Shoemaker keeps clients stepping in style

The back-to-school rush is in full effect and Kenneth Allen is all too familiar with what that is like.

But for the 55-year-old shoemaker, this does not pose a problem for him.

He told THE STAR that he has been in this business for the past 25 years and people from near and far have supported his business because he is a 'cut above the rest'.

"A good likkle while now mi a build shoes, enuh. Mi use to work inna a supermarket and then mi leave fi come and help mi father, but since him drop out, a me and mi cousin a dweet," he said.

Allen said that he has a lot of returning clients over the years because of how durable his shoes are. He tries not to pressure his customers as he said many of them have worked with him in one form or another.

Making shoes for children is not Allen's claim to fame, as he said that he made shoes for various artistes throughout his career.

He said that over the years, people have realised the quality that he brings to the table, and when they get a taste of what he does, they never turn back.

"Mi use to make Capleton shoes, enuh. Me fada use to do it and mi tek it over now. Wi a mek him shoes before him buss. Nuff people come and ask mi to make shoes for them, enuh, people from inside and out a the community. Mi have mi link from outside because me used to work for a lot of artistes back in the day with my father," he said.

The business, which is called 'Ken Shoes', is located on Wild Street in Allman Town, Kingston. Allen said that now that the back- to-school rush is on, he gets up to five or six orders daily.

This does not bother him because depending on the style of the shoes, he only needs a day to make a pair. He said that he ensures that prices are attractable as well.

"Mi a get nuff orders man, mi cyaa bawl. Mi nuh kill nobody, enuh, mi wi charge $4,500 depending pan the size and style. Mi have people weh just call mi and some just carry the child come or the shoes size. Mi mek mi shoes dem different, dem strong and last longer. People nuh find no fault wid dem," he said.