Z. R. Shoes

We run Z. R. Shoes from our place at No. 14/29 on Vadamalai Street. This is over in Purasaiwakkam. It is a busy area with a lot of shops and people walking around at all hours. Our space is mostly filled with the smell of leather and glue, which is what you’d expect from a shoe business. We spend our days dealing with different sizes and styles, making sure everything is put together correctly. It is a bit cramped inside because we have to store the boxes and the materials all in one spot. The street outside is narrow, so it can be a bit of a struggle when we are loading or unloading stuff from the vans. We don’t have a fancy storefront with bright lights. Most people just know we are here and come by when they need something. It’s a very hands-on job. Your hands get dirty and your back might ache by the end of the shift, but it’s good work. We have been in Purasaiwakkam for a while and we like the energy of the neighborhood. There is always something happening on Vadamalai Street. We just keep to ourselves and focus on the shoes, making sure the soles are attached right and the stitching is strong enough to last for the people who buy them. It can be a long day, but seeing the finished shoes all lined up is a good feeling. We just lock up and do it again tomorrow.