Located at 56 Jalan Tokong, just behind the famous Jonker Street in Malacca, Wah Aik Shoemaker is now being run by the third generation of shoemakers from the Yeo family.
Wah Aik Shoemaker
Started in 1918, Wah Aik Shoemaker continues to this day to supply bound feet shoes to the last handful of women alive who were brought up in the era of 'small feet being more attractive to men' and who went through years of torture just to secure a good future. Their main source of revenue comes from tourists who find the bound feet shoes unique and who yearn to take home a little history.
Shoes for bound feet - These tiny shoes, at a mere 4 inches long, could easily sit more than comfortably on the palms of your hands. Made with various colours of embroidered silk, they look beautiful but never would I wish anyone to go through the years of pain just to fit into these shoes
At RM95 (USD30.60) for a pair of bound feet shoes, they do not come cheap though you do get a little showcase unit for the shoes
On display is a book on the history of shoes for bound feet
Not only does Wah Aik Shoemaker specialize in bound feet shoes, they also are a dying breed of shoemakers who specialize in the kasut manek, also known as nyonya beaded shoes or its literal translation 'shoe beads'
An old pair of Peranakan beaded slippers
The beaded slippers are individually beaded by hand onto slipper tops and had colourful designs of plants and animals These slippers are worn by Peranakan women as part of their traditional costume
Peranakan beaded slippers for sale
Shoemaker's tools
Almost completed pair of nyonya slippers
Various designs available
Display of the nonya slippers from their ancestors
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