About us
Hello, I'm Mehmet Istanbullu, My name is Mehmet, and the art of crafting handmade Yemeni shoes runs through my hands, we have old fashioned little workshop which was opened in the 1950s by my great grandfather Abdülkadir Istanbullu in Gaziantep/Turkey handmade products bazaar. We're registered business in UK as Istanbullu LTD and trading as Istanbullu in UK.
Our Mission
Istanbullu is the old Yemeni shoe culture that has never lost its value over the years and has survived to the present day.
Our first and most important goal is to preserve this value and pass it on to the next generations.
Our second goal is to modernize this old culture with modern motifs in order to be a bridge to the present day.
Yemeni barefoot shoes gained international attention, appearing in major films like Troy and Harry Potter.
We are trying to deliver our handcrafted values to everywhere we can. Thank you very much for your interest!


We Offer:
Our workshop is a haven for handcrafted footwear, where we blend traditional Yemeni techniques with modern design principles. We specialize in barefoot shoes that embrace the natural movement of your feet, offering a unique and comfortable experience. Unlike conventional shoes, our designs prioritize functionality and health, promoting a more natural connection with the ground. Whether you’re seeking the airy comfort of summer sandals or the sturdy support of grounding shoes with copper rivets, we offer a range of styles that cater to your individual needs.
At Istanbullu, every shoe is handmade with love, care. We take pride in using the finest natural materials to create footwear that not only carries a piece of history but also stands the test of time. Our shoes are designed to feel like an extension of you—comfortable, breathable, and full of character.
By choosing Istanbullu, you’re not just wearing a shoe; you’re carrying a story—one that’s been passed down from my grandfather to my father, and now to me.
We offer shoes that take the shape of your feet as you wear them and allow you to feel nature with every step you take.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey.
How we work:
Crafted by Hand: Our shoes start with our Yemeni shoe wizards who stitch and build each pair by hand. It’s all about that personal touch that you just can’t get from a machine.
Eco-Friendly Vibes: We’re all about that green life, so we pick our materials thoughtfully and make sure we’re cool with the planet and our local pals.
Fresh Designs: We dig the classic Yemeni look, but we also mix in some new twists for today’s groove. Our shoes are where old-school charm meets new-school swag.
Frequently asked Questions
All prices shown on our website already have VAT included and will no longer add customs processing fees when the package is delivered if the order value is is under £150. This means there will be no more surprise fees when you’re receiving items.
Our shoes are designed to let your feet move naturally, just like they would if you were walking barefoot. We believe that traditional shoes with heels can disrupt your body’s natural alignment, leading to muscle imbalances and pain. By eliminating the heel, we create a flat platform that allows your feet to connect with the ground in a way that promotes healthy movement and a balanced posture. It’s all about supporting your body’s natural design and enjoying the benefits of a more comfortable and pain-free experience.
We begin by carefully cutting the leather using a specialized press machine, ensuring precise shapes and clean lines. From there, the real artistry begins. Our skilled artisans take over, hand-stitching and molding each piece with their expert touch. This dedication to handcrafting results in a unique and durable shoe that takes approximately four days to complete.
You can track your parcel by clicking this link & entering the tracking number you’ve received by e-mail.
We’re excited to get your new shoes on their way to you! Our shipping team works diligently to process orders quickly and efficiently. Once your order is placed, they’ll typically add a tracking number within a few hours, so you can keep an eye on its journey. Your package will be shipped out the next business day, ensuring you receive your stylish new footwear as soon as possible.
Currently we do accept 30 Day returns. You can see more details by clicking Returns & Refunds page.
You can change it from My Account (Make sure you’ve logged in) > Addresses section. However if you need to change it immidiately please contact us so we can correct your details before shipping out your parcel.
Get in touch with us
We aim to respond within 1-3 Hours
Mon to Sat | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM GMT
Mail address: contact@istanbullu.co.uk
You can contact us through Whatsapp for faster responce.
Registered Address;
Registered as ISTANBULLU LTD trading as Istanbullu
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Company Number: 13676124
Tel: +44 785 978 56 23
Workshop Adress;
Sekeroğlu Mh. Hamdi Kutlar Cd.
Zincirli Bedesten No:18/A
Sahinbey, Gaziantep, Turkey
Tel: +90 505 044 24 57