Located at 74 Broad Street in downtown Milford, Arciuolo’s Shoes has built a legacy deeply rooted in family tradition, innovation, and community connection. Established in 1921 by Francesco Arciuolo, an Italian immigrant who opened the original shop on Naugatuck Avenue in Milford’s Walnut Beach neighborhood, Arciuolo’s Shoes represents over a century of craftsmanship, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Early tragedy profoundly shaped the family’s journey. Francesco unexpectedly passed away in 1930 from a heart attack, leaving behind his wife, a young son, and the business he had just begun nurturing. His son, Matthew Arciuolo, only 12 years old at the time, was forced into early adulthood. He stepped forward alongside his mother and uncle to carry on the family business. Despite having only a seventh-grade education, he became widely respected in the community for his intellect. Matt Arciuolo III describes his grandfather as "the smartest man he’s ever met."
The family faced another significant challenge during World War II when Matthew Arciuolo was drafted, serving honorably as a quartermaster. Upon returning home to Milford, he found anti-Italian sentiment affecting businesses and families alike. In response, the Arciuolos temporarily rebranded their shop as The Wildemere Shop, strategically navigating difficult times. When tensions eventually eased, they proudly reclaimed the original Arciuolo’s name.
A pivotal moment of innovation occurred when a customer requested orthotics — an unfamiliar term at the time. Rather than declining due to his lack of knowledge, Matthew confidently agreed, then quickly turned to local library resources to educate himself and fulfill the order. This ingenuity marked a turning point, laying the groundwork for the family’s future specialization in custom orthotics and footwear.
Fast forward several decades, and the Arciuolos remained at the forefront of industry innovation. In the early 2000s, Matthew Arciuolo Jr. formalized his expertise by becoming a certified Pedorthist, an important professional milestone reflecting their specialized skills. Around this period, Arciuolo’s Shoes began integrating cutting-edge digital technologies, pioneering laser-cut orthotics, a groundbreaking advancement at the time. It was during this innovative phase that Matt III began working at the store in sixth grade.
In the late 2000s, an Adidas sales representative visited the store, mentioning that her sister, a member of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team, needed their shoes. After trying and appreciating the custom orthotics, the team's coach approached Matt’s father seeking further enhancements to improve the athletes' speed. Rising to the challenge, the Arciuolos experimented with aerospace-grade carbon fiber insoles designed to act as springboards for athletes. The U.S. team secured an Olympic gold medal in 2010 at Vancouver Winter Olympics, prompting the creation of a new brand, VKTRY, now recognized globally and utilized across numerous professional sports leagues.
Today, tradition and modernity coexist within Arciuolo’s Shoes. Visitors can witness and benefit from the traditional tools passed down through generations, such as a 50-year-old Brannock foot measurer, wooden shoe stretchers, traditional knives, dyes, and an exceptionally durable grinder powered by a repurposed 1938 Westinghouse washing machine motor, custom crafted by the same young man who led the shop during WWII. Matt III humorously noted they “have six backups just in case, but the original has yet to need any servicing or maintenance in nearly 100 years — so we’re set for the next 600.”
Matt III, who currently oversees daily operations alongside his father, is deeply invested in maintaining and strengthening the community ties his family has nurtured over the decades. Inspired by his father's extensive involvement and beloved status within Milford, Matt actively engages in local events, serves as an alderman, and participates in the Downtown Milford Business Association, demonstrating his commitment to sustaining the family's meaningful legacy of community service.
For Matt, the most fulfilling aspect of running Arciuolo’s Shoes transcends community involvement and innovative branding — it lies in the tangible impact his work has on people's lives. Creating customized footwear for individuals facing unique fitting challenges has become a source of immense personal satisfaction. Matt deeply understands that quality footwear can significantly improve someone's daily experience, succinctly stating, “When your feet hurt, everything hurts.”
Arciuolo’s Shoes remains an enduring hallmark of Milford's vibrant community, driven by a genuine passion for their craft. As Matt III articulates, “This was the only thing I ever wanted to do — I never wanted to be an astronaut or a fireman; I've always wanted to do what my dad did.” This sentiment encapsulates the heart of Arciuolo’s Shoes: a passionate, community-centered family of shoeman committed to lasting for generations — at least for another 600 years.
"This ingenuity marked a turning point, laying the groundwork for the family’s future specialization."