In a compact 4×8 square feet corner of the historic Chandra Mahal in Marine Lines, Mumbai, a 91-year-old shoe shop is walking a delicate tightrope between preserving its rich heritage and ensuring its survival in a rapidly evolving market. Tucked inside the 118-year-old building, Mane Shoe Mart continues to uphold its legacy of crafting handcrafted leather footwear, even as shifting consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce reshape the city's retail landscape.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Established in 1935 by Rajaram Bala Mane, a native of Karar in Satara district, Maharashtra, Mane Shoe Mart was founded alongside his brothers in the bustling neighbourhood of Marine Lines. The strategic location was chosen due to the presence of a tram route and the popular Parsi Dairy Farm nearby, which attracted heavy foot traffic and crowds to the area. In its prime, the tiny shop was bustling with activity, occupied by six individuals, including the three brothers and three skilled artisans, all working together to manufacture and sell custom leather shoes tailored to client specifications.
The Craftsmanship and Clientele
During its heyday, Mane Shoe Mart was a go-to destination for the local merchants and Parsi population residing along Shamaldas Gandhi Marg. The shop specialized in creating handcrafted leather shoes from scratch, with almost every step of the process done manually, except for some machine-assisted stitching. Ankush Mane, the 47-year-old third-generation proprietor, recalls, "There used to be a certain craze for handcrafted leather shoes in those times. We would procure different types of leather, such as goat skin for the top layer and buffalo leather for the bottom, from outside Mumbai to meet the specific needs of our discerning clients."
The clientele extended beyond the Parsi community to include artists, merchants, and businessmen from neighbouring areas like Walkeshwar, Napean Sea Road, and Marine Drive, all seeking high-quality, custom footwear.
Adapting to Changing Times
Today, Mane Shoe Mart operates with just one artisan, Mohfeed, who continues to cater to a loyal but dwindling clientele. Ankush Mane took over the business in 2005 after his father's demise and has witnessed a significant decline in demand for handcrafted leather shoes. "Some people have a hobby for collecting special shoes, but most fail to even distinguish between real and faux leather. Nowadays, only those with a penchant for leather shoes wear them, as many prefer lightweight alternatives due to the heaviness and expense of leather footwear," he explains.
To adapt, the shop now stocks artificial leather shoes and slippers to cater to the demand for cheaper, lighter options. However, they remain committed to their specialty, with handcrafted leather shoes priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,500, depending on the leather quality.
The Artisan's Touch
Mohfeed, the sole craftsman, emphasizes the meticulous process involved in creating each pair. "A to Z saara kaarigari ka kaam hum hi karte hai (From scratch to end, the entire craftwork is done by me). It takes at least 3 to 4 days to manufacture one pair, starting with design cutting, measurement, making the top layer, designing the leather, and finishing the bottom layer," he says, highlighting the shop's dedication to quality and customization, including a range of colors from tan to olive.
Sustaining Legacy Amid Modern Challenges
Despite the convenience of e-commerce and quick-delivery sites, Mane Shoe Mart continues to retain its legacy through a loyal customer base. Ankush notes, "While we cater to office goers in the area, we are sustained by our most loyal clients who have been visiting for decades from nearby localities like Lohar Chawl and Dawa Bazaar. Among some, the craze for leather shoes still persists."
This story, originally reported by Nayonika Bose, a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, showcases the resilience of traditional businesses in the face of modernization, blending historical significance with contemporary survival strategies.
