About Us

Welcome to Leavys Shoes, where tradition meets style. Established in 1950, we have proudly served the Limerick community and beyond for over seven decades, offering high-quality footwear with a focus on exceptional customer service.

A Journey of Style, Service, and Community Since 1950

Leavys Shoes was founded by Brian Leavy, a determined young man from Castleblayney, who set out to build a future in a time when opportunities in Ireland were scarce. After growing up helping in his aunt’s hardware store, Brian developed a love for service and community. Babysitting for the owner of a local shoe factory, EJ Connolly, sparked his interest in the footwear industry. Starting out in Connolly’s shoe shop in Dundalk, Brian quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing multiple stores across Dublin during Ireland’s post-war economic boom.

In 1950, Brian sought a fresh start. After considering locations in Athlone, Clonmel, and Limerick, he chose a property on 5 Patrick Street in Limerick. With nothing but determination—and his dog for company—Brian opened the first Leavys Shoes, living in the back room surrounded by shoeboxes. His friend Dominic Duffy later joined him, ensuring Brian had proper lodgings. From these humble beginnings, Leavys Shoes was born.

The Early Days

Shopping for shoes in 1950 was a different experience. Customers didn’t browse shelves as we do today. Instead, they described their needs to the salesperson, who brought out options from the stockroom. This interactive approach shaped our commitment to exceptional customer service, which remains central to Leavys Shoes today. Whether ensuring proper seating for customers or maintaining immaculate window displays, Brian believed in creating a personalised and memorable experience.

Expanding Horizons

As Ireland modernised, so did Leavys Shoes. With a focus on innovation and service, Brian expanded into multiple locations:

• William Street (1960): A bustling hub at the time, this store allowed Brian to sell end-of-line shoes in one of Limerick’s busiest areas. The location’s vibrant foot traffic made it a perfect choice.
• O’Connell Street (1962): After spotting a "For Sale" sign while leaving mass at the Augustinian Church, Brian’s wife Sadie encouraged him to bid on the property. Despite initial hesitation over the record price, the store became one of Leavys Shoes' most successful locations, strategically placed across from the iconic Woolworths at the time.
• Thomas Street (1974): Formerly an RTV Rentals shop, this store was part of Limerick’s booming retail scene in the 1970s, fuelled by growth at Shannon Airport.
• Ennis (1975): Expanding into County Clare, this store marked another milestone, showcasing Brian’s vision to serve the region beyond Limerick.

A Family Tradition

In 1973, Brian’s son Thomas Leavy officially joined the business full-time, bringing fresh energy and global perspective. Thomas travelled to fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and London, sourcing the latest trends to bring back to Ireland. Under his leadership, Leavys Shoes continued to innovate, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary style.

Today, Leavys Shoes remains a proud family-run business. The same values of service, quality, and community that Brian established over 70 years ago continue to guide us as we evolve to meet the needs of modern customers.

Our Commitment to You

At Leavys Shoes, we believe in more than selling shoes—we believe in building connections. Whether you visit us in-store or shop online, our goal is to make every experience memorable. From personalised service to high-quality footwear, we are committed to making you feel at home with Leavys Shoes.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, we remain rooted in the values that have defined us since 1950. Whether expanding our online store or strengthening our community ties, we are excited to step into the future with you. Thank you for being part of our journey.