Spain has a reputation like no other for its outstanding craftsmanship and creativity when it comes to leather bags, shoes and accessories. Madrid, as the capital has so many places to shop for footwear, the choice can be overwhelming – unless you know where to go.
Longtime Madrid resident and fashion stylist Lou Stokes has shopped for more shoes than Imelda Marcos; here are her three go-to shoe designers in Madrid.
Low-key luxe: Magro Cardona
Founded in 2014 by Irene Magro and Ana Cardona, this high-end footwear brand reflects the personalities of the two designers with its mix of sophistication, tradition and modernity.
Both Irene and Ana are advocates of the “made in Spain” ethos, collaborating with Spanish artisans based in in Toledo and Alicante; each MC shoe is touched by more than 50 artisan hands. Designed for women looking to escape trends, the quality, attention to detail and expert craftsmanship combines with a thoroughly modern approach to design – these are honest luxury shoes with a distinctive edge.
Calle Divino Pastor 6, magrocardona.com
Storied soles: Casa Hernanz
The humble espadrille has stepped beyond a staple of every Spaniard’s wardrobe into the fashionista’s closet, with brands as diverse as Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Zara featuring them in recent spring/summer collections. The Spanish capital is full of shops selling espadrilles, however there is only one Casa Hernanz. This five-generation-strong family run business started out by making the basic espadrille from two pieces of sturdy cotton sewn by hand to a flat hemp sole. Decades later, this basic is sold and sought after, although it’s been made sturdier and comes in a variety of modern, stylish designs with new fabrics from cotton to canvas, prints and silks.
This family business is located right by the emblematic Plaza Mayor, I suggest getting there early to avoid queuing from anything up to two hours.
Calle Toledo 18, La Latina, casahernanz.es
Style setter: In Moss
Designer Marta Castillo Puente works with artisans in Alicante to create her effortlessly chic, made-to-measure In Moss stilettos. Each pair of pumps is crafted by hand with the greatest care imaginable using superb quality Spanish leather and suede – different heel heights and thickness are also available depending on your taste.
Marta guides you through the process of creating your own shoes, helping you choose from a variety of casts, heels, soles from a rainbow of colours and an abundance of different materials and combinations.
Located in Malasana, one of Madrid’s main shopping districts, the In Moss boutique also stocks Marta’s curated range of clothing and accessories.
Calle San Onofre, 8, inmossmadrid.com
Hero image: Magro Cardona
For more Spanish shopping insights, nab a copy of the LUXE Madrid guide…
