The Marikina Shoe Industry Needs Our Support! Check Out These 8 Homegrown Brands Online
Aug 20, 2020 • Kyzia Maramara
Every Filipino knows that if you’re looking for high-quality long-lasting footwear, there’s nothing quite like getting a pair from Marikina. It isn’t called the Shoe Capital of the Philippines for nothing! Seasoned Marikina sapateros or shoemakers know the secrets to style, comfortability, and durability. And it doesn’t hurt that their shoes are easy on the pockets too.
Sadly, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro shared on Monday, Aug. 17, that the coronavirus pandemic has forced almost 80% of Marikina’s shoe enterprises to cease their operations. The P1-billion-worth industry is struggling and our fellow Filipinos need our help. What better way to show Marikina sapateros our support than by purchasing from online stores carrying their hard work?
Topsiders Philippines
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You don’t need to shell out a fortune to achieve that hipster look, Topsiders Philippines’ Doc Martens inspired boots and leather low cuts are here to save your wallet. They also have topsiders (of course) and loafers which are all proudly Marikina-made. The pairs are all made with 100% genuine leather to ensure comfort and durability and are priced from P1,399 to P2,000. Each pair you buy has a lifetime repair warranty but you almost would never need repairs, given the high-quality materials used. Visit them on Facebook to browse for designs and send them a message for orders.
Stride Collective
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Stride Collective houses multiple local shoe brands on their website. All of their pairs are meticulously handcrafted, designed, and made in Marikina. According to the website, since all their footwear is hand-made, most designs are available in all sizes at all times so you could definitely find one for you. Brands they carry include Hola Lili which is known for combining handwoven textiles to shoes and Filipino lifestyle brand Risqué Designs. Log on to Stride Collective’s website for more.
Brand Marikina
SapaTorres Marikina
Checkpoint Shoes
Rob and Mara
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Rob and Mara’s shoe pairs are built to last you years. It’s made with premium genuine leather that’s hand-cut, hand-stitched, and hand-lasted by skilled Marikina sapateros. As time goes by, the genuine leather molds to the shape of your feet making it more comfortable with wear. Their footwear collections are perfect for office wear and casual wear. They even have winter-approved boots you can bring to your international trips. Shop the styles here.
Renegade Folk
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Renegade Folk provides a source of income for local shoemakers. Since they started their operations in 2007, they have since constantly brought simple, stylish, and functional footwear to the market. Although they have temporarily closed their physical stores in UP Town Center and Glorietta 3, their stores at Robinsons Manila and Ayala Cebu remain open and all their designs are available online.
Cora and Bear
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Add a pop of color to your OOTD with Cora and Bear’s colorful footwear collection. Their trademark zesty pretty pairs are made by hand and thoughtfully designed and created by a family of Marikina-based manufacturers. You can choose from various heel heights, styles, and two-toned designs. Log on to their website to check out more of their designs.
Do you know other stores that create Marikina-made shoes?
