When I started searching for a manufacturer to partner with, I realized I could go many different directions: 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇲🇽 Mexico…

However, I wanted to create a shoe that not only represented freedom and discovery but also aligned with my values. 

I wanted to be excited about the country and the people I’d be working with. I wanted to feel a connection to their culture. That’s why I started looking closer at Latin America. 

After living two years in Brazil and exploring many Latam countries, I’ve grown to love many aspects of that continent. The dancing, the warmth, the food, the people, the languages, the landscapes.

It quickly became obvious that 🇨🇴 Colombia would be a great option for Womads. 

Colombia is known for its leather and skilled workers that are experienced in making handmade leather sandals like ours. They have the right equipment and locally available materials (leather and natural rubber), and they also prioritize ethical practices and sustainable development.

And let’s not forget their love for 💃 Salsa, which, let’s admit, is a great bonus. 😉

So, I quickly began refreshing my Spanish and before I knew it, I was on a plane to Medellín to visit factories and leather markets. It was an incredible experience to see firsthand the passion and skill that goes into crafting each pair of shoes. 

Thanks to our amazing partners, during this first trip, we were able to finalize our prototype of our peep toe flats, and pick the 9 colors that made up our first launch four months later.

Making our shoes in Colombia not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also supports a country that values ethical and sustainable practices. I am proud to work with our partners in Colombia and to offer our customers a shoe that represents both style and substance.