Our Story - Ildi Middlemiss & Lana Lang Shoes

BUT, BEFORE WE GET INTO THAT...

Lana Lang Shoes is on the move! Just 5 trees south of our Gouger Street store, to 30 Compton Street, Adelaide CBD.  Ildi Middlemiss and her team of expert shoe fitters have converted their warehouse into a retail store, encapsulating Lana Lang's eclectic nature and aesthetic.

NOW, BACK TO THE STORY...

Lana Lang's story all started back in 1986, with a green 'bongo' van where Ildi sold her wears at the Brickworks Market.  Then in 1989 she branched out, moving Lana Lang Shoes to the Adelaide Central Markets.  Located in the south eastern corner, her store became a Central Market icon.  In 2010, seizing the opportunity to expand the business, opening the doors at Gouger Street, where it has served it's customers diligently for the past 15 years.  Now the time has come for Lana Lang to become her own landlord.

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

Ildi Middlemiss launched her business, inspired by her own struggle with sore feet.  She wanted stylish and funky shoes that worked with prescribed orthotics, so she dove deep into the world of foot care.  She became a certified shoe fitter and researched the world of feet, its history and the influence genetics have on the structure and shape - all to help people find shoes that really fit, orthotics or not.  Then, Ildi discovered a new German shoe brand, Birkenstock.  Before Birkenstock were fashionable, when their brand was in its infancy, Ildi recognised their potential and Lana Lang became the first store to import the brand into South Australia.

Over time, Lana Lang Shoes has earned a strong national reputation for expert shoe fitting and superb footwear, with many brands imported directly from Europe.  It’s one of the rare spots in Australia where everyone receives a proper fitting - whether you wear orthotics or just love comfy shoes.  Lang Lang Shoes is all about keeping soles happy and stylish, stocking ranges such as Birkenstock, Ganter, Fidelio, Cabello, Wolky, Jomos, Waldlaufer, Alegria and Klouds.

 

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

AND THE NAME? Well, that’s a tale best shared over a glass of wine, but let’s just say it all began on a wintry Saturday afternoon, surrounded by good food and great friends—just the right setting for a spark of creativity.

As names of iconic women were tossed around, Lois Lane quickly rose to the top of the list—until Ildi discovered it was already taken.  Sticking with the superhero theme, a friend recalled another leading lady from Superman’s past - Lana Lang, his red-haired first love from his Superboy days.

Coincidentally, Ildi happened to have red hair at the time. With a smile and a glint in her eye, Ildi said, “I love it.” And just like that, the name was born!