ABOUT BAY LANE
THE BAY LANE STORY
90 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN BAY LANE
Bay Lane is a small, unassuming set of stairs and pathway that takes you to the stunning Gunnamatta Bay , Cronulla, in Sydney’s south.
It’s here, way back in the 1950’s, Mr Charles Whitbread Snr decided to bring up his growing family, buying land on either side of the laneway. Despite the area being all but a small holiday village, only reachable by boat , Whitbread saw an opportunity to help secure his families future. Since that time, 3 more generations were able to enjoy the surrounds of Bay Lane, all thanks to his ‘ Have a go ‘ attitude and love of family.
You see, ‘Family’ is engrained in Bay Lane Footwear’s DNA. The Whitbread family has been involved in all aspects of the Footwear Industry in Australia for over 90 years. Some 4 generations of retail, wholesale and manufacturing experience , plus a dash of that ‘Have a go’ spirit has culminated into the creation of Bay Lane in 2019.
Our goal is to develop super comfortable, on trend and affordable shoes that effortlessly takes you through the day and well into the night. Proudly Australian owned, Bay Lane Footwear has harnessed 90 years of family footwear experience to provide todays discerning customer with a range to suit most professions, lifestyles and most importantly budgets.
You see, Bay Lane takes care of all the little things……….Added fittings, hard wearing outsoles that grip, functional adjustments, premium rebound latex under our luxurious leather wrapped insoles, all working together to keep both you and your feet comfortable and healthy.
So whether you’re in the office, on your feet all day teaching or running around with the kids and grandkids like members of our family, we’re sure you’ll find a pair of Bay Lane to suit. So common, come TAKE A WALK DOWN BAY LANE with us.
OUR BRANDS
Whether its work by day, cocktails at night, or just chasing after the kids and grandkids, Bay Lane has a style fit your lifestyle.
‘Comfort with style’ just isn’t enough anymore, over 90 years of family footwear experience has taught us that. Bay Lane offers so much more to our discerning customers. More colour, more eye-catching trims and easier fittings have all been added to our already super comfortable, value-driven styles.
Our footbeds use some of the best rebound latex available on the market, wrapped in premium leathers, helping to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Whether its work by day, cocktails at night, or just chasing after the kids and grandkids, Bay Lane has a style fit your lifestyle.
So please join our family and “TAKE A WALK DOWN BAY LANE” with us.
Whether you’re working hard or playing hard, Bay Lane ‘ MULTI FIT SERIES’ sneakers and casuals have a style that will not only provide superior support and fit to your feet, they will also fit your budget!
Our luxe leather or breathable mesh MULTI FIT SERIES styles allow you to choose the fit you need.
Each quality made pair comes with two removable insoles:
- Our supple leather-topped functional insole with a raised heel and arch support provide all-day comfort for those on the go all day like busy teachers and hospitality workers.
- Our breathable mesh sports insole is machine washable. Ideal for the sportier types and those who don’t like the ‘lumps and bumps’ under their feet.
Best of all, MULTI FIT SERIES sneakers are designed to fit your own orthotics too!
We understand that now more than ever, our customers are demanding value for money. Traditionally, Bay Lane courts, flats and heels for work and play have been produced using a high-grade synthetic material, synthetic lining and our high-density latex leather footbeds.
With the success of our leather ‘Multi Fit Series’ sneakers, we have decided to incorporate the same material into our corporate range. Our new BAY LANE LEATHER collection presents an exciting range of styles aimed for everyday wear at work.
Leather upper, leather lining and our supporting, comfortable full leather footbed at the Bay Lane price points you have come to know and love.
ABOUT THE OWNERS
CARL WHITBREAD
You could argue Carl has been a part of the ‘Shoe Industry’ in Australia all his life. With 3 generations in the trade before him, what choice did he have? He dusted displays and vacuumed floors in his father’s shoe store as a 7 yr. old and progressed to serving customers in school holidays through his teens.
Taking a wealth of family retail experience with him, he was fortunate to gain employment in wholesale and receive a ‘footwear development apprenticeship’ from some of the legends of the trade. Many whom he still confides in today.
Now married with 4 young children, he started Bay Lane Footwear to share his family’s vast experience and knowledge with customers as well as laying the foundations for another 3 generations of family to follow in his footsteps.
Hoping you will ‘Take a walk down Bay Lane’ with us soon.
PAUL THOMPSON
Paul has been involved in the footwear wholesale industry for over 18 years and brings a wealth of business acumen to the company. His experience in wholesaling, logistics, warehousing and finance have proven to be critical to the success of Bay Lane.
He worked alongside Carl for more than 12 years prior to Bay Lane and felt by joining forces to build a comfort shoe brand was the next step in the journey as friends and colleagues.
He has aways been passionate about building business and the Bay Lane brand is a testament to the hard work and synergy that exists between the brand, its customers, and its owners.