These three Filipino shoemakers offer bespoke shoes in a wide range of distinguished styles that are sure to turn heads during all kinds of occasions.
Footwear, like clothing, should also fit like a glove and suit its wearer’s personal style. While one can simply get shoes in the correct size, custom footwear is a luxury worth indulging in for those who take appearances seriously. The good news is that you need not travel to Saville Row to get beautifully-crafted kicks. There’s a wealth of Filipino shoemakers who are keeping the art of bespoke shoes alive while taking it to new heights. If you’re in search of a new pair of versatile and distinguished footwear, consider paying a visit to these three shoemakers.
READ ALSO: Fine Footwear: 5 Distinguished Yet Understated Shoes For Every Man
Sapatero Manila
Since its establishment in 2013, Sapatero Manila has been making top-tier leather footwear using the traditional method of hand welting. This involves stitching the insole of a shoe to its upper, and then through a leather strip known as welt; this results in a singular seam that fully seals the shoe. It’s a technique that not many artisans practice due to the high level of skill needed to accomplish it.
Besides offering excellent craftsmanship, Sapatero also uses the finest calfskins and naturally-tanned leathers from renowned tanneries in France, Italy, and England. As such, their shoes feature exquisite and refined aesthetics for discerning clientele.
While the company has a fine collection of ready-to-wear shoes, its bespoke service is its bread and butter. After taking measurements in their workshop, the Sapatero team of artisans creates custom lasts that they store within the shop, so returning clients always get the perfect fit. Two fittings are part of their process; this way, every detail is to the customer’s liking before they craft the final pair of shoes. This highly-collaborative and meticulous process ensures that shoes always feel like second skin.
Black Wing Shoes
Marikina has long been the shoe capital of the Philippines, and today its legacy continues with a number of artisans using time-old techniques to create innovative, cutting-edge designs. Black Wing Shoes is among these stalwarts, with its intimate headquarters in Marikina’s 12 Erano Manalo Street, Barangay Santo Nino. The artisans collective has been making custom-fit, handcrafted shoes since its founder Buddy Tan set up his workshop more than a decade ago.
The business began when Tan decided to take over his parents’ shoe supply business, redirecting and transforming it into a custom footwear-making brand instead. Clients can come into the shop, where Tan usually takes the measurements himself. Together with his team of veteran shoemakers, the designer creates an assortment of designs using quality leather. I’ve personally had a pair of custom spectators done by Tan and his team, and can vouch that they fit wonderfully and look incredibly sharp.
Whether you’re in search of deep brown brogues or a triple monk-strap ankle boot, the Black Wing shoes team has got you covered (they’ve also begun accepting orders for custom bags).
R.E. Craftsman
R.E. Craftsman is another go-to shoemaker for men’s premium footwear. It offers an impressive range of designs including Oxfords, brogues, monk straps, loafers, and even chelsea boots. The shop has catered to a number of notable clients including Congressman Franz Pumaren, Atom Araullo, and Edu Manzano, to name a few.
After choosing a design, you can visit their shop in JE&Codd Haberdashery, 49 Malingap Street, Teachers Village for the full measuring experience. However, they also give customers the option to take their measurements at home using their sizing guide. As with many of the fine artisans on this list, customers have control over the exterior and interior colors of their shoes, as well as the type of soles and laces they’d prefer. The entire process yields polished, sleek shoes that are eye-catching additions to any outfit.
Feature photo via Instagram @recraftsman; banner photo from the Sapatero Manila website.
