Landmarks

World's Largest Shoe House

Here is at least one place to get your “kicks” if you are passing through Pennsylvania – the World’s Largest Shoe House!

Standing more than 25 feet tall and 48 feet long, this mammoth boot was originally built in 1948 by Mahlon N. Haines, a famously eccentric local shoe manufacturer, as an extravagant advertising gimmick. The Shoe House was once used to house newlyweds, free of charge, provided they live in a town with a Haines shoe store. Today, guests can explore this behemoth boot’s five stories during a guided tour, retreat to the sole and sample the homemade ice-cream, peruse the shoe-themed gift shop, or visit the museum dedicated of Mr. Haines, “The Shoe Wizard.”

Whether you are a boot buff or not, this quirky York County landmark is a must-see display of devotion and craftsmanship. Although the Shoe House welcomes guests year-round, be sure to call and make an appointment if you are planning a visit in winter or spring (November - May).

After enduring nearly 60 years of harsh Pennsylvania weather the old boot needed a little polish, so on September 26, 2007, Hampton Hotels’ “Save-A-Landmark” program worked to restore the Shoe House to its original glory. Hampton Hotels contributed a grant of almost $20,000 and nearly 15 volunteers from local Hampton properties worked to repair the boot’s stained glass windows and power-clean, prime and paint the house from heel to toe.