Our Story - Ildi Middlemiss & Lana Lang Shoes

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

Our New Home in Adelaide CBD

Lana Lang Shoes is now located at 30 Compton Street, Adelaide CBD, just a short walk south of our former Gouger Street store. Our team of expert shoe fitters, led by Ildi Middlemiss, have transformed a former warehouse into a welcoming retail space that reflects Lana Lang Shoes’ unique style, eclectic nature, personality, and dedication to comfort. 

Our Story – From a Green Bongo Van to Adelaide’s Shoe Icon

The journey began in 1986, when Ildi Middlemiss sold shoes from a green Bongo van at the Brickworks Market in Torrensville. By 1989, Lana Lang Shoes had expanded to the Adelaide Central Markets, becoming a local favourite in the south-eastern corner of the market.

In 2010, the business grew further with a move to Gouger Street, serving customers with exceptional footwear and fittings for 15 years. Now, Lana Lang Shoes has its very own retail space, continuing our mission of comfort, style, and expert fitting.

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

Passion, Expertise, and Foot Health

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

Ildi was also the first in South Australia to import Birkenstock, recognising the brand’s potential long before it became a global fashion sensation. Today, Lana Lang Shoes offers an extensive selection of high-quality, comfortable 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 customer

  • Orthotic-Friendly Shoes: Supportive options for foot health

  • European Footwear Brands: Premium quality, stylish, and durable

  • Decades of Experience: Over 30 years of trusted service in Adelaide

Whether you need footwear for daily comfort, foot health, or style, Lana Lang Shoes is Adelaide’s go-to destination for happy, supported feet.

Our Name – A Fun Superhero Story

The name Lana Lang Shoes was inspired by Superman’s first love, Lana Lang, reflecting the store’s playful and creative personality. Coincidentally, Ildi’s red hair at the time perfectly matched the character, making the name a perfect fit—just like our shoes.

 


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

 

Visit Us Today

Come see us at 30 Compton Street, Adelaide CBD, for personalised fittings, expert advice, and a wide selection of orthotic-friendly and stylish footwear. Your feet deserve the best—Lana Lang Shoes delivers comfort, support, and style.