History of Russo

Russo was established 50 years ago in Ribera a small Sicilian town in the province of Argrigento, famous for the valley of the temples and aromatic orange groves.

It's impressive panorama and spectacular ruins date back to the 5th century B.C and are an inspiration for creativity.

Sicily originates from a fusion of cultural arts between Phoenician, Greek, Arabic, Spanish and French influences resulting in an exotic melting pot at the foot of Italy.

The Russo family began by selling Italian motorbikes and scooters but the business split and the shoe empire was born. Carmelo Russo's uncle formed a team of go-cart mechanics.

Carmelo carried on the family shoe business now spanning four generations; he has owned shops in New York and London selling Italian leather shoes, this is where he met his hat designer wife and business partner Janette, originally from Yorkshire. Janette Russo also has a passion for Italian shoes and visits the factory with Carmelo, working closely with Italian designers to produce their personalized range called Russo Italia. They ensure their Italian shoe collection reflects the image of Russo epitomizing Italian chic harmonizing well with latest fashion trends.

Russo also offer a unique specialized handmade wedding service of handcrafted Italian shoes with matching handbags. The factory in Palermo-Sicily can only produce three hundred pairs of shoes a week, taking up to eight weeks delivery for this bespoke service.

A selection of sparkling swarovski splashed evening sandals and Guess handbags and accessories also adorn the glass shiny shelves.

The latest addition to their shoe collection is the GEOX RESPIRA range now rated third in the world for durability, comfort and classical style perfect for work. They have a perforated rubber sole containing a special micro porous membrane that absorbs and expels water vapour without letter water in keeping your feet dry always. Russo also have some handcrafted men's leather shoes for winter by Zenobi, Laura Biagiotti and Lamborghini.

Carmelo and Janette continue discovering new factories, explaining changing shapes and designs and are confident they have their fingers on the pulse regarding style and comfort in shoes, which is what we all want.

Russo Italia stores are situated on Bingley Road, Saltaire and opened in Harrogate last year on Regents Parade. All of their shops reflect their creative personalities – "we simply live, breathe and dream shoes – it's the way of life!"