Our Story - Ildi Middlemiss & Lana Lang Shoes

About Lana Lang Shoes – Adelaide’s Orthotic-Friendly Footwear Specialists

Our Adelaide CBD Showroom

Lana Lang Shoes is proudly located at 30 Compton Street, Adelaide CBD, just a short walk south of our former Gouger Street store. Led by owner and expert shoe fitter Ildi Middlemiss, our team has transformed our former warehouse into a welcoming retail space that reflects our unique style, eclectic personality, and commitment to comfort and foot health.


Our Story – From a Green Bongo Van to Adelaide Footwear Icon

Lana Lang Shoes began in 1986 when Ildi Middlemiss sold shoes from a green Bongo van at Torrensville’s Brickworks Market. By 1989, we expanded to the Adelaide Central Markets, quickly becoming a local favourite.

In 2010, we moved to Gouger Street, providing exceptional footwear and personalised fittings for the next 15 years. Now, at our Adelaide CBD retail space in Compton Street, we continue our mission: delivering comfort, style, and expert shoe fitting to every customer.

Ildi's Little Green Bongo Van - Brickworks Market, Torrensville


Passion, Expertise & Foot Health

Inspired by her own struggles with sore feet, Ildi became a certified shoe fitter, specialising in orthotic-friendly shoes and comprehensive foot health. She studied foot anatomy, genetics, and footwear history to ensure every customer finds the perfect fit—whether using orthotics or not.

Ildi was also the first in South Australia to import Birkenstock shoes, recognising its potential long before it became a global sensation. Today, Lana Lang Shoes stocks a wide selection of premium comfort footwear from Europe and beyond, including:

Birkenstock, Ganter, Fidelio, Cabello, Wolky, Jomos, Waldlaufer, Alegria and Klouds.

Why Choose Lana Lang Shoes

  • Expert Shoe Fitting: Personalised service for every foot
  • Orthotic-Friendly Footwear: Supportive shoes to enhance foot health
  • Premium European Brands: Stylish, durable, and comfortable shoes
  • Decades of Experience: Trusted Adelaide footwear specialists for over 30 years

Whether you need footwear for daily comfort, foot health, or style, Lana Lang Shoes is Adelaide’s trusted destination for well-fitted, supportive shoes.


Our Name – A Fun Superhero Story

The name Lana Lang Shoes was inspired by Superman’s first love, Lana Lang, reflecting our playful and creative personality. Fun fact: when deciding on a store name, Ildi’s red hair matched the character perfectly—just like our shoes, we’re all about the perfect fit.

Lana Lang works out Clark Kent's secret identity... Superboy!


Visit Us Today

Discover orthotic-friendly, stylish, and comfortable shoes at our Adelaide CBD showroom. Visit 30 Compton Street for personalised fittings, expert advice, and a wide selection of premium footwear. Your feet deserve the best—Lana Lang Shoes delivers comfort, support, and style.