From Banking to Shoes: The Story of Vincenzo Battaglia

The story of Battaglia Footwear begins in an unexpected place: international banking.

Vincenzo Battaglia began his career in the International Department at First National Bank of Chicago. After two years, he returned to school and earned a master’s degree in economics and international studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Soon afterward, Vincenzo joined Bank of Montreal and moved to Montreal, where he lived and worked for more than four years. He was later transferred back to Chicago, joining the bank’s office that focused exclusively on syndicated loans for multinational corporations.

After another four years in Chicago, the bank planned to transfer Vincenzo to San Francisco. Rather than make another move within banking, he decided it was time to pursue a very different path and returned to Italy.

Once there, Vincenzo began exploring opportunities in the fashion and footwear industry, something he had long wanted to do. He attended fashion exhibitions in Milan and Bologna, where he developed strong relationships with artisans and leather suppliers working with renowned Italian and French designers.

Those relationships became the foundation for Battaglia Footwear.

Working closely with Italian artisans, Vincenzo began developing a collection of shoes and leather goods designed to appeal to the American market. His vision was to offer high-quality Italian footwear with distinctive styles that were not necessarily available in the United States, while remaining somewhat more accessible in price than many traditional luxury brands.

Chicago became the base for introducing the Battaglia Footwear collection. Vincenzo opened a showroom at the Chicago Apparel Center and eventually expanded the brand’s reach through representatives in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas.

Within three years, Battaglia Footwear had built strong relationships with boutique clients across the country. Vincenzo then saw an opportunity to establish a retail presence in Chicago for discerning women and men who appreciated elegant, distinctive fashion.

A more than 2,000-square-foot Battaglia Footwear boutique opened at 70 East Walton Street, bringing the brand’s exclusive collection of Italian shoes directly to Chicago-area customers.

Not long afterward, Vincenzo expanded into shoe and handbag repair with Clybourn Shoe Repair. The repair shop has now served Chicago for more than 25 years, and the original artisan repairman continues to restore shoes and handbags with the same skill and craftsmanship that have defined the business from the beginning.

More than four years ago, Battaglia Footwear and Clybourn Shoe Repair came together under one roof at 2216 N. Clybourn Avenue.

Today, Vincenzo continues to offer beautiful Italian footwear alongside expert shoe and handbag repair, combining fashion, craftsmanship, personal service, and a deep appreciation for quality.

From international banking to Italian footwear, Vincenzo Battaglia’s career has followed an unconventional path, but one guided by passion, relationships, and craftsmanship.

And at Battaglia Footwear, that tradition continues today with great Italian shoes, expert repairs, and, of course, much amore.