How Marikina Shoes Are Made?

Written By: Krizel Adame

Marikina boasts of a wide selection of footwear, from heels and flats to brogues and boots, and it has a specialty in custom-made shoes to fit the shape of particular feet including uneven and wider feet. Being crafted by hand, each may take a month or longer to complete, which is why it is crafted with a lot of sophistication and attention. Nevertheless, the challenges and various tests in the production process have not deterred the artisans and makers who are committed to bringing the visions of the customers to life, winning recognition of reputable personalities and local fairs. This long held tradition is still to underscore pride in culture, economy and unrivalled craftsmanship that is well entrenched in the shoemaking heritage of Marikina.

Handmade shoes in Marikina are made by a team of skilled artisans who are assigned to a particular task in the shoe-making process. While each workshop may specialize in a particular type of shoe and use a different method of shoe design, the basic shoemaking procedure is similar. It starts with pattern making, which involves masking tape laid out over a wooden last (the model of the foot) and then the pattern is cut out.

Once the pattern is finished, the leather and other materials are cut and then the upper (the part of the shoe covering the foot) is made. Skilled upper makers carefully stitch and assemble these pieces to achieve the desired design and fit. The shoe then enters the “lasting” phase, during which the upper is stretched over the wooden last, and held in place by methods of nailing, trimming, and shaping to give the shoe its final shape.

The pair is then glued to the sole and then goes through a finishing process in which any excess glue is shaved from the sole, the edges are buffed, the leather is polished or painted as necessary, and each pair is checked for quality before being boxed and sent to the customer. The shoemaking process is a team effort, with each artisan working on a specific part of the production, the work is both precise and patient, and it requires years of experience.

Zapateria, a family business run by the Sta. is one of the creative footwear design centres that still follow this traditional method. Since 1887, Ana family has been producing shoes. They are a family of five generations involved in the shoemaking business and are still maintaining the craftsmanship of Marikina by using traditional craftsmanship and modern shoe design. In the workshop, the artisans are engaged in each stage of the shoe-making process, and they have their own specialties: pattern makers, upper makers, last makers, and finishers. Each artisan gets to learn a particular skill and each pair of shoes is produced with consistency, attention to detail and careful craftsmanship throughout the production process. The late Rico Sta. Ana was a distinguished figure in the footwear industry, and today his daughter, Unyx Sta. Ana, leads the brand. Following her father’s near fatal accident in 2016, she was driven to carry on the tradition of shoemaking in her family and to transfer this legacy to future generations via mentorship, innovation and training up-and-coming shoemakers.

Despite the fact that the handmade shoe industry is still alive, the shoe industry in Marikina is challenged with the presence of a large number of old artisans. Many crafts in the making of shoes can only be learned after years of experience and retaining these skills is crucial. With the support of the local government and private entities, workshops like Zapateria and training programs for students not only inspire younger generations to pick up the trade but also bring new ideas into the industry. Through hands-on experience, the young shoemakers learn not only how to design shoes but also how to find the materials, how to sketch out a design, how to make a prototype, how to assemble a shoe and how to appreciate good craftsmanship. These programs help to keep the expertise of each pair of handcrafted shoes alive and foster a new generation of shoemakers to carry on the tradition of making shoes in Marikina and keep the Filipino craft alive.

References:

Rosales, C. (2024, May 1). Inside Marikina shoe brand Zapateria Hub’s workshop.Spot.ph. https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/culture/108781/zapateria-hub-marikina-interview-feature-a4373-20240501-lfrm?utm

Doctolero, J. (2025, May 23). Marikina students get hands-on training on shoemaking. Philippine Information Agency.https://pia.gov.ph/features/marikina-students-get-hands-on-training-on-shoemaking/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Zapateria. (n.d.). About us.https://zapateriahub.com/pages/about-us

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