Welcome to W. J. French & Son, the oldest and largest independent shoe shop in Hampshire. W J French & Son is an independent, family run business, which has been trading in Southampton since 1803 and is now in the hands of the eighth generation of the French family. We sell Ladies, men's and children's shoes and have an onsite shoe repair workshop.
We are well known by our many regular customers for our expert and personal service. Many of our members of staff have been with the company for over 20 years and have Society of Shoe fitter qualifications. We are very aware of the importance of fitting shoes and the damage which can be done to feet if shoes are not fitted correctly.
We are well known by our many regular customers for our expert and personal service. Many of our members of staff have been with the company for over 20 years and have Society of Shoe fitter qualifications. We are very aware of the importance of fitting shoes and the damage which can be done to feet if shoes are not fitted correctly.
Services
We offer a wide range of well known, top quality brands and styles in a variety of widths and sizes. Shop from a range of carefully chosen products, from our stylish formal and casual range including, high heels, flats, boots, sandals and slippers We also stock party shoes, occasion shoes and extra comfort shoes.
Reviews (9)
Maurice Hochschild
Dec 29, 2021
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Alice Wratten
Aug 29, 2021
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Emma-Louise Wegman
Aug 16, 2021
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Thankyou SO much. Our fitter was incredible. Very understanding of our daughter's needs (autistic) and coming in the back and having a quiet spot really helped. The lady was so attentive to my children and, unlike our experience elsewhere recently, we had several shoes to choose from and she ensured a proper fit. We came from Poole but will be back! I came to French's as a small child and am so glad my mum recommended I bring my girls here. The whole experience was brilliant start to finish ⭐⭐⭐.
Neil Matthews
Aug 13, 2021
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Darren Ledwich
Aug 10, 2021
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Jan Carrick
Jul 12, 2021
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Megan Streb
May 10, 2021
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My husband bought brogues from them about 13 years ago, and he wore them to his brother's wedding last week. Really quality products. He's worn out MANY MANY other pairs not bought here in the meantime, but these keep going.
There's a reason families queue up outside before school starts--excellent products, excellent customer service, and a beautiful shop.
There's a reason families queue up outside before school starts--excellent products, excellent customer service, and a beautiful shop.
Kerry W.
Apr 16, 2021
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French & Son did an excellent repair to my worn down moulded-sole Ecco boots and brought new life to perfectly good leather uppers. This was done by post and they were highly efficient. All email and phone communications with them were pleasant and helpful. Would return to them and highly recommend.
James Rostance
Jul 07, 2020
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Five star traditional service... I had my shoes re-soled middle of last year, I don't wear that particular pair all that often and the repair needed some attention.
When I popped in just now, Roy the manager was at the front desk and straight away he insisted they re-do the work at no charge.
It was only a minor thing that needed adjusting but I could tell that it was a matter of principle that he wanted to make sure it was put right immediately.
It's rare to find shops who clearly care about the service they deliver and how they look after their customers. Thank you.
When I popped in just now, Roy the manager was at the front desk and straight away he insisted they re-do the work at no charge.
It was only a minor thing that needed adjusting but I could tell that it was a matter of principle that he wanted to make sure it was put right immediately.
It's rare to find shops who clearly care about the service they deliver and how they look after their customers. Thank you.
