Caroline Groves is a highly regarded British bespoke shoemaker and luxury artisan whose work sits at the intersection of high fashion, fine craft, and wearable art. She is best known for creating handmade, couture-level women’s shoes that are custom-designed and individually crafted for each client, blending historical techniques with contemporary elegance.
Groves trained in both traditional cordwaining (the craft of high-end shoemaking) and intricate textile techniques, giving her a rare fusion of skills—from deep leatherworking knowledge to fine embroidery and pattern design. She has over 30 years of experience in bespoke footwear, having worked in orthopaedics early in her career before launching her own atelier and luxury shoe business.
Her craft is rooted in age-old shoemaking methods, with hand-welting, hand-stitching, and bespoke last creation at the core of her process. The soul of her work is not just technical—clients often describe holding or wearing a pair as akin to experiencing a piece of fine art or finely made musical instrument, due to the sensory richness of the materials and technique.
Caroline Groves runs her atelier in the Cotswolds, England, where she and her team craft each pair of shoes and boots by hand. Her business focuses primarily on fully bespoke footwear—that means every pair is made to order, crafted to a client’s exact foot measurements and stylistic preferences.
Traditionally, the bespoke process involves multiple consultations: initial design and leather selection, creation of a fitted last, fitting mockups, and final assembly. She also has introduced made-to-order (MTO) models based on her most sought-after designs, allowing clients worldwide to commission high-quality handmade shoes without the full bespoke timeline.
Her brand has an international following of collectors, fashion connoisseurs, and clients seeking something truly singular—many of whom return for multiple pairs.
The shoes and boots by Caroline Groves are far from mass-produced luxury labels
Exquisitely handcrafted: Every pair is built by hand in her workshop, often using vegetable-tanned leather, silk linings, and bespoke trims.
Highly personalized design: Clients can choose materials, finishes, decorations (like embroidery or custom buckles), and unique artistic elements.
Diverse silhouettes: Offerings range from elegant high-heeled courts and sandals to dramatic boots and platform shoes, each created to reflect personality, story, or narrative.
Artistic influence: Many designs feel more like wearable sculptures, with influences from folklore, geometry, and fine art woven into every detail.
