Mumbai: Meerut-headquartered inclusive footwear startup House of Avi has onboarded Tanya Herbert as its Brand Ambassador. In 2022, Herbert was recognised by Guinness World Records for having the largest feet on a living person (female).
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for House of Avi, which has built its identity around curating what it describes as the world’s largest standard footwear size range — from US size 4 to 20 — as part of its regular inventory.
While major global brands typically cap women’s footwear production at US size 10 to 12, and most Indian manufacturers rarely exceed size 14, House of Avi offers a wide variety of women’s and unisex footwear up to size 20. As Brand Ambassador, Herbert will participate in digital and social media campaigns, strategic marketing initiatives and global awareness efforts to connect with individuals who struggle to find footwear that accommodates larger sizes.
Now 41 and based in Houston, Texas, Tanya Herbert spent much of her life facing limited feminine footwear options in larger sizes. Her right foot measures 33.1 cm (13.03 inches) and her left foot 32.5 cm (12.79 inches), corresponding to US women’s shoe size 18. After discovering House of Avi in 2024, the brand became part of her everyday wardrobe, aligning with her advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion.
Expressing her enthusiasm on joining House of Avi as brand ambassador, Tanya Herbert said, “I strongly believe that style should be inclusive, and House of Avi is actually making that happen. For decades, I was forced to compromise – often wearing men’s shoes because nothing else fit. House of Avi helped me flip that script. They approached me not as an exception or afterthought, but as someone they were already building for. That difference matters. I am truly excited to officially partner with Avi and his team, and look forward to working together to meaningfully grow a brand that genuinely understands the importance of inclusivity, and is committed to serving those with plus-size feet – who have been, for long, overlooked by mainstream footwear brands”.
The brand’s approach challenges the industry norm of treating larger sizes as rare or custom requests. Instead, House of Avi integrates extended sizes into its core manufacturing while maintaining consistent standards of design, craftsmanship and durability across its portfolio.
Avi Kumar, Founder and CEO, House of Avi commented, “Our collaboration with Tanya marks a symbolic and strategic alignment – the woman with world’s largest feet meeting the world’s most ambitious extra-large footwear maker. At House of Avi, we have always believed that inclusivity isn’t a trend or a checklist – it’s a responsibility. Tanya’s journey powerfully represents the very reason we exist. Every woman deserves access to fashion that fits her body, her identity and her aspirations; and we are here to make that a reality. As we move ahead to cater to more of the underserved and ‘forgotten’ demographics who historically lacked representation in footwear design, joining forces with Tanya Herbert shall not only enhance our brand credibility and visibility, but also help us reach the right audiences, reinforcing that an Indian brand can lead the conversation on inclusive footwear globally”.
Founded in 2019, House of Avi was born from Avi Kumar’s personal struggle to find well-fitted shoes while living in Australia. What began as a personal challenge evolved into a mission-driven enterprise aimed at ending what the company terms “footwear exile” — the exclusion faced by millions worldwide whose sizes fall outside conventional production limits.
The startup primarily sells through its own website and has seen growing demand across India and international markets including Australia, the US, the UK, Germany and France. Among its standout offerings is ‘Avircazz’, a reinterpretation of traditional Spanish Avarca sandals, adapted into a hybrid design that combines the structure of a closed shoe with the breathability of a sandal.
Each pair of House of Avi footwear is handcrafted by Indian artisans using high-quality materials, positioning the brand as a “Make in India” success story. With strong in-house manufacturing capabilities, a lean business model and a global ambassador championing inclusivity, House of Avi is preparing for accelerated international expansion.
As Avi Kumar concludes, “With an Indian soul, wide sole, House of Avi is now ready to take on a global role.”
