Why Brazilian Shoes Are Taking Over the Fashion World
When you think of Brazil, your mind might jump to Carnival, samba, or the Amazon rainforest — but did you know Brazil is also a global powerhouse in footwear?
That’s right: Brazilian shoes are not only stylish, but also ethically made, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable. In recent years, fashionistas and eco-conscious shoppers alike have started turning their eyes (and feet) to Brazilian brands — and for good reason.
A Rich Tradition of Craftsmanship
Brazil is one of the largest shoe producers in the world, second only to China. But unlike mass-produced fast fashion, Brazilian shoes often reflect generations of craftsmanship. Regions like Franca and Novo Hamburgo are known for their shoemaking heritage, with skilled artisans blending traditional methods with modern design.
Where Are Brazilian Shoes Made?
Brazil’s footwear industry is deeply rooted in certain regions of the country, each with its own specialty and history of shoemaking. Here are the main hubs:
🥾 Rio Grande do Sul – The Traditional Heart of Shoemaking
This southern state, especially cities like Novo Hamburgo, Sapiranga, and Campo Bom, is often considered the birthplace of Brazil’s modern footwear industry. Known as the “Brazilian Shoe Valley,” the region is home to major brands like Arezzo, Schutz, and Grendene (maker of Melissa and Rider). The area boasts a strong infrastructure, skilled labor force, and decades of know-how passed down through generations.
👟 São Paulo (Franca) – The Capital of Leather Shoes
The city of Franca, in the state of São Paulo, is internationally recognized for its high-quality leather shoes, especially men’s footwear. This region focuses on classic, durable styles, often handmade, with a strong export market. Franca is also known for investing in technology and innovation within the leather goods sector.
👡 Ceará e Paraíba – A Rising Star in the Northeast
In the Northeast of Brazil, the state of Ceará—particularly Fortaleza and nearby cities like Sobral—has grown rapidly as a manufacturing center. It’s now one of the largest exporters of shoes in Brazil. The region is attractive to manufacturers due to lower production costs and increasing investment in industrial infrastructure.
The cities of Campina Grande and Santa Rita, both in state of Paraíba, have factories of Alpargatas, owner of the brands Havaianas and Osklen
Does Brazil Export Its Shoes? Absolutely.
Brazil is not just making shoes for local consumers — it’s a major global exporter of footwear. In fact, Brazil is among the top 10 footwear exporters in the world.
According to recent trade data, Brazil exports tens of millions of pairs of shoes every year to over 150 countries. The styles range from leather dress shoes to casual sandals and sporty sneakers.
🌍 Top Destinations for Brazilian Shoe Exports:
- United States – The largest importer of Brazilian shoes. American consumers love the mix of style, comfort, and price, especially brands like Havaianas, Melissa, and Cariuma.
- Argentina – As a neighboring country, Argentina has long-standing trade ties with Brazil, including in footwear.
- France and Germany – Key European markets for high-quality and fashion-forward Brazilian brands.
- Paraguay, Bolivia, and Chile – These South American neighbors also import a significant number of Brazilian-made shoes, particularly more affordable and everyday-use styles.
- United Arab Emirates – A growing market for luxury and designer Brazilian footwear.
In recent years, Brazilian brands have also expanded into Asia and the Middle East, looking to tap into new markets with increasing demand for sustainable and stylish shoes.
Why You Should Try Them
Aside from their style and sustainability, Brazilian shoes are often more affordable than their European or American counterparts. Plus, many brands ship internationally — so you can add a touch of Brazil to your wardrobe no matter where you are.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious about what we wear and where it comes from, Brazilian shoes are a step in the right direction.
Diversity of Styles
Whether you’re into bold colors, minimalist designs, or tropical flair, there’s a Brazilian shoe brand for you. Here are a few to keep an eye on:
General footwear
- Havaianas – Not just flip-flops anymore; they’ve expanded into sandals and sneakers with that unmistakable Brazilian vibe. More info in our article here
- Osklen – footwear designed for urban life
- Veja (Vert) – The basic style of Veja sneakers has become very popular in Europe and the United States. With a focus on fair trade and sustainable appeal, despite being headquartered in France, the shoes are produced in Brazil. https://youtu.be/wBnegBY22mg?si=nwpsss_A13Tx7XoP
- Olimpikus – Well known for its tennis shoes, Olimpikus is one of the biggest sports brands in Brazil.
Women´s footwear
- Usaflex – proposal to offer orthopedic shoes guaranteeing exceptional comfort without leaving design and aesthetics aside.
- Schutz – High-end fashion-forward heels, boots, and more.
- Arezzo – Elegant styles perfect for day-to-night looks.
- Ana Capri – Affordable and comfortable shoes for everyday wear
- Melissa – Iconic jelly shoes with playful designs and collabs with big designers like Vivienne Westwood. More info in our article here
- Santa Lolla – Its products have varied styles, aligned with current trends
- Wishin – Brand created by 2 entrepreneurial women who believed in the dream of creating comfortable shoes with a minimalist design.