where to shop

Blackman Shoes

(Fashion & Jewellery)  1*
44 Cheshire Street
London E2 6EH
078 50883505

Mon-Sat 12-5, Sun 8-2
Tube Liverpool Street, Bethnal Green



Blackman’s Shoes was originally set up in 1935 as a purveyor of cheap, quality shoes to the Jewish community around Brick Lane. (It was also the first shop in the UK to stock Doc Martens boots.) Still a father and son business, it buys well-made shoes from factories at times when business is slow, thus ensuring low prices, then sells them on cheaply to a loyal fan base. Currently popular with local Shoreditch sorts are the ‘cool again’ plimsolls, which remain modestly priced at £5. Don’t expect slick presentation – the store is tiny and chaotic.