These creatives are redefining the future of Filipino footwear design

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Footwear design has long been one of the many creative avenues for local designers to champion Filipino stories and culture. Beyond talent and passion, it takes discipline, an understanding of materials, and technical knowledge to master the craft. That’s why providing space and support is essential for budding footwear designers to grow.

That has been the mission of the Filipino Footwear Design Competition (FFDC)—to cultivate a new generation of footwear designers. Now in its 10th year, the competition is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI), and co-presented by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). This year, the competition also welcomes the Marikina Enterprise Scale-up Hub (MESH) as one of its partners.

“Through this competition, we aim not just to promote Filipino footwear but also to showcase the rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and artistry that make our products unique,” said Winston Singun, OIC Regional Director of the DTI. “Our goal is clear—to position Filipino footwear on the global stage and foster a future where innovation and tradition work hand in hand.”

Throughout the competition, the designers were partnered with Marikina City-based shoe manufacturers, where they received mentorship and support in bringing their visions to life. The 10th edition welcomed 15 finalists, each competing in specific categories—Enterprise, Lady’s Leisure, Lady’s Trendy, Lady’s Boots, and Men’s Shoes. Entries were judged based on creativity and originality, cultural and heritage relevance, material usage and innovation, commercial feasibility, and concept presentation.

“Over the years, we proudly send our winning entries to China to compete in the International Footwear Design Competition,” said Mia Santos, FFDC chairwoman. “Every year, we have been recognized. We brought home awards, we brought home pride. We have shown that Filipino talent is world class.”

Apart from the opportunity to compete abroad, this year’s winners also received cash prizes—with ₱70,000 awarded to the grand winner, the largest in the competition’s history. Get to know the winning finalists and discover how they captured the rich culture, heritage, and stories of the Philippines through their unique shoe designs.

Best in Lady’s Boots category and overall grand winner: ‘Aklab’
A gown by the late fashion designer Ben Farrales inspired Fred Leysa’s “Aklab” boots, which reflect the designer’s gender fluidity. This is echoed through overlapping face designs in abaca. The boots also feature laser-cut sheepskin, wood, and brass elements. For Fred, “Aklab” symbolizes the freedom to express one’s true self.

Best in Enterprise category: ‘Aranya’
Designed by Ely-Knows Enterprise, “Aranya” is an ode to the vibrant Pahiyas Festival. The design incorporates elements inspired by colorful kiping (leaf-shaped rice wafer decorations). Completing the look are a removable upper, braided details, and beaded straps.

PTRI’s Choice and Best in Men’s Shoes: ‘Piñahon’
Hazel Roldan’s “Piñahon” reimagines the classic barong Tagalog in shoe form. The design features piña fiber, banana-cotton textile from DOST-PTRI, and genuine leather. Like the traditional garment, the shoes incorporate floral motifs, calado-style details, and subtle Baybayin weaving that spells “Piñahon.”

Best in Lady’s Leisure category: ‘Sala’
As its name suggests, “Sala” draws inspiration from the Filipino living room, often considered the heart of the home. Catrina Suarez looked to her Lola Sophie’s sala—its capiz windows, carved wooden furniture, and the rich hues of Juan Luna’s painting Tampuhan—to create wedge shoes that evoke nostalgia, elegance, and cultural pride.

Best in Construction and Lady’s Trendy category: ‘La Reina de Oriente’
Pura Villanueva Kalaw, the first Miss Philippines, inspired Jeremiah Castro’s “La Reina de Oriente.” The design reflects not only Pura’s beauty but also her advocacy for women’s suffrage. It features piña seda, cotton-woven fabric, pearls, and capiz shells.

MESH's Choice: ‘Pamana’
“Pamana” by D11B Studio reflects the Filipino immigrant experience. It pays tribute to Filipinos who ventured abroad in hopes of giving their families a better life. The shoe uses various materials, including golden leather, blue piña fibers, and capiz fragments.

Best in Story Execution: ‘Perro’s Freedom’
Designed by Bon Marter, “Perro’s Freedom” tells a story of longing, hope, and love through the lens of stray and shelter animals. The design features a cage-like silhouette, a 3D tail pull-tab, dog-ear flaps, laser-engraved messages, heart-shaped soles, and pawprint impressions that mirror the emotional reality of animals waiting for a place to call home.

Rico Sta. Ana Artisanry Award: ‘Bagani’
Chad Gabrielle Tanutan’s “Bagani” pays tribute to the Filipino warrior. The design incorporates tattoo-inspired patterns, Baybayin engravings, and woven cotton bands. Handmade using local leather and DOST-PTRI cotton, “Bagani” is a powerful blend of heritage and modern design.

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