When Peter Sheppard first stepped onto the shoe floor at Myer Melbourne in 1961, he couldn’t have imagined that six decades later, he would be reflecting on a life in shoes, and a legacy that has shaped generations of Australian women. With the release of his memoir, So Many Shoes and Only Two Feet, Peter sits down with his daughter, Fiona Sheppard, to share insights into the book, the stories behind it, and what comes next.
In this conversation, Fiona sits down with Peter to reflect on why he chose to write his memoir and what readers, especially long-standing customers, can expect to discover within its pages. Beyond recounting Peter’s extraordinary journey, Fiona highlights how the book is also a testament to the values of integrity, hard work, and service that continue to define the family business today.
Born in Horsham, Victoria in 1943, Peter grew up in a country town where adventure and hardship lived side by side. His childhood was filled with resourceful play on the banks of the Wimmera River, bamboo swords and makeshift rafts serving as symbols of youthful resilience. But beneath the carefree surface, his family endured struggles common in post-war Australia: financial instability, the scars of conflict, and the spectre of family violence.
From an early age, Peter witnessed both hardship and kindness. His mother, resilient and compassionate, often took in children from troubled homes, offering them a place of safety. These formative experiences instilled in Peter a deep sense of empathy and a determination to carve out a better life, qualities that would later underpin his philosophy as a business leader.
Peter’s first job in footwear came almost by accident. In 1961, he began working in the Ladies’ Shoe Department at Myer in Melbourne. It was a far cry from the riverbanks of Horsham, but it sparked a lifelong passion for shoes, people, and the art of fitting. His instinct for design and craftsmanship was matched only by his work ethic, and within a few years he was ready to strike out on his own.
The leap was not without risk. Without financial backing, Peter relied on the generosity of suppliers who offered delayed trading terms, allowing him to open his first shop. From that modest beginning, he built an independent retail business that has become one of Australia’s most respected names in luxury footwear.
Over decades, Peter Sheppard Footwear became known for introducing Australians to the finest shoes from Europe. He travelled tirelessly to Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, seeking out shoemakers renowned for their innovation and quality. Each brand was chosen not just for style, but for its story, its family heritage, craftsmanship, and unique contribution to the art of shoemaking.
But Peter’s legacy extends beyond commerce. His stores in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane were never just about transactions; they were about creating experiences. Customers were treated with care, fittings were personalised, and shoes were presented as wearable works of art.
Peter’s memoir reveals that his life has always been bigger than shoes. From horse racing and breeding, to buying a boat and circumnavigating Australia, to his deep love of gardening and garden design, his story is one of restless curiosity and adventure.
Through all of it, one value remains constant: resilience. Whether in personal struggles, business challenges, or bold pursuits across oceans, Peter’s life exemplifies what it means to keep moving forward, to put one foot in front of the other, quite literally, and keep walking.
In keeping with the values instilled in him during childhood, Peter has pledged that all proceeds from his memoir will be donated to charities supporting women and children affected by family violence. It is a fitting tribute to his mother’s legacy of compassion, and to the countless lives touched by hardship that deserve a path to safety and hope.
So Many Shoes and Only Two Feet is not just the story of a retailer, but of a boy from the bush who became a leader in his field through determination, empathy, and vision. It is also a reminder of the power of resilience, and how a life shaped by challenges can leave an enduring mark on others.
For lovers of shoes, for admirers of Australian business, or for anyone who values a story of grit and grace, this memoir is a must-read.
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