Athens : The Poet Sandal Maker
- RetiredCormac
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
We were last in Athens in Feb 2017. We visited as a family with the kids in toe 😉 and did all the usual touristy things. Jane and I are going back in June 2026, and will take a little more time to rediscover the city at a slower retired pace. I'm looking forward to revisiting the Poet Sandal Maker, whose excellent craftsmanship produced a pair of excellent leather sandals that I still wear today - some 8 years later.
TL;DR
We are heading back to Athens. Whilst there, we will be calling in on the Poet Sandal Maker to get a second pair of sandals made.
The Poet Sandal Maker
First a bit of history - the family sandal making business was first established in 1920 by Georgios Melissinos. In 1955, Giorgios passed the business to his son Stavros. Stavros' handcrafted ancient Greek-style sandals, together with a love of writing poems and plays - proved very popular with the rich and famous, and earned him the name - The Poet Sandal Maker.
Pantelis Melissinos took over the business in 2004.
You can find him here and here;
The Poet Sandal Maker, has made shoes for a long list of famous people, you can check the diverse list on his website. Hand crafted for each customer - you can pick from a number of different designs. I've got a pair of Jeremy Irons - a simple and comfortable design that have stood the test of time. Made from high quality calf leather form Northern Greece they have darkened over time as they have moulded to cradle my feet.
The Sandal Purchase
Visit the shop. These are bespoke sandals, created to fit individual feet - you can't order them online. The purchase is an experience in itself. Measurements are taken - from the heel to the longest toe, over the toe region, and over the instep, and the process of making the sandal starts. Pantelis follows the traditional method - A rubber base and leather upper are bonded together with nails, stitching and glue. The sandals are ready within about 30mins.
Prices
Prices can be found on the website - they've understandably got more expensive since my visit. They are handcrafted traditional sandals that when looked after will last for years. Mine will be 9+ years old when I next visit.
Useful Notes
Opening times - 10:00 to 18:00, closed Sundays & Mondays
Address - 16 Tzireon St, Athens 117 42, Greece
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Athens, don't miss the chance to visit this magical artisan. You will leave not just with beautifully crafted unique and individual sandals but also with some great memories of the city.
Happy travels!
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