RON WHITE

Spencer Feature Article RON WHITE

Canada's Celebrated Shoe Designer

By Joseph Edward Schur

Some 40,000 years ago, during the Middle Paleolithic period, according to archeologists, shoes were invented. I'm guessing that they didn't include such adornments as Swarovski® crystals or Dr. Scholl's insoles. And I very much doubt that they were particularly fashionable at the time.

We've come a long way since then.

Meet Ron White, the genius who re-engineered footwear using today's technology. For instance, he uses NASA-created PORON material paired with unique construction materials for making elegant, sophisticated shoes that can be comfortably worn all day. Now that's a far stretch from what our ancestors came up with!

Originally from Winnipeg, Ron moved to Toronto to study retail business management mixed with fashion at Sheridan College in Oakville. Upon graduating, he accepted his first job in the men's shoe department at a Bretton's store.

It wasn't long before someone recognized his potential; a chiropodist offerered Ron an opportunity to run his orthotics store. Not exactly what he was looking for at the time, but it was double the salary he was earning at Brettons. And it proved to be a defining moment that changed his life.

During his two years at the orthotics store he faced a common dilemma in shoe design. Customers would state that the shoes felt great, but they were ugly. That was the opposite of his experience at Brettons where customers would tell him that the shoes looked beautiful but they were uncomfortable.

Then came Ron's "Aha!" moment: Why not combine style with biomechanics?

Taking his knowledge of orthopedic footwear, along with an education in fashion, Ron took an entrepreneurial leap and opened his first store on Yonge Street in mid-town Toronto, near Eglinton. There he specialized in selling stylish, upscale but comfortable shoes from leading designer brands.

Not content with just selling other brands, and with the dream of becoming a designer himself, he decided to produce his own line. Over time, Ron created and patented his incredibly comfortable All Day Heels®. Once he nailed the technology his focus shifted to aesthetics, creating a sophisticated, elegant style. It worked.

Three decades later, Ron White Shoes is an important and highly respected brand in the luxury footwear market. You can find Ron's collections in over 80 stores and boutiques, including Nordstroms and Neiman Marcus. He continues to add to his loyal celebrity following... I won't drop names here, but they include many A-listers, headsof-state and royalty.

Like a true designer who never rests on their laurels, Ron has been busy launching his new handbag collection. In 2019, he started designing and producing luxury handbags to compliment his shoe collections. You can find some examples of his Spring/Summer 2022 collection on page 50.

Just how comfortable are Ron White Shoes? Well, let me tell you! I had recently acquired a pair of Ron's Thaxton black velvet dress shoes (patent piping and blind penny). Super, SUPER classy. I happened to be going to an important event at the Shangri-La Hotel - FGI Visionary Awards! I pulled on the brand new, "never-worn" Thaxtons. Attended said event. Complimented on my shoes, a lot. Then, while waiting forever for an Uber, I decided to just walk home. FIVE MILES. Incredibly, my feet loved the Thaxtons. Seriously, a brand new pair of shoes, never worn or broken in? No blisters the next day? How is that even possible? But I know: Ron White, thank you for your innovative designs!

In closing, I'd like to add: When the Spencer team was at Ron's luxurious Bayview store for his photo shoot (thank you Roger Lamoureux, Jonathan Levy and Paola Ortiz); His amazing staff displayed so much respect and love for him that if I knew nothing else about the man, that would be enough.

Above: Function over fashion? The oldest known leather shoe, recovered at the base of a Chalcolithic pit in the cave of Areni-1, Armenia. No doubt that Ron could make this into something! Photo Credits: Jonathan Levy

RON WHITE

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 FOR HIM

The Ron White Men's collection brings together indulgent leathers, supple suedes and cutting edge comfort technology.

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1) DENZELL CAMO Slip-On Sneaker in Military Camo Embossed Suede. Fully Removable Terry Footbed with Arch Support. Terry Lined. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 2) DANARIUS CAMO Sneaker in Military Camo Embossed Suede. Fully Removable Terry Footbed with Arch Support. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 3) KENNETH SUEDE Penny Loafer in Navy or Buck Cashmere Suede. Unlined. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Ash and Whiskey. 9 4) HENRI Slip-On Loafer in Onyx or Cognac Antiqued Supple Tumbled Calf. Arch Support and Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 5) DANARIUS Sneaker in Camel or Aqua Suede. Fully Removable Terry Footbed with Arch Support. Terry Lined. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Ice Pebble Grain Calf. 6) MACKLAN Sneaker in Military Suede or Ice Calf with Micro ber. Removable Footbed with Arch Support. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 7) MATHEW GATOR Sneaker in Onyx, Army or Carob. Alligator Embossed Calf. Removable Footbed with Arch Support. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 8) BOGART Oxford in Matte Black Calf. Arch Support and Double Padding. True Blake Construction. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 9) BILLY Slip-On Loafer in Matte Black Calf. Arch Support and Double Padding. True Blake Construction. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 10) THURSTON Slip-On in Indigo All-Over Velvet. Patent Piping and Blind Penny. Arch Support and Double Padding. True Blake Construction. Made in Italy. 11) BRONKO Smoking Slipper in Black Gloss Patent and Velvet. Grosgrain Trim. Arch Support and Double Cushioning. True Blake Construction. Made in Italy.

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RON WHITE

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 FOR HER

This elegant and sophisticated collection brings together striking design, luxurious materials and Ron’s unique All Day Heels® technology.

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Spring/Summer 2022 Collection!

Online Web Store | RonWhiteShoes.com CustomerService@RonWhiteShoes.com

1) KAMARA Shoulder Bag in Dove Ruched Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Shoulder Strap. Top Inside Cell Pocket and Zipper Pocket. Made in Italy. Also available in Onyx and Taupe. 2) KALIANN Mule in Dove Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Detail. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Daffodil. 3) MADIERA Circular Crossbody in Nappa with Embroidery on Screen. Double Top Zipper Closure. Made in Italy. Also available in Silver and Platino. 4) CARMELLA Pump in Nappa with Embroidered Screen. Double Padding. Made in Italy. Also available in Platino. 5) MAYLEE PITONE Slip-On Sneaker in Jeans Metallic Embossed Nappa. Ice Nappa Trim and Mirror Welt. Double Padding. Ultralight Wedge Outsole. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Nude. 6) NOVELLA AVANTE Sneaker in Lilac Painted Shimmer Nappa with Nappa Trim and Mirror Welt. Double Padding. Ultralight Wedge Outsole. Made in Italy. Also available in Apricot or Champagne. 7) NOVELLA CAMO Sneaker in Camou age Printed Suede with Nappa Trim and Mirror Welt. Double Padding. Ultralight Wedge Outsole. Made in Italy. 8) NELLAYA CAMO Slip-On Sneaker in Military Printed Suede. Nappa Trim and Mirror Welt. Double Padding. Ultralight Wedge Outsole. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. 9) KAMARA Shoulder Bag in Taupe Ruched Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Shoulder Strap. Top Zipper Closing. Inside Cell Pocket and Zipper Pocket. Made in Italy. Also available in Onyx and Dove. 10) KADESHA Loafer in Taupe Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Detail. Double Padding. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Onyx. 11) KAMARA Shoulder Bag in Onyx Ruched Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Shoulder Strap. Top Zipper Closing. Inside Cell Pocket and Zipper Pocket. Made in Italy. Also available in Dove and Taupe. 12) WENDA Sandal in Onyx Nappa with Matching Enamel Chain Detail. Double Padding. Adjustable Buckle. Asymmetrical Heel. Made in Italy. Also available in Taupe. 13) ABRIALL Sneaker in Lilac Cashmere Suede. Fully Removable Footbed with Arch Support. Functioning Laces with Outside Zipper. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Dove. 14) OPAL Sneaker in Fuchsia or Jeans Calf & Cashmere Suede. Fully Removable Footbed with Arch Support. Functioning Laces with Outside Zipper. Weatherproof. Made in Italy. Also available in Cognac.