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8 Reasons Why Marikina Shoes And Local Shoe Brands in the Philippines Worth Your Penny
Our Filipino shoe brand helps you put your best foot forward!
By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | July 28, 2022
While shopping for shoes, there’s a chance that you might stumble upon a pair of Marikina-made shoes.
Images: Rusty Lopez Official Facebook page
Filipinos know that the word “shoes” is synonymous with Marikina City. After all, eastern Manila city is dubbed the “shoe capital of the Philippines.” But how did Marikina gain this distinction, and what makes Marikina shoes a good quality Filipino shoe brand? Read on as we explore the history of the shoemaking industry and the appeals of buying local shoe brands in the Philippines.
The capital began producing Filipino shoe brands over shoes 130 years ago when Marikina residents discovered the art of shoemaking. For over a hundred years, shoemaking skills were honed, the tradition grew with experience, and new generations continued to be introduced to the craft. Over the years, several shoemakers in Marikina have made names for themselves in local shoe brands in the Philippines. Notable Filipino shoe brands that started in Marikina include Figlia, Mendrez, Parisian, World Balance, Gibi, CLN, and Rusty Lopez. Today, more than 50% of shoes in the country originate from Marikina.
Still, with foreign shoe brands sprouting here and there, it seems like consumers have an extensive range of options for their preferred shoe wear. But it’s not true that only foreign and imported brands have quality products; Marikina itself boasts dozens of affordable Filipino local shoe brands that can compete with its overseas competitors. But what makes Marikina shoe brands worth the money?
1. Marikina shoes are affordable and of excellent quality.
Nothing beats these classic white sneakers from this local shoe brand—Figlia Shoes!
Images: Figlia Shoes Facebook page
The price of each pair of this local shoe brand in the Philippines might not be relatively low, but it’s affordable for its quality. In fact, President Rodrigo Duterte’s shoes during his meeting with United States Secretary of State John Kerry were made by a Marikina shoemaker!
2. Marikina shoes keep up with the latest shoe trends.
From simple to colorful designs, this World Balance’s shoes will still feel like you!
Image: World Balance Facebook page
Fashionistas should not worry since the shoes do not lack in style, and often shoemakers even come up with unique innovations. Along with the shapes and colors, this Filipino shoe brand also plays around with the materials they use in each pair they produce—from leather, rattan, canvas, wood, abaca, and so much more.
3. Marikina brands are known to create sturdy and long-lasting pieces.
These shoes made with genuine leather from Rusty Lopez can outlive other shoes made from synthetic materials.
Images: Rusty Lopez Office Facebook page
Some consumers have pointed out that compared to China-made footwear, Marikina-made shoes last significantly longer. This is because local shoe brands in the Philippines are often handmade and not processed fully by machines. The materials used are also genuine and not of poor quality.
4. Buying Marikina brands can be suitable for your savings.
You can cap this flat slides for less than PhP600 at Figlia!
Images: Figlia website
Since Marikina shoes are sturdy, consumers have bought less footwear over the years as these shoes are less disposable than cheap ones. Moreover, quality shoes can be fixed, so purchasing a pair lessens shoe repair expenses, which can be an excellent investment.
5. Believe it or not, patronizing quality shoes also means that there would be less garbage since buying durable shoes lessens the need to purchase new pairs now and then.
These pair of shoes from Rusty Lopez are your soles for life!
Images: Rusty Lopez Official Facebook page
It would be a different case if the shoes were cheaper since they tend to be frailer and more prone to tearing, and people usually resort to throwing away broken, substandard shoes instead of having them repaired.
6. Local shoe brands in the Philippines also cater more to Filipinas.
Modern women are CLN’s typical customers.
Images: CLN Facebook page
As some Filipinas have smaller feet, they tend to look for footwear in the children’s section. Sill, Filipino shoe brands are familiar with this situation, which is why Marikina shoe crafters produce footwear geared toward petite women.
7. For every purchase of any Filipino shoe brand, proceeds go to locals who work hard to create each pair. Buying local means giving more jobs to the local shoemaking industry.
Buy local, support local!
Images: Gibi Shoes Facebook page
The industry thrives due to the increased demand for quality shoes with lower price tags. Wearing a pair of Filipino shoe brands is a way to show support for local craftsmanship and creativity. The help is much needed by the industry. The number of shoemakers in the city went from thousands to mere hundreds in a decade.
8. Lastly, Marikina shoes are accessible.
Figlia shoes are available at any SM Department stores near you!
Images: Figlia Shoes Facebook page
Since they’re the primary manufacturer of local shoe brands in the Philippines, every department store must have something Marikina-made. It also helps that it’s not necessary to travel to Marikina or head to any department store just to get shoes made in the city. For convenience, some shoemakers take advantage of the internet by utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram or websites where local and international consumers can easily browse through their footwear selection.
Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more consumer news and fashion tips and guides in the metro!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on April 28, 2018.
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About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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