About

Our shoes are modern classics. They’re an addiction. They are truly forever timeless.— Paul Mayer
Paul Mayer Photo

Paul fell into the shoe industry as a young adult working for Charles Jourdan, France’s most famous bottier at the time. He went on to Pancaldi in Bologna, Italy where he was able to gain experience with designer greats Manolo Blanhik and Walter Steiger. They inspired him to start his first eponymous line in 1981. Since then he’s been designing shoes that help women look and feel special.  "I want women to feel pretty, feminine and comfortable in my shoes".

Paul Mayer Second Photo

His design talents came naturally having been exposed to the fashion runways of Europe as a child. He learned the technical side of shoemaking while working closely with factories in Italy, Spain, Brazil and the U.S. He’s created popular collections of handbags, light luggage and even a line of special sleepwear. His shoes have been exhibited in museums and featured in books and calendars such as the best selling "Shoes" by Linda O’Keefe. Not always able to incorporate all his ideas in his own collections he has contributed designs to Steve Madden, Enzo Angiolini, Gloria Vanderbilt and Amalfi to name a few.

In 2004 Paul and longtime partner Jeff Levy conceived a new line of footwear combining fashion and comfort. They set out to create the comfort of a sneaker in fashion shoes. A comfort shoe that didn’t look like a comfort shoe. Pretty, feminine and a little bit sexy too, but always very light and comfortable. It was also important to offer style and material selections that could be worn any time, any place or for any occasion. All depending on your Attitude that day.

Paul Mayer Third Image

Working with the technicians and factory in Spain where they’ve made their shoes for the last 20 years they set out to develop something new. Not just a line or collection of flats, ballerinas and low heels, but a product. A product because of the many special built-in comfort features, extra attention to fit and the outstanding quality. Also it’s because our best selling styles and colors will still be available next season. And the season after. We constantly introduce new styles and colors but your favorites will be around until we see that you no longer want them.

Paul was a pioneer presenting high-end fashion flats when fashion meant high heels. He was also one of the first to fully pad his insoles and to offer lightweight and flexible rubber compound soles on dressy footwear. Now we’ve also replaced the stiff heel-counter with a functioning cord that runs through the entire top line. The fit can be adjusted by gently pulling or loosening the cord and making a new bow.

Both Paul and Jeff were also convinced that women would come back for more if they were happy with their first pair. They were right. Many women replace their favorites when they eventually wear out. Others buy more color combinations in their favorite styles. Paul’s met women who own 10, 15, 20 pair or more! They really are an addiction!

Paul has always been known to use the finest materials in his shoes. Supple nappas, the richest suedes, soft, not stiff patent leathers. There’s life-like embossed reptiles and animal prints. Glamorous, sparkling fabrics, leathers and mesh are offered for special occasion dressing. Seasonal offerings include all the fashion-right colors and textures. Our shoes are available in hundreds of different color combinations.

Paul believes that good fashion is timeless and his shoes reflect that belief. He also thinks great shoes should look just as good paired with denim slacks as with a skirt or a dress. Paul’s shoes are truly dress-casual. "My shoes go well with most women’s entire wardrobe. They dress-up or dress-down. They also travel better than any shoes you’ve ever owned" he says.

The Paul Mayer/Attitudes woman is from 8 to 98 and everything in-between. She’s confident and always fashionable. She makes her fashion investments wisely. She’s in-fashion, not trendy. She knows what we mean when we say our shoes are "forever timeless".