Months before departing on our trip, I knew one of my stops in Athens would be Melissinos Sandal Shop. I also knew that Scott would be bored out of his mind there, so I would have to either go without him, or make it a short stop – no matter how accommodating Scott was trying to be. As it turned out, being husbandless that first morning gave me the perfect opportunity to stroll Plaka in the direction of Melissinos.
Thankfully, it was easy to find, just north of Ermou street (prime shopping street) on Agias Theklas. There is even a poster on Ermou on the corner, if you are looking for it:
As I arrived, the shop was just opening up, with one man still setting up the outdoor displays. Even entering the store only minutes after opening, there was already a party of 4 people trying on sandals, and by the time I left two more groups had entered. Further, this is not a large shop. At all. I can see where it can get quite crowded, quite quickly, so coming at an ‘off’ time isn’t a bad idea. As of this writing, the store hours are 10am-8pm every day, so take that into consideration.
So, probably a question is, what’s the big deal? Why did I want to come here? Why do so many do so? A lot of it is for the history of the shop and the person of Melissinos. Pantelis Melissinos’ grandfather, Georgios, started his shoe business in 1920 and ever since, the Melissinos sandals have been purchased and worn by an impressive Who’s Who. The list includes Jackie Onassis, Anthony Quinn, Garry Cooper, Sophia Loren, Barbara Streisand, Lily Tomlin, the Beatles, and the Queen of Spain. Articles have been written in ladies magazines including the German Petra, Italian Panorama, and French Glamour about the traditional sandal-making technique of Melissinos’ shop. So, that’s pretty cool, and in my book worth a peak.
In addition to that, Pantelis Melissinos, who currently runs the store, is indeed a poet and writer. His work “Bacchus” is a modern Greek comedy that played for 2 years in Athens. Pantelis father, Stavros, is a published poet, and books of his are tucked onto shelves in the shop.
If all this was true, but the sandals themselves fell apart quickly or were really uncomfortable, the shop wouldn’t be worth much of a mention. But the seemingly insubstantial sandals are surprisingly comfortable. I generally gravitate toward sandals such as Clarks – with thick rubber soles and contoured brushed leather insoles. These sandals have flat, thin leather soles, but they held up to walking distances quite well. I wouldn’t do it all day every day (I’m old, I need support) but they worked very well in a rotation of sandals I used after my “broken in” canvas shoes started giving me nasty blisters.
There are a couple dozen styles of sandals in the shop, and you can ask for different sizes and styles and try on whatever you want. I was able to tell the man helping customers that I wore a “US size 9” and he pulled the equivalent size down for me with no problem. Do try on. The pair my eye was immediately drawn to was not the pair that I liked the look of the most on my feet! In addition, the sandals are not completely finished when you are trying them on. So, if you have the right size/style, but just need a certain strap to be a bit more tight or loose, that adjustment can be easily made to fit your foot. Once it works right on your foot, Pantelis is there to tap in the last nails, finishing the sandal. All this and my sandals were less than 40 euro. (Note: these nails will turn black and that color will stain your foot and the surrounding leather, but a quick coat of clear nail polish will prevent that from happening.)
While I wanted the classic blonde leather for my sandal, there are a number of fun options also, like red, or silver, or even prints. You will probably have to have these made special in your size, however when I inquired about this I was told they could do so have the sandals ready by that evening.
On my third day in Athens my feet were incredibly sore from some blisters I had gotten from the canvas shoes I had planned on wearing nearly daily. I had broken them in (so I thought) before the trip – but they couldn’t hold up to the amount of walking I was doing. So I slipped on my Melissinos, and was able to comfortably walk around all that day.
All in all, I was very satisfied. The shop itself, small as it is, is an experience for the senses. The history is fascinating and unique. And the sandals are practical and fun. Even with all of this, they were surprisingly affordable. Very happy with this stop, memory and souvenir.
Check out the shop’s website <<<HERE>>>
The Shop’s Facebook Page <<<HERE>>>
[…] The shop was easily found, having a fairly big poster on the side of the building where I needed to turn off onto the cross street. I ducked into the shop as they were opening, still putting sandal displays up outside the shop, and I wasn’t the first in. Another trio was already inside trying on. It took a few minutes of taking it all in before I could examine the wall display and choose a couple of styles to try on. The sandals that turned out to be the most comfortable weren’t the ones I thought I would like, but I went with what made my feet happy, and Melissinos finished off the sandal to my fit on the spot, I paid him, and was on with my wander tour. More about Melissinos can be found HERE. […]
[…] For a more in depth look at the shop and history, see our post about Melissinos Shop. […]
They look lovely! Such an interesting holiday buy for Athens! We will be there in a few weeks – Ill look out for the shop!
Wonderful, you really should check it out. I’m still wearing mine at home, regularly. The natural leather color is a great neutral, so they are easy to throw on for daily running around. 😀 Have a great time in Athens, and check out https://wandertoes.com/2017/05/31/plaka-map-of-top-things-to-do/ for some more inspiration!
Wow what a big and long history from one little shop! The scandals look great and comfort is key haha
I thought the same thing when I stumbled upon information about it before going to Athens. A roll call of the rich and famous have shopped here! Fun stuff, and it makes for a great memory of Athens.
I’ll definitely check it out when I venture to Athens! Happy Travels 🙂
This is totally cool that he makes sandals right in front of you. The story looks cuper cute and cozy and your sandals look fantastic. I would be satisfied too 🙂
They really wound up being my go-to sandal for our walking around – thank goodness! I was totally disappointed in the canvas shoes I brought with me.
If I’m ever in Athens I’m definitely setting some $$ aside for this!! Great post!
Absolutely worth it, and very reasonable $$ wise!
I have been to Athens so many times, but never heard of this sandal shop. I need to go! I have bought Greek sandals from other Greek islands, that were fantastic. Next time!
I wish I had known about this when I was last in Athens. I have a serious shoe addition! Good excuse to plan another trip right?
Oh, I back you 100% on returning to Athens. In fact, I’ll come with you! 😃
This sounds pretty cool. I’d never heard of this shop before, but it seems like it’s worth checking out. I have a terrible time finding comfy sandals so I love the idea of having them custom fit to my feet.
Oh wow I’ve never heard of this shop. What a great stop off when in Athens and such history too. The sandals are ace, what a lovely souvenir of your time there.
This is something I would do. I love to support local and traditional businesses. What a great souvenir you’ve got! Safe travels.
OMG How did I NOT know about this?! I love unique gifts when traveling. Definitely going to look for it next time I go to Greece.
[…] For a more in depth look at the shop and history, see our post about Melissinos Shop. […]