Handmade Zimbabwe shoes an unlikely global hit An unassuming one-room shoe factory in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe is quite literally defying the economic odds. Founded in 1994, the Courteney boot company has become a global niche brand in hand-made footwear. Despite a downward-spiralling Zimbabwean economy, the 14 staff at Courteney have their hands full to keep up with the increasing international demand.