Sapatero Manila's Entry
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Sapatero Manila's Entry

This local shoemaker brand brings Marikina to the world stage as it clinches 9th place in the World Championships of Shoemaking

Armed with the main goal of bringing back Philippine shoemaking, Sapatero Manila takes a big step forward as it celebrates its 10-year journey in the industry with a win in the highly competitive World Championships of Shoemaking held at the London Super Trunk Show.

The championship itself is the premiere shoemaking contest in the world. Winners are determined by a judging committee comprised of international menswear figureheads and top shoemakers, such as brand owner and media personality Kirby Allison, Shoe Snob Blog founder Justin Fitzpatrick, and more.

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Sapatero Manila's Entry
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Sapatero Manila's Entry

Historically, Sapatero Manila is the first Filipino shoemaking brand to ever participate in the competition and whose artisans have impressed both the audience and judges with their creation of a case-back watch inspired hand-welted apron loafer, finished with an intricate solihiya weave detailing—taking over 100 hours to produce and putting them on the ninth overall spot in the global competition. “It was a surreal experience, to say the least, with us being recognised by the people we have looked up to ever since we started as a company. We were there alongside elite shoemakers, patrons of our craft from around the world, and figureheads who have inspired us throughout our entire journey,” shared Sapatero Manila in a social media post.

Read more: Here’s what you need to know about ‘solihiya’, the furniture trend that’s all abuzz now

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Kirby Allison and Jerard Jader
Above Kirby Allison and Jerard Jader
Kirby Allison and Jerard Jader

Since its inception ten years ago, Sapatero has been a pioneer in the resurgence of Marikina-made shoes and continues to serve as one of the Philippines’ most prominent names in the industry. The company’s CEO and co-founder, Jerard Jader, received his training from Stefano Bemer, a world-renowned shoemaking house and school based in Florence, Italy—allowing him to put Marikina on the radars of distinguished artisans.

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Images: Sapatero Manila