Welcome to Thistle Shoes
Manufactures & Purveyors of Quality Footwear
Thistle shoes are a division of AE Struthers which is a family owned business that was founded in 1984. If it’s looking your best on your wedding day, marching with the massed pipes and drums or just dancing away, we have you covered. We have always been in shoes, successfully manufacturing and selling Highland Dance pumps, Gents shoes, Ghillie Brogues and most recently, Irish Dance shoes under our brand Ryan & O’Donnell. Our products are widely available from retailers throughout Great Britain, around the world or by contacting us directly.
CURRENT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE AT THISTLE SHOES:
We have currently paused our manufacturing in highland dancing pumps due to the current COVID restrictions we hope to resume this later in February 2021. We are still processing orders and responding to enquiries but we cannot offer shoe appointments or fittings. If we are out of stock of the size and style you want we will contact you. We are currently fully stocked in our ghillie brogues and gents shoes. These are difficult times for everyone and we want to do our best to keep everyone as safe as possible and limit the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible.
Piper Brogues
Our piper collection has been developed in conjunction with world class pipers for lasting comfort and maximum durability.
→ Piper Brogues
Ghillie Brogues
Thistle makes ghillie brogues today as they have always been made. Tough as nails but with a heart of gold.
→ Ghillie Brogues
Highland Dance
Our dancing range is 100% hand crafted in Scotland and our manufacturing division has over 30 years experience.
→ Highland Dance
Country Dance
Every pair of our dance shoes includes a Noene shock absorber to help prevent injuries.
→ Country Dance
Download the 2014 Brochure
Simply click on the link below to download our latest catalog:
→ Brochure download
Time-tested shoemaking craftsman
Thistle shoes are made with the skills and crafts of old. We use the finest leathers that we can find for durability, flexibility and, of course, smartness. We stitch the soles to the uppers and use brass nails on the heels. There are faster and easier ways to make shoes but this is the way we find the best.
With a wee nod to modern technology
We use old crafts, indeed, but never let it be said that we’re shy of using modern technology. Not a bit. Tucked away in the sole of most of our shoes is a shock-absorber insole to provide maximum confort. You may not see it but, most pleasantly we think, you will notice it.
