SWR visited us in our studio in Mainz and gave Kathis her first stage on television in a wonderful portrait.

In the SWR Landesschau Rheinland-Pfalz from 23.04.2024

"If you want something chic, the choice of women's shoes from size 41 upwards is scarce. That's why Katharina Rühl from Mainz has decided to make chic shoes for large women's feet. She is one of the few in Germany to do so."

Italian craftsmanship meets large sizes: Kathis Shoes revolutionises the market for women's shoes

Shoes are more than just a fashion accessory - they are an expression of style, personality and comfort. But for women with large feet, the search for fashionable, well-fitting shoes is often a challenge. This is where Kathis Shoes comes in: An innovative shoe label from Mainz that specialises in handmade women's shoes in plus sizes. Founder Katharina Rühl, herself a sufferer, has developed a collection with a great deal of passion and love for the art of shoemaking that is not only visually appealing, but also comfortable and durable.

The birth of Kathis Shoes: born out of necessity

Katharina Rühl founded Kathis Shoes out of a very personal need. As a woman with a shoe size 42, it was always difficult for her to find shoes that were both stylish and comfortable. Most of the models in the shops either didn't suit her taste or were simply not available in her size. She wanted to close this gap - and so the idea of founding her own label for plus-size women's shoes was born.

Her journey took her to Pirmasens, the former ‘shoe city’ of Germany, where she familiarised herself intensively with the craftsmanship of shoe manufacturing. Working closely with experienced experts, she developed the first prototypes and had them produced in a small, family-run factory in the Italian Marche region.

Handmade in Italy: tradition meets modern design

Every pair of shoes from Kathis Shoes is handmade in Italy - a region known for its long tradition and expertise in the art of shoemaking. The factory where the shoes are made is run by a third-generation family and attaches great importance to precision, high-quality materials and sustainable production. This is reflected in every detail of the shoes: from the upper material to the sole and the stitching - everything is designed to offer the wearer a long-lasting and comfortable wearing experience.

Big feet, big demands: style and comfort in plus sizes

The challenge in making plus size women's shoes is to find the right balance between style and fit. Many styles on the market are often just enlarged versions of standard sizes and do not take into account the specific proportions of larger feet. Kathis Shoes takes a different approach: each model is designed from scratch to meet the needs of women with shoe sizes from 41.5 to 45.

Whether classic Chelsea boots, elegant ankle boots or stylish sandals - each pair is not only fashionable, but also functional. The shoes offer enough room for the toes, optimum foot support and a stable sole that guarantees comfort all day long. The designs are also timeless, meaning that the shoes can be worn for many years without going out of fashion.

Focus on sustainability and quality

Another important aspect of Kathis Shoes is sustainability. At a time when fast fashion dominates the fashion industry, Katharina Rühl consciously favours quality over quantity. Her shoes are not mass-produced, but exclusive one-off pieces that are produced in small batches. Most of the leather used for the shoes comes from regional factories in Italy and Germany to avoid long transport routes and protect the environment.

Kathis Shoes also attaches great importance to reparability. Instead of throwing shoes away as soon as they show signs of wear, they can easily be taken to a cobbler and repaired. This not only extends the life of the shoes, but also helps to conserve resources.

The right model for every occasion

The Kathis Shoes collection offers the right model for every occasion. If you prefer a classic and elegant look, go for the No. 01 Chelsea boots - an all-rounder that cuts a fine figure both in the office and in your free time. The No. 02 lace-up boots are ideal for the colder months: robust, stylish and perfect for long autumn walks or city trips. And if you're looking for elegant sandals in summer, the No. 03 strappy sandals are the perfect choice - they combine lightness, elegance and comfort.

Kathis Shoes: a brand by women for women

What makes Kathis Shoes special is the personal touch that can be felt in every detail. Katharina Rühl knows each of her suppliers and producers personally and regularly visits the factory in Italy to ensure that her high quality standards are maintained. This proximity to production and close relationship with the craftsmen is reflected in the quality of the shoes.

Kathis Shoes is aimed at women who do not want to compromise on style and elegance despite their large shoe size. The brand celebrates femininity in all its facets and offers women with large feet the opportunity to express their individuality and beauty through fashionable, high-quality shoes.

Shoes for tall women - handmade, high-quality and stylish

Kathis Shoes has made it its mission to fulfil the needs of women with large feet and offer them stylish, high-quality shoes. With handmade models from Italy that offer both comfort and elegance, Kathis Shoes has filled a real gap in the market. Anyone looking for plus size shoes that not only look good but are also comfortable and durable is guaranteed to find what they are looking for at Kathis Shoes.