The Marikina shoe industry began in 1887 when Don Laureano Guevara, known as Kapitan Moy, disassembled a pair of imported British shoes to study their construction. Alongside local residents, he replicated the design using local materials and taught the craft to his neighbors, establishing a new livelihood for the community. By the mid-20th century, Marikina earned the title "Shoe Capital of the Philippines," producing the vast majority of the country's footwear and even reaching international markets like New York's Fifth Avenue.

Source: Philippine Cultural Education

Kapitan Moy sparked a pioneering craftsmanship that quickly evolved from a single experimental pair of shoes into a vital source of income for the entire community. By the turn of the century, the town's skilled artisans had perfected their techniques, transforming the area into a premier manufacturing center.

Source: Marikina Tourism Department

Throughout the 20th century, the city entered its golden age as expertise was passed down through generations, building a global reputation for both resilience and style. At its peak, local workshops produced millions of pairs annually, turning Filipino craftsmanship into a profound point of national pride.

Despite a significant downturn caused by the influx of global imports in the late 1900s, the community's resilient spirit remained intact. Craftsmen successfully pivoted from mass production toward a more specialized, artisanal approach. This strategic shift preserved the core traditions of the trade while opening doors for modern innovation in design and materials.

Today, the city's shoemaking heritage remains a central part of its identity, supported by local government initiatives and cultural landmarks like the Shoe Museum.

Sole of Marikina is a creative initiative dedicated to revitalizing and celebrating the rich heritage of the Philippines' shoe capital. By bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, the project serves as a platform to uplift local artisans and showcase the enduring quality of Marikina-made footwear. Through its focus on storytelling and community-led innovation, it aims to ensure that the city's shoemaking legacy continues to walk forward into the future.