Our Story
Welcome to Mchugh's Shoes
Fit and comfort join impeccable style at McHugh’s Shoes.
McHugh’s Shoes is a family-run Australian business established in 1911.
Over 100 years of combined experience and fitting expertise come together in our Leichhardt store.
Four generations of the McHugh family have proudly worked in the business —designing, making, repairing and fitting quality, durable shoes for the people of Sydney.
Styles to suit you
Our shoes will keep you on your feet and looking good everyday of the week. We specialise in European and classic-style brands for both men and women.
Find the right fit
We stock a huge range of sizes and fittings. Our staff can help you find the right shoe for you.
Old-fashioned service and repairs
McHugh’s Shoes offers a complete service — from fitting to shoe-care and repair.
Custom-made shoes
McHugh’s can design and make a range of custom shoe styles.
Shop in store or online!
Visit our Leichhardt store to meet us in person and try on some of our quality, stylish shoes.
Now we also offer online shopping so you can experience McHugh’s Shoes traditional service and first-class footwear wherever you are.
Shop now!
WHO ARE THE MCHUGHS?
Rod McHugh
Hi I’m Rod, the third generation of my family to work in the shoe business. When I was in primary school it was my job to clean out the repairer’s dustbins at the workshop in Rozelle. I eventually graduated to “front of house” and had a sales job on Saturday mornings at the Drummoyne store.
I officially joined the shoe business full-time after I completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of NSW.
My knowledge of shoemaking and retail developed through a long association with Karandonis Shoes, founded in 1968 by skilled shoemaker John Karandonis. The brand soon became well known for its quality and style, and was stocked in all major department stores. John and I were business partners between 1985 and 1996.
One thing I have loved over the years has been the camaraderie and fellowship of the footwear and repair industry.
Annie McHugh
Hi, I’m Rod’s daughter Annie. Like my Dad and my grandfather I grew up in the footwear industry.
I studied footwear production and taught introductory pattern making and retail footwear classes at the Sydney Institute of TAFE.
My passion is design, and some of my work has been used in theatre, film and television. The Australian Opera costume department, Miss Connie of Sneaky Sound System, and Belvoir Street Theatre have all used my designs. One of my personal highlights was designing vegan slippers for Tobey Maguire to wear in The Great Gatsby.
I am now a full-time mum, but still enjoy helping dad out on a Saturday in the shop, as well as managing our online store. I also handle customer queries, so feel free to contact me via email or through our Facebook page.
Our History
McHugh’s Shoes is at heart a family tradition, with a long and respected history in the Australian footwear industry.
Four generations of the McHugh family have proudly worked in the business —repairing, making and selling quality, durable shoes to the people of Sydney.
In 1911, Francis McHugh started his boot repair business in the Sydney suburb of Rozelle. His son Frank joined the family business in 1925. Over the years McHugh’s expanded from repairs to selling shoes and opened four more stores in Drummoyne, Gladesville, Ryde and Carlingford.
Sadly in 1976, Frank died suddenly and his son Rod took over the family business at 28 years of age. Frank was highly respected in the footwear industry and Rod had worked by his side. His father’s guidance gave Rod an excellent understanding of the business, and the importance of staying focussed on selling quality shoes that combine comfort and style.
In December 2011 things came full circle and McHugh's returned to the inner west when Rod and family opened a warehouse and shop in Leichhardt. Here they wholesale and retail Naot, Duckfeet, Bernard, Bartalesi and other European brands as well as making shoes to order and doing repairs.
Rod’s daughter Annie McHugh has become the fourth generation to work in the family business. Together they are moving the business forward into the world of online sales.
