More to do with those with frail egos and a hint of vanity that really serves no purpose in the long run.

They have leatherworking courses and all the equipment and consumables you’ll need to learn to make your own. Amazon, etc can help with finding books for new designs, or other techniques.

As you probably know, Melbourne seems to be the Last Bastion of Student Cordwainers. (Shoemakers!) Perhaps a spot of distance education can be arranged? Youtube can provide many an instructional video.

Ask around at cordwainers, leather workers and cobblers (shoe repair!) stores for anyone willing to lend a learner some experience and a masterclass or two, take a few pictures of successes from your portfolio. If you can find one of those old Italian family businesses, you just might be set!

From left field, you can try looking for medieval recreationalists, ‘medievalists’ or Historically Accurate stuff. Their designs will be a fine starting point for the beginner, they even do craft courses, (it worked for me!) and you can take the product to a cobbler or cordwainer (even a retired one) and learn a thing or two from an old master, as you work to raise it to support your heels and arches, as it’ll already fit perfectly for length and width. (I have wide feet, you’ll be fine!)

Stop buying shoes and start telling wittner, diana ferrari, zomp etc why you won’t be buying their shoes.

all the companies sell the same crappy designs and insist on making them sky high.

i was so happy in europe – they don’t make shoes that high, or if they do, it’s not the majority of choices.

And how much hypocrisy did it take to write this article? Breast implants are ok? A nose job or other face work is ok? A tummy tuck is ok? Cosmetic dentistry is ok? And spending ridiculously large amounts on designer clothes is ok? But surgically remove a toe so shoes fit better is deemed WTF? Obviously the person who wrote this article has perfect feet and no shame.

Although I’m only 44, osteoarthritis in my feet (the same joint that you get bunions on) means I’m restricted to flat and very low heels. My toes don’t bend far enough for me to wear even medium heels.

I do miss heels but I’m trying to like flat shoes – loud socks with maryjane flats is fun.

Another point:
This is comparable to the foot-binding that used to occur in China, which most people consider barbaric. IT was done so little girls would grow up sexy.