Bitter shoemaker makes 'world's largest shoe'

A Hungarian shoemaker who is bitter about the decline of his trade has completed what he claims is the world's biggest shoe.
Jozsef Kovacs, 56, has made a European size 217 men's model with an inside measurement of 145 centimetres - 15 centimetres longer than the current Guinness world record holder.

Mr Kovacs worked for 345 hours over 43 days to craft the leather shoe which he hopes will inspire young people to give his profession a try.
"One of the main reasons I made the shoe was because I was bitter," Kovacs said from his shop in Debrecen.
"Young people are only willing to try their hand at more lucrative professions and the shoemaker's craft is dying out."
The shoe weighs 65 kilograms (143 pounds), and includes 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of glue, 247 copper nails and 87 meters (285 feet) of thread. Kovacs said it cost 500,000 forints (£1,266) to make it.
During a career spanning five decades, Kovacs has made shoes for all ages and sizes, but he specialises in orthopaedic models. He said his shoes have won top prizes in European competitions.
He learned the trade from his father and has passed his knowledge on to the oldest of his three sons, who also makes orthopaedic shoes.
The shoe is currently on display in his hometown. Kovacs said he plans to take the giant shoe to a shoemakers' competition in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2004, but is not sure where it will be stored in the meantime.

Story filed: 14:31 Tuesday 19th March 2002

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