Pierre Corthay’s craft journey started in 1979 when he joined the ranks of the French Compagnons du Devoir in shoemaking. After touring France for a year to complete his apprenticeship and perfecting his craft with renowned shoemakers, Pierre established Maison Corthay in the heart of Paris in 1990, at the age of 27. In 2008 he was distinguished as a Maître d’art in bootmaking, and remains to this day the only one to hold this title in France.

Maison Corthay has since established its reputation and attracted a worldwide clientele. With shops all over the world, the atelier of the Maison remains in France under its founder’s supervision, eager to ensure transmission of excellence and savoir-faire. Bespoke shoes are created here as part of a process of listening to the customer and figuring out what they are looking for; this interaction is what Pierre considers one of the keys to an incredible result. Only through such careful listening and understanding can excellence be made.