Who We Are & How We Got Here: The Story of T.U.K. ShoesT.U.K. Shoes has been creating unique footwear for individuals with bold, eclectic tastes for over 25 years. Founded by Ian White, who moved from Northampton, England—a town with a rich shoemaking heritage—to San Diego, California in 1990, the brand was born at the intersection of traditional British craftsmanship and Southern California’s vibrant punk scene.Coming from a family that had been making shoes since the 1890s, Ian brought a deep understanding of quality and design. Inspired by the rebellious energy of punk rock, he launched T.U.K. in 1991, opening the brand’s first retail store that same year. What started locally soon grew into a globally recognized name.While T.U.K. offers everything from high heels to sneakers, the creeper remains our most iconic style. Its history is as rich as its design: originally developed during WWII with thick crepe rubber soles to help soldiers navigate desert terrain, the style later became a symbol of subcultural identity—worn by Teddy Boys in post-war England and later adopted by punk and alternative scenes worldwide.Today, T.U.K. continues to celebrate self-expression and subcultural style, blending English heritage with West Coast attitude. We’re proud to craft shoes for those who step outside the lines—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
