1962

In September 1962. Peter Mercer, the manager of the shoe department of Gamages department store in Holborn. replied to an advertisement in the paper for the Manager position in a shoe shop in the nearby city of St Albans. Located at 18 London Road, "Top Footwear for Men" was one of the first Men's only shoe shops to come to the high street, supplying high quality and fashionable shoes to men of all ages. It was when this first store opened on the 10th October that the SOLETRADER journey began.

'63

Service with a Smile

Top Footwear for Men's reputation was built on honest advice and personal service delivered with a smile. Even "The Big Freeze" of 1963 couldn't hinder Peter Mercer's dedication to his store and customers. After waking up to roads covered with snow 1 foot deep one bitter day in January, Peter Mercer walked 8 miles from his home in Borehamwood to St Albans to open the store to provide customers with boots and wellingtons.

Mods & Rockers & the Beatle Boot

In the early 60's, "Mods" clashed with Rockers. Mods wore sharp suits, rode Italian scooters and were driven by a desire to demonstrate good taste and style. Top Footwear for Men specialised in the iconic Beatle Boot during this time, with its sharp tailoring and high quality finish appealing to the minimalistic Mod style.

'64