Stivaleria Savoia is one of the very best shops in Milan for bespoke shoemaking and shirt-making, and it’s also a typical example of the most refined Italian craftsmanship. Unsurprisingly, it has been loved by locals for generations and is one of the most historic boutiques in the city.
The history of Stivaleria Savoia is fascinating. When it started in 1870, it originally produced boots for the officers in the Royal Army and for the Royal Family, and it was located within the barracks of the Savoia Regiment in Milan’s Via Vincenzo Monti. And in case you’re wondering what “Savoia” means, that’s the name of Italy’s Royal Family at the time. And “stivaleria” means “boot-maker/boot-shop”.
The current shop, entirely clad in traditional walnut panelling, was opened in the 1960s. Since 2024, Stivaleria Savoia has been managed by the Giulini family: with their long experience in fashion and shoe retail, they aim to preserve the glorious tradition of Stivaleria Savoia whilst adding innovative elements to keep pace with the changing needs of an evolving market.
But let’s see what you can find in this charming shop, and let’s also see how Stivaleria Savoia collaborates with prestigious names in high-quality Italian craftsmanship. For example, bespoke shoes are entirely hand-made in Riccardo Cianci’s laboratory (Riccardo Cianci is the owner of “Calzoleria Carlino”, a renowned Italian artisanal shoe-making brand). The production process is carried out strictly by hand as illustrated in the photos in this blog post.
Riccardo is the pattern-maker, taking the exact measurements of the customer’s foot, then creating the shape and pattern and finally cutting the leather; then there’s a heeler, two artisans who assemble and hand-stitch the welt and another person who finishes and polishes the shoe.
The whole process is inspired by classic shoemaking techniques (including Norwegian, Tyrolean, cross-stitching and twisted stitching techniques), in order to preserve tradition and in order to do things well, just like they were done in the past. The only changes regard the materials, which are lighter. Production time is around six months from start to finish, aiming at halving it.
In this beautiful shop you can also find bespoke boots for men and women, and also ready to wear shoes from their own Stivaleria Savoia brand in a wide range of colours and styles and created with the finest leathers, as well as a selection of other famous names, such as Sebago, John Lobb and Edward Green.
A bespoke shirt-making service is another feather in the cap of Stivaleria Savoia and it’s divided into two different types of offerings, entrusted to two prestigious expert shirtmakers. The first is Borriello, with a fresh and younger “vibe”, characterised by quality fabric, mother of pearl buttons and hand-finished details. The second is Fray, which uses the best fabric in the world (like Carlo Riva’s) and is perfect for a more classic look.
At Stivaleria Savoia you’ll also find ready-to-wear collections from important brands such as Rota (trousers), Grenfell, Sealup and Valstar (overcoats), Bresciani (socks), Zanone, John Smedley and Fly3 (knitwear), Holliday & Brown and Fermo Fossati (ties) and Alberto Luti (belts).
Last but not least, you’ll find Eight & Bob perfumes (a brand with a charming history dating back to the 1930s ‒ connected with an eccentric aristocrat on the French Riviera ‒ and very much appreciated by John F. Kennedy), and also suspenders made in Italy. In this case as well, quality at its finest.
Stivaleria Savoia
Via Petrarca 7 (on the corner of Via Vincenzo Monti), Milan
Tel +39 02 463424
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
This post was all about Stivaleria Savoia, one of the best shops in Milan that you need to check out if you want to discover the comfort of truly bespoke shoes, boots and shirts.