About Us
In 1957 Gordon and Pat Mathews opened a shoe shop in Purewell - G & P Mathews, 'Distinctive Footwear'. We have two shops, one in the Christchurch High Street and the other in New Milton with car parks situated close by.
Although many considered this a risky venture the business flourished. In 1971 they moved from the out of town location and purchased a premises in the heart of Christchurch High Street. The new shop was renamed Mathews Shoe Centre. With emphasis still very much about service, fit and comfort, their middle son Tony joined them after working as Manager with Lotus Shoes and Debenhams. Guy, the youngest son was soon to follow after gaining valuable experience in Business Studies, Estate Agency and playing the drums in a Country and Western Band!
The Family Partnership drove their business forward and in 1986 they opened one of the first Children's only Footwear outlets in the Country. With conscientious, experienced and trained staff Mathews was the place to go for expert attention and a superb choice of footwear with many of the leading brands being stocked. Further expansion took place in 1989 when they opened another branch in New Milton making 'Mathews' one of the strongest Independent Footwear Retailers on the South Coast. Tony's children Sally and Paul, have been involved in the continued success of the business for many years now. Paul specialising and managing the Childrens footwear area of the business and Sally, utilising on her previous experience as Manager of Clarks shops, with buying, displays and Sales.
In 2018, we incorporated a super childrens department into the newly fitted Christchurch shop. Mathews Shoes continues to boast excellent service, a large stock of quality footwear and a wealth of knowledge. The Mathews family recognise the importance of correctly fitted footwear, hence are all members of the Society of Shoe Fitters. We look forward to welcoming you to our stores for many more years to come.
What our clients say
Helen Jenkins
Nothing too much troubleWow! Some of the most patient people I have every met. Nothing was too much trouble. As someone with arthritis in her knees and ankles and metal pins in my feet comfy and supportive shoes are hard to find. No more struggling online. This is my go to shop for shoes!
Steve Campbell
Excellent knowledge for Kids shoesStaff have excellent knowledge of shoes for kids, always go here every summer to fit out kids in new shoes for school. You can book a fitting appointment online to ensure you get a day and time that works for you.
Mike Rye
Fantastic customer careA great and long established family shoe shop where you're made to feel valued as a customer by the combination of fantastic customer care and proper service from people who really know their products. A real mainstay of the High Street. I can't wait for lock down to finish!
Stephanie Meyrick
Very helpfulAlways very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff with a great range of different styles which are great quality. Yes, some are more expensive however you get great quality which means they last well, look great and more importantly great for your feet.
Stuart Hulbert
Amazing kids shoe shopAmazing kids shoe shop. Our children love it. Staff very helpful and friendly, range of shoes is excellent and there is a small room with a train to play in.
Diana Nuca
Beautiful Leather ModelsGreat shoes! So many beautiful leather models, took a long time to decide which one to get. Staff - very nice, very helpful, showed me all I wanted, even phoned another branch to see if they could get my size as it's very small. As soon as I tried my favorite pair, I couldn't take them off, I actually left wearing them, so nice and comfy, I know they were a great buy and I'll be wearing them all winter long! 5 Stars!
Mathews Shoes - Christchurch
19 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 1AB
Open 7 days a week
Mathews Shoes - New Milton
18 Station Road, New Milton, Hampshire. BH25 6JX
Closed on Sundays