Sole Searching: Filipino-Made Shoes the Cool Kids Are Wearing Right Now
Sep 15, 2025 • Kyzia Maramara
Sep 15, 2025 • Kyzia Maramara
Sure, snagging the latest international sneaker drop (or flying abroad just to score an exclusive pair) has its thrill. We’ve done it, loved it, and worn them proudly. But there’s a different kind of magic in slipping into shoes that are proudly Filipino-made.
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ll notice one thing: the cool Manila girls are stepping out in local footwear. From chunky mules to quirky tabi shoes, these pairs aren’t just stylish — they carry the craftsmanship of Filipino artisans, proving that supporting local could earn you serious points in your style game.
Here are some of the prettiest, quirkiest, and sassiest pairs you can add to your rotation right now:
It’s tough not to fall in love with Hayo Footwear’s Dulce Mary Janes. The suede upper (in Red Wine and Chocolat, no less) paired with satin laces feels like a luxe upgrade to a classic silhouette. They’re comfy, versatile, and perfect for the office, date nights, or your countless coffee runs. And yes, every pair is handcrafted by Marikina artisans.
Aside from the Dulce Mary Jane Sneakers, Hayo Footwear also has an Isla Collection, their “tribute to the Philippine archipelago.” It features Atoll Sandals and Marsh Slides in earth-tone hues in a blend of genuine leather and EVA rubber outsoles.
Get your Hayo Footwear pair here.
Made to order and worth every second of the wait, Juanita Studio’s Quezon Mules are the definition of understated cool. Available in Brown or Denim, these sleek, modern shoes can instantly add pizzazz to your “I-just-threw-this-on” outfits. And if you’re feeling extra, you can go custom with your own material and color choice.
Get your Juanita Studio pair here.
For days when sneakers feel like too much effort, there’s Renegade Folk’s Figures Chunky Mules. Minimalist, comfy, and designed for everyday wear, these genuine cow leather mules are the cool-girl equivalent of “effortless.” It’s available in a range of colors from black to nude hues. You don’t even have to take our word for it when we say you’ll be wearing this pair everywhere when you get them – just look them up on TikTok and watch hundreds of girlies rave about it.
Get your Renegade Folk pair here.
In your balletcore era? Cop Oak the Label’s Letizia Acadia ballet flat sneakers. It combines the comfort of a sneaker with the daintiness of ballet shoes. Wide-foot friendly, made of genuine leather, and chic enough to wear with almost anything — they’re a versatile staple. If you need fashion inspo, wear this pair with a dress or your favorite jeans and t-shirt combo. You can even mix and match it with socks for different vibes. The Letizia Acadia is also available in Black.
Get your Oak the Label pair here.
Tabi shoes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea — but for the girls who get it, they’re now a closet staple. Meraniel’s version levels it up with genuine leather, soft padded insoles, and adjustable straps in chic shades like Amaretto and Dark Silver. Quirky yet surprisingly comfy, these are the kind of shoes that double as a conversation starter. Each pair is handcrafted from start to finish, so yes, you’ll have to wait a bit for your order. But that’s the beauty of slow, thoughtful fashion.
Get your Meraniel pair here.
Sometimes, less really is more – especially when it comes to Hey, Maria’s Leather Collection 2.0. These flats may look simple, but the charm is in the details: soft leather, playful colors like Cloud, and a silhouette that’s versatile enough for brunch with the girls, hunting for steals at flea markets, or even a spontaneous date night. Each pair is handmade from scratch, so yes, you’ll need to wait a little while — but that only makes slipping them on for the first time all the sweeter.
Get your Hey, Maria pair here.
Like something Rosetta the fairy would wear, these Elcru Gumamela Flats are all about drama thanks to that handcrafted leather flower stealing the spotlight. Don’t wear this pair if you don’t want to turn heads in every room you walk in! Available in Deep Blush and Sangria, this pair features a wide square toe, and a pull-side leather-padded insole. The star of the whole thing is, of course, the huge cowhide leather handcrafted Gumamela flower with debossed details. For extra sass, you might want to go for the Gumamela Heels.
Get your Elcru pair here.
If you know, you know. Jos Mundo is the brand when it comes to statement footwear. Where do we even begin with their next-level footwear catalog? Their OG Fettuccine Platforms – leather uppers, extra-long straps, and a grooved wedge sole – are a cult fave. Everything here is deliberate: wooden heels that take days to make, platforms with 25% recycled rubber, and materials sourced across the Philippines. It’s pricey, yes, but absolutely worth saving up your big-girl money for.
Get your Jos Mundo pair here.
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Kyzia spends most of her time capturing the world around her through photos, paragraphs, and playlists. She is constantly on the hunt for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, and a great paperback thriller to pair with it.
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