It’s no secret that Malaysia’s fashion labels have rapidly left a lasting impression on the global stage recently. What we truly love about our homegrown labels is their steadfastness in delivering exceptional craftsmanship, versatility, and comfortable pieces for our daily lives. Much like these Malaysian footwear brands – which have successfully transformed our perception of locally-made fashion, setting new standards and redefining what it means to be made in Malaysia.
Kulet
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Kulet, stylised from ‘kulit’ which means skin in Malay, was established by best friends, Aina Syahirah and Julie Anne. Having been in the industry for nearly a decade, Kulet has successfully established itself as a prominent footwear label in Malaysia. Renowned for its minimalist and timeless designs, the brand caters to the needs of individuals leading fast-paced lives, ensuring comfort without compromising style. Moreover, Kulet takes a strong stance against the use of animal derivatives, further solidifying its reputation as an ethical and compassionate brand.
W kulet.co
Nelissa Hilman
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Nelissa Hilman is a brand that caters exclusively to women, and has gained immense popularity for its unique approach to footwear. The brand’s success can be attributed to its focus on creating designs that highlight timeless elegance, intricate artistry, and utmost comfort. Every single piece of footwear is meticulously handcrafted within Malaysia, showcasing the brand’s commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the local shoemaking industry. In an effort to promote authenticity and counter the fast fashion trend, Nelissa Hilman only produces a small number of batches for each collection.
Machino
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Driven to tell the story of “The Soul (or Sole) of Malaysia,” Machino has revolutionised the concept of Malaysian footwear. With their focus on attention to detail, the brand takes pride in its entire process, from design to handpicking premium materials, and right down to ensuring precise craftsmanship in every piece. One of the standout features of Machino is its commitment to comfort, by incorporating a thick and firm sponge insole specifically engineered to offer optimal support and balance for women leading fast-paced lives. Machino further celebrates Malaysian heritage by infusing each piece with a unique story that reflects the country’s rich traditions and diverse backgrounds.
Nazifi Nasri
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Hand crafted artisanal leather goods brand Nazifi Nasri, known for their coveted Oked handbag, actually started out 10 years ago with men’s footwear and sandals. Since their launch, they’ve expanded their range to include women’s footwear like ballerina flats and accessories, all made from select quality genuine and synthetic leather. This eponymous brand is a great example of Malaysian crafts that focus not only on attractive designs, but also quality over quantity.
Saoi
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Saoi, which is pronounced as ‘Say’, is a fashion brand that delves into contemporary mannerism. Formerly known as WNS Studio, the visionary founder, Wan Nur Syaira, envisions a platform where talented designers, entrepreneurs, and garment makers can collaborate to curate a collection that celebrates the essence of Malaysia. In addition to crafting fashionable and comfortable footwear, Saoi also crafts clothing pieces that encapsulate the stylish and minimalist aesthetics of the modern-day it-girl.
Rhea Tan Design
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If you’re looking for vibrant colours and comfort, Rhea Tan Design offers what you need. The quality of the handmade and hand crafted shoes are what stands the test of time and has kept this brand firmly a favourite for stars and beauty queens for more than a decade. This Malaysian footwear brand and designer workshop was establish in 2009, and it offers not only ready-to-wear sandals, pumps, boots, and high heels but also customised and bespoke shoes. From pageant heels to wedding shoes, or simply a pair of heels that fit you perfectly like Cinderella’s glass slippers, you’ll find it here.
Kaki Republik
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Here’s one for the beach babes looking for quality, waterproof footwear! Kaki Republik is an affordable shoe brand offering handmade sandals made from water-friendly materials. From nylon uppers to softwood soles, these strappy sandals are made for everyday use, whether in the city or on the coast. Since 2018, the brand has been operating through their online storefront and Instagram, and from there Kaki Republik’s products have slowly but surely gained a following thanks to their varied designs, comfortable all-day wear and versatility.
Header image: Machino