Explore five standout Filipino designer shoe brands blending tradition and innovation.
In celebration of Lifestyle Asia’s Love Local Month, we curated five Filipino designer shoe brands you should check out and add to your closet.
Today, Filipino designer shoe brands are telling their stories through their shoes. Each one has its own unique tale to tell. From a brand passed down to generations to brands that tell the story of common Filipino folks—these Filipino designer shoes are worth trying on.
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Palengke
A brand named after the Filipino word for wet market, Palengke tells the vibrant story of the place it is named after and the people in it. The local brand embodies the comfort of daily life, while at the same time embraces the nuances specific to Filipino culture. They are known for their strappy block sandals that can be styled for casual and dressed-up events. They also source all the materials and make their products locally.
Knaur Cube Heels / Photo via Instagram @plngke
Zapateria
Making a shoe story without mentioning a brand from Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines, is a disservice to the Philippine shoemaking industry. Amongst the equally great brands from Marikina City, Zapateria has proven that it can stand the test of time—tracing its roots back to 1887. Moreover, Zapateria is a hub for inventiveness and imagination manifested in the art of fine craftsmanship. They encourage people who seek to master the craft of shoemaking as enthusiasts, aspiring designers, manufacturers, or footwear entrepreneurs.
Mules and Liwanag shoes from Zapateria / Photo via Instagram @zapateriahub
JOS Mundo
From one Marikina brand to another, JOS Mundo also plays a huge part in the resurgence of Filipino footwear. The brand also champions the ecosystem of the Marikina shoe industry. Their stocks are contingent on what is already available to the suppliers. They take pride in one of the components of their shoes, the heels. One heel takes about at least 10 days to create.
Grotto Flats and Marikina Mules / Photo via Instagram @jos.mundo
Rob and Mara
Rob and Mara is a brand that creates every kind of shoe a woman may need. From casual sandals, mules, and ballet flats to dressier loafers and oxfords, the brand has them all. Moreover, they prioritize comfort above anything else. The family-owned brand creates sustainable, versatile, and durable pieces of footwear.
Mary Janes / Photo via Instagram @robandmaraph
Andanté
A brand that has femininity as its core, Andanté is making its name in the industry. They champion slow fashion—they create shoes that are designed and crafted to last a long time. The brand recreates historical fashion trends with designs that are influenced by the past, giving them a modern twist.
Ribbon Kitten Heel / Photo via Instagram @adantefootwear
Banner photo via Instagram @zapateriahub.
