Altura JNK Design Director Jennen Ngiau-Keng, founder of Taller Shoes, certainly stumbled upon a niche when he launched his men’s shoe range. So what’s the twist? Find out below…
Tell us about your men’s shoe range.
Altura JNK Design provides a range of men’s shoes known as Taller shoes, which offers men the only designer product of its kind in Australia. This designer footwear is hand crafted and made from quality leather which also gives a hidden height increase of 6-10cm, dependent on the style of choice.
The height-increase lies in the internal build-up of the shoe so the increase is well hidden and looks like any other designer shoe. Not only are many men purchasing my shoe range, but also many women are buying my shoes for their partners so they are able to wear their heels without feeling as though they are towering over their partners.
I’m continuously researching and designing new shoe styles which are on-trend. My regular customers are fashionable and well-dressed; therefore my shoe range meets their needs for stylish designs. These include many dress, boots and casual styles.
Why did you start the range?
My partner, Chloe used to be taller than me when she wore heels. When we went out, I felt like I was being escorted by a bodyguard. Nobody designed height-increasing shoes in Australia, so I decided to create a brand name, eight designs and a website that was easy to remember. I now have a large client-base and over sixty designer styles.
Has your background always been in shoe manufacturing and design?
No. I’m a professional violinist. I’ve toured the world as a classical musician, have won competitions and have performed with orchestras including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Performing as a full-time musician wasn’t for me, so having a shoe business allows me to be more selective with the kind of work I do with my violin. I also have a second business which I equally enjoy. I run a string quartet booking agency which operates Australia-wide. We perform regularly for all events including corporate functions and weddings.
What sort of feedback have you received from your customers?
I am always getting encouraging and positive feedback from my customers of all ages and all over Australia. Customers are very pleased with the quality and design of their shoes and are happy with how comfortable they are and the confidence boost it gives them. Many customers have told me how grateful and appreciative they are that my shoes exist and have come back for their third or fourth pair. Customers that come in for a pair of formal shoes tell me how happy they have been with their purchase that they now want to purchase one of the casual styles as well. I have been thanked for having such prompt delivery when they have purchased shoes from my online store, and of course for giving them a pair of shoes that not only look great but that also provides that extra height they were always after.
Which is your most popular shoe?
It’s hard to say. All the dress designs are very popular, such as the styles Estrada, Busoni and Verdi. Most of our customers like to wear height-increasing dress shoes to work. We’ve also sold thousands of dress shoes to grooms and groomsmen.
Why should the Australian man buy your shoes?
Our shoes are comfortable, stylish and well-made. Most men would be happy with a couple of extra inches in height. Also, women have become professionals at wearing massively high heels, so our shoes help men close the height-gap.
To find out more about Taller, visit their website.
