I have spent several weeks in Rome over years. The only attempts to pick our pockets were by cab drivers. One declared our brief trip would cost a too high amount, citing rush hour and his intent to turn off the meter. Uh, no. Another was arranged by the hotel to drive us to the airport for a fixed price and then at the airport, he cited 20 Euros more. We protested unsuccessfully and contacted the hotel on our return home. The cab driver denied changing the amount; the hotel reimbursed us.
In the city, looking purposeful and the usual bag under the arm securely seems an adequate deterrent in most cases. Be especially alert at crowded tourist gathering spots, like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain as sometimes people work together to distract you. Fortunately, the streets are busy through late at night and we took many long walks after a late dinner with no issues at all, avoiding less busy or poorly lit shortcuts. Additionally, in the last couple of years, there is increased security around major squares, secondary to terrorist threats. I'm guessing that the presence of armed military personnel and vehicles serves as a deterrent to street crime, too.
On the shoes, Fausto Santini makes beautiful (though spendy) shoes and bags, with a shop near the Spanish steps. Don't think that they do custom ones, though. The sales associates there or in another high end shoe store might have some information about who does sell custom shoes. What a treat that would be!
Enjoy your visit; it is a great destination.
