Stephanie Firth MA BA MSSF

Founder & Bespoke Orthopaedic Shoemaker

Stephanie Firth is a specialist bespoke orthopaedic shoemaker and the founder of Sweetmore & Firth, based in New Mills in the High Peak. She creates bespoke orthopaedic footwear and custom orthotic insoles for people with complex foot shapes, deformities, impairments and mobility challenges.

Stephanie graduated from De Montfort University with a BA in Footwear Design before completing an MA specialising in Bespoke Footwear and Biomechanics, with a particular focus on footwear for prosthetics and amputations. Following her studies, she spent over six years working as a shoemaker before establishing her own independent practice.

Her approach combines traditional shoemaking craftsmanship and hand skills with modern technology, including 3D foot scanning and digital measurement techniques. This allows her to bring together the precision and possibilities of modern technology with the knowledge, skill and judgement developed through traditional bespoke shoemaking.

Alongside her practical shoemaking experience, Stephanie has developed an understanding of biomechanics, gait and the clinical requirements of complex feet, as well as experience within clinical environments including diabetes care, prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Today, Stephanie works closely with clients and healthcare professionals to develop individual footwear and orthotic solutions, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between fit, function, comfort and quality of life.

She is passionate about improving understanding of what bespoke footwear can realistically achieve, and about encouraging closer collaboration between podiatrists and orthopaedic shoemakers to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

Beyond the Prescription: Bespoke Footwear, the Patient Journey and the Power of Collaboration

Bespoke footwear can be a vital part of managing complex foot and lower-limb problems, but knowing when it is appropriate, who is likely to benefit and what can realistically be achieved is just as important as the finished shoe itself.

This presentation will take you behind the scenes of the bespoke footwear journey — from the initial assessment and clinical considerations through to design, manufacture, fitting and follow-up. We will explore the types of patients and conditions where bespoke footwear may be appropriate, when it should be considered, and how footwear can help accommodate, protect and support a challenging foot.

I will also explore the often-overlooked relationship between the podiatrist and orthopaedic shoemaker. Good outcomes depend on communication, shared understanding and collaboration, with each professional bringing their own expertise to the patient’s care.

Using practical experience and real-world examples, the presentation will look at what can realistically be achieved with bespoke footwear, where its limitations lie, and how a collaborative approach can help clinicians and shoemakers work together to achieve better outcomes for patients.