Wootten

Attraction
Jess Wootten and Krystina Menegazzo
Selecting leathers and hardware in the Gordon Boot
The range of Jack Gusset Boots handmade in Ballarat
The Gordon Boot Original - handmade in Ballarat
Wootten specialise in hand-dyeing leathers for boot production
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Gallery showing 5 of 10 images, 5 more available

About

Wootten was founded in Adelaide's iconic Jam Factory arts collective in the mid 1970s surrounded by Australia’s leading craft practitioners. The generational tradition of handcrafting boots and leather goods continues from their repurposed World War 2 munitions workshop in the historic city of Ballarat.

Ballarat has a long and proud history of bootmaking. James Oliver established Oliver and Steven’s Boot Factory in 1887. Their boots were engineered to withstand harsh conditions and became popular among miners and farmers.

Cycle forward and the now iconic large retailer River’s began as Paddle Bros, making high quality shoes for routine Ballarat shoppers throughout the 20th century. Generations of Ballarat locals have since been employed in the industry.

Wootten carries on this tradition. Operating out of the Gun Cotton Warehouse district, the small team of highly skilled and expert leather craftspeople produce handmade boots, shoes, belts, leather aprons and bags by the batch.

Visit the Wootten workshop and showroom for a view into a working boot factory, and let the makers assist you with selecting a pair of boots to be worn for generations.

In a nod to the site’s former history as a General Store, Wootten have curated a selection high quality crafts and wares. The range focuses on local makers with expertise in apparel, woven textiles, ceramics and decorative arts.

Hours

See listed hours

Facilities and visitor features

4 features
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Reviews & Ratings

Andrew S

Andrew S

Google review

I first heard about Wootten in 2019, I believe. I’d actually planned on having a custom pair of Gordon boots made, but then covid… really stopped me from coming to Australia and Melbourne for a while. fast forward to the end of 2022 and I actually was in Australia and Melbourne. I finally was able to visit Wootten and had an appointment to have boots made. Grace helped me in the store and was incredibly nice, helpful, and patient. I took a long time deciding on colors and materials, but I bought a pair of boots and loved them. Since then I think I’ve had 2 pairs of boots made, purchased one pair that was on clearance, and I’ve bought a belt, an attache bag of sorts for my wife, and even some baby booties. One pair of the boots that I had made I wear daily to work, and even though I’d been warned the kangaroo leather requires extra care, and can dry and crack, etc. I knew I really wanted kangaroo, so I ordered them anyway. I will say after several years of use at this point including winters in snow and salt, walking in hydraulic fluid, etc. they’ve held up very nicely especially if you take the time to take care of them. The kangaroo leather has such unique grains and texture, and shines beautifully, as well. And they’re a very nice pair to show off to everyone at work with their RMs. I really can’t recommend Wootten enough for shoe and leather needs. Krystina and Grace are fantastic and very helpful!

Where you'll be

Shed 1, 20 Elizabeth Street

Delacombe VIC 3356