Karandonis Shoes, which was founded in 1968 by the skilled shoemaker, John Karandonis. The brand soon became well known for its quality and style, and was stocked in all major department stores. Rod and John became business partners between 1985 and 1996, and Rod continued to manage the brand within Australia until 2007.

Annie McHugh

Rod’s daughter, Annie McHugh grew up in the footwear industry. Although she also has a marketing background, her heart is in shoe design. She studied footwear and now teaches shoe making at the Sydney Institute of TAFE.

Annie has managed the retail store on Elizabeth Street since 2001 and is a member of the Australian Pedorthic Medical Grade Footwear Association

She has provided some of her designs for the Australian Opera costume department, Miss Connie of Sneaky Sound System, Belvoir Street Theatre performances and numerous television shows.

Recently, Annie made a pair of vegan slippers for Tobey Maguire in The Great Gatsby.

With plans to expand her own women’s shoe & accessories label, McFanny, in future, she loves running the McHugh’s Shoes store and is always up for some feedback on the many brands that are sold in the shop.

McHugh’s Shoes

Rod’s father Frank McHugh’s shoe business was established in 1911. McHugh's shoes had stores in Carlingford, Ryde, Gladesville, Drummoyne and Rozelle.

Rod and Annie McHugh’s Sydney store is now known as McHugh’s Shoes, which continues to provide the highest level of service.