There is a Van Dal factory located in Norwich which specialised in women's footwear(women's feet have gotten a lot wider over the years). This opened in 1918 and was noisy dangerous work. They employed women to do the delicate stitch work and men to operate the machinery. During the 1970's they specialised in gold, silver, brocade and reptile skin shoes. At one point they were even exporting to places as far away as New Zealand.
Startright shoes was situated in Norwich as well, they opened in 1872. In 1918 they began making children's shoes and used the V shaped heal for stability. The V shaped heal is now very common and most companies use it. They were also the first to start measuring feet to insure a good fit. As the company got bigger they were exporting up to 30'000 shoes a week. In 1984 they were having the parts built in China because the labour was cheaper and then assembling them in England so they could say they were made in England.
Also here is a link to Van Dal so you can see it all for yourself. :DD
http://www.vandalshoes.com/
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