Tanya Herbert Joins House of Avi as Brand Ambassador for Inclusive Footwear

Meerut-based inclusive footwear startup House of Avi has announced that Guinness World Record holder Tanya Herbert has joined the company as its Brand Ambassador. In 2022, she was recognised by Guinness World Records for having the largest feet on a living person (female). The association marks a milestone for the brand, which produces footwear in sizes ranging from 4 to 20 (US) as part of its regular inventory.

Most global brands usually produce women’s footwear up to US sizes 10–12, while many Indian manufacturers rarely go beyond size 14. House of Avi offers women’s and unisex footwear up to size 20. In her new role, Herbert will participate in digital and social media campaigns, marketing initiatives, and awareness efforts designed to connect with individuals worldwide who face difficulty finding footwear suited to their size.

The 41-year-old Herbert, who lives in Texas, US, previously struggled to find feminine footwear in larger sizes. Her right foot measures 33.1 cm and her left 32.5 cm, corresponding to US women’s size 18. She first wore House of Avi shoes in 2024 and now regularly uses them while continuing her public advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion.

Expressing her enthusiasm on joining House of Avi as brand ambassador, 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”.

People with larger foot sizes have often found it difficult to access proportionate footwear through mass-market or premium brands. House of Avi integrates extended sizes into its core manufacturing rather than treating them as custom requests, while maintaining consistent design, materials, and durability across its size range.

Commenting on the collaboration, Avi Kumar, Founder and CEO, said, “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 established after Kumar’s personal struggle to find well-fitted shoes while living in Australia. The venture developed from that experience into a mission-driven business aimed at addressing the exclusion faced by people whose foot sizes fall outside conventional production ranges.

The company sells mainly through its own website and has seen demand across India as well as internationally, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia. Among its offerings is Avircazz, a reinterpretation of the traditional Avarca sandal inspired by the silhouette of Menorca, adapted into a hybrid format combining the structure of a closed shoe with the breathability of a sandal.