The Go Lokal! campaign highlights the excellence of Philippine-made footwear, showcasing it as more than just a product—it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, durability, and national pride. While many Filipinos turn to international brands, locally made shoes offer superior quality at competitive prices. The same is true for the textile industry, where indigenous weaves and high-quality fabrics reflect the country’s rich heritage.
Choosing Philippine-made footwear and textiles not only supports local industries and sustains jobs but also preserves Filipino craftsmanship. Instead of looking abroad for quality, Filipinos can take pride in homegrown brands that deliver style, comfort, and sustainability.
Marikina: The Heart of Philippine-Made Footwear
Marikina is the country’s shoe capital. The city has been producing top-tier leather shoes for over a century. At its peak, Marikina supplied almost 80% of the Philippines’ footwear needs. Today, local brands like Gibi, Rusty Lopez, and Bristol continue this legacy. Many Marikina-made shoes are handcrafted, ensuring better durability and comfort compared to mass-produced imports.
The Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO) reports that local shoemakers produce about 3.8 million pairs annually. Despite challenges from cheap imports, Marikina’s industry remains strong, thanks to initiatives like Go Lokal!, which helps small shoemakers gain market access.
Philippine Footwear Exports on the Rise
The Philippines exported $120 million worth of leather footwear in 2023, making it the 39th largest exporter in the world. The top buyers of Filipino-made shoes were:
• 🇺🇸 United States – $37.7M
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands – $10.5M
• 🇨🇿 Czech Republic – $10.4M
• 🇩🇪 Germany – $7.61M
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – $6.09M
Notably, exports to the Czech Republic grew by $6.18M from the previous year, showing strong demand in the European market. The country also shipped 388,853 pairs of leather shoes in 2023, with 144,887 pairs going to Czechia and 116,329 pairs to the U.S.
Heavy Dependence on Imported Shoes
Despite a strong local industry, the Philippines remains a net importer of footwear. In 2023, the country imported $142 million worth of leather footwear, ranking 45th in global imports.
The main sources were:
• 🇨🇳 China – $61.9M
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam – $32M
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia – $16.1M
• 🇮🇹 Italy – $13.2M
• 🇮🇳 India – $4.66M
Imports from Vietnam surged by $15.2M, reflecting its increasing presence in the local market. In total, the Philippines imported 2.3 million pairs of leather footwear in 2023, with China supplying 2.06 million pairs.
Why Choose Philippine Footwear?
- Quality and Durability
Local brands prioritize handcrafted precision and premium materials. Marikina’s leather shoes, for example, use full-grain leather, making them last years longer than synthetic alternatives. - Competitive Pricing
Imported brands often come with high markups due to taxes and logistics costs. Local manufacturers can offer the same or better quality at lower prices. A Marikina-made leather pair costs around ₱2,500 to ₱4,000, while similar imported brands go for ₱6,000 or more. - Supporting Local Jobs
The footwear industry provides employment to thousands of Filipinos. Buying locally made shoes directly supports Filipino artisans and their families, ensuring their craft survives for future generations. - Lower Carbon Footprint
Choosing local reduces the environmental impact. Imported shoes travel long distances, adding transportation emissions. Locally made shoes have a smaller carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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