Mallorca Shoes

There is a delicious irony that an island where you can spend many days wearing just flip flops on your feet, is famous for producing fine shoes and boots.

History of Shoemaking on Mallorca #

Shoes and Mallorca have gone together since the Middle Ages when the shoe making industry drove the economy of Palma and the island exported shoes all over the world. In the late 19^thCentury, an aphid infestation devastated the island’s wine industry by killing vines, so many people turned to the shoe trade.

By the 1930’s the town of Inca was well-established as Mallorca’s shoe headquarters with around 100 factories producing all kinds of footwear. Some of these family run shoemakers still exist and their brands are now known all over the world.

The Oldest Brand on the Island #

Possibly the oldest brand on the island is CARMINA created by the Albaladejo family who can claim to have been producing footwear in Inca for six generations. In 1866 Matias Pujadas opened a small workshop in the town and began crafting bespoke shoes, which launched a family legacy.

However, it was not until 1997 that José Albaladejo Pujadas established the CARMINA brand of premium hand-crafted shoes. CARMINA is rated as the third top shoe brand in Spain and a pair of their exotic leather specimens can set you back thousands of euros.

Looking for Mountain Boots? #

In contrast, what about a pair of stout mountain boots? The BESTARD factory in Llosetta has been making hikers happy for over 80 years since Antonio Bestard began producing quality walking footwear. BESTARD boots has diversified Into making boots for the Spanish military as well as for hunters in the far North.

Laid-back Contemporary Style #

Meanwhile back in ‘shoe central’ in Inca three generations of the Coll family have been making GEORGE’S shoes since 1967. Their laid-back, contemplative approach to shoemaking means that they want to “tell the world to buy less and live more”. An interesting approach from a brand whose black leather lace-ups will cost you around a hundred euros.

Just down the road, and visible from the motorway, the famous CAMPER brand has been around since the 1970s but the family tradition of shoemaking goes back to the 1800s. Originally they made shoes for local farmers out of tyre rubber and bits of fabric, hence the name which derives from ‘camperol’ - Catalan for peasant. Times have certainly changed as now a pair of Camperlab ankle boots can set you back a cool 265€.

Heading to a Rodeo? Find Cowboy Boots in Alaró #

For something a bit different what about a pair of traditional pair of cowboy boots? Head to Alaró where the Tony Mora factory produces only 50,000 pairs a year of these walking works of art. Every pair requires 100 handcrafted steps so it’s no surprise that a customised top-of the-range boots can set you back upwards from an eye-watering two thousand euros. No wonder they have been spotted on the trotters of (literally) well-heeled celebrities.

Sandals for Everyday Life #

Finally, ditch those flip flops and opt for some traditional “Avarca” sandals, more usually associated with Menorca, some are made here. These are very comfy sandals made of material with rubber soles. These are the only shoes of your grandparents you might want. They are comfortable and fit almost any setting when in the islands.

Men’s Handcrafted Style Made 100% on the Island #

If you enjoy handcrafted men’s footware and want to truly buy 100% local, Toni Llobera Barceló founded TLB Mallorca is made entirely on the island of Mallorca. He gives classic elements a contemporary twist. He personally selects the calfskins used for his shoe lines. Barceló caters to the demanding man who appreciate handcrafted perfection.

Quality at a “Radical Affordable Price Point” for Men and Women #

Another company in the business of shoemaking is Meermin, a family owned and operated business based on the island. They are dedicated to creating well made, quality Goodyear Welted shoes at a “radical affordable price point.”

They have been in the shoe industry for decades, and have been making shoes for well-known brands. Their solution to keep prices lower? Making it simpler for everyone. Make the shoes & distribute them directly to the end customer. They hand select all the materials and insure quality throughout the process. Another great company catering to locals yet selling internationally through major department stores.

Pikolinos #

Founded in 1984 by Juan Perán Ramos, who is it’s current Honorary Chairman, the company has over 500 creatives who are inspired by connecting to causes and communities. As a result of this commitment, in 2009 Pikolinos Solidarity was founded, a label that encompasses all Pikolinos’ social projects.

It consists of special collections we launch in partnership with communities at risk of social exclusion and people with special needs in orderBy to support their sustainability and integration and, of course, to sow hope and encouragement in their hearts

According to their website, “Pikolinos is a lifestyle, a way of seeing the world. It is the search for happiness that always begins with the comfort of our creations. Make yourself comfortable and let happiness begin at your feet.”

They practice what they preach, Through the Juan Perán-Pikolinos Foundation we partner over 70 NGOs and more than 16,000 families benefit from our projects every year.

For a little feel good reminder about why we live here, watch the video below.

Conclusion #

Mallorca has been, and continues to be, the island of fashionable feet. From the high-end to the everyday sandal, Mallorca has a shoe for any budget. With materials sourced and handcrafted locally, the shoe industry makes it easy to #BuyLocal.

Sources

Personal experience and corporate websites