Follow us on
Polls + Surveys
Top 6 Best Sneaker Brands in the Philippines
Attention, sneakerheads! Here are the top shoe brands you’ve got to have in your closet!
By: Peter Parcon | July 27, 2022
Sneakers have evolved from being a pair of sports shoes to footwear for everyday use in recent decades.
Images: Converse (L); Adidas (R) Facebook pages
While sneakers only became a thing in the past few decades, Filipinos have taken to the product like a duck to water. Sneakers were initially designed for sports activities, but this has evolved into everyday wear in recent decades. There are notable sneaker brands in the Philippines that are worthy of a place in anyone’s closet.
We asked some Filipino readers about the sneaker brands they like best. The list of shoe brands was dominated by international brands, with one local shoe brand manufacturer carrying the country’s banner. Here are the results:
6. Converse
Aside from the classic Chucks, Converse also offers the CONS One Star Pro, which uses its Lunarion shoe technology.
Images: Converse Facebook page
The sixth place in our list of sneaker brands in the Philippines goes to Converse. One of the most popular models of rubber shoes brands is the Chuck Taylor All-Stars or the Chucks, which were initially produced in 1922. The popularity of the shoe brand was initially limited to basketball players before it was picked up by musicians and artists.
Aside from the Chucks, the company produces other shoe models, including the Jack Purcell and CONS. In 2015, Converse released a line of Andy Warhol-inspired Chuck Taylors. Today, the Chucks are considered one of the leading sneaker brands in the Philippines and are worn by just anyone: athletes, musicians, artists, and ordinary people. The company focuses on producing sneakers rather than shoes, which is highlighted by its tagline, “Shoes are Boring, Wear Sneakers.”
5. Adidas, Vans, and World Balance
Sharing fifth place on our list of sneaker brands in the Philippines are two international sneaker brands and a local brand. Adidas, Vans, and World Balance continue to compete in the market of rubber shoe brands in the Philippines.
Adidas continues to prove that “impossible is nothing” with its innovations in its line of sneakers in the market.
Images: Adidas Facebook page
Adidas was initially established to provide sports equipment for athletes in a washroom by Adi Dassler. The famous three stripes of the shoe brand first appeared in 1949. The company got its jump-start after the German National team beat the then-unbeatable Hungarians in the 1954 World Cup Final wearing its football shoes. Now, Adidas is one of the top shoe brands in the Philippines.
Aside from its popular Off The Wall line, Vans also offers other models designed for everyday use.
Images: Vans Facebook page
A little history about one of the leading sneaker brands in the Philippines – Vans. When the Van Doren Rubber Company started selling shoes in 1966, they produced them on the spot and were sold directly to their customers. The first 12 customers who bought their sneakers in 1966 made their purchases in the afternoon. Vans got its first big break after skateboarders liked the footwear’s sticky sole and rugged appearance
From a single store selling shoes with each order, the company had around 70 stores at the end of the 1970s. The shoe brand also launched its “Off The Wall” logo in 1977, which became the company’s tagline. Today, Van’s wide variety of rubber shoes brands offers a good variety of models worn by nearly anyone looking for a comfortable pair of every day sneakers
The latest shoe designs offered by World Balance held its own against competition from well-established international brands in the market.
Images: World Balance Facebook page
World Balance is a local sneaker company that has gone up against the best the world has to offer and is now one of the best sneaker brands in the Philippines. The company was started by a family of shoemakers in 1982. It has captured a considerable share of the market of shoe brands in the Philippines and is now among the leading retailers. World Balance has over 300 outlets around the country.
It offers a good selection of sneaker models that provide comfort and value for its customers. The brand is also starting to branch out into the international market after opening outlets in Dubai and Singapore.
4. Sperry
The signature wave-like grooves of the Sperry brand continues to allow boaters to maintain their balance while sailing.
Images: Sperry Facebook page
One of the top American rubber shoe brands, Sperry, is fourth on the list of sneaker brands in the Philippines. Paul Sperry designed the Sperry Top-Sider in 1935 after falling overboard while sailing. The experience served as his inspiration to create a non-slip shoe. The sneaker brand turned from a niche product for boaters into a multi-billion dollar company after it was picked up by the US Navy, which wanted to manufacture the shoe for the US Naval Academy in 1939.
The shoe brand became one of the wardrobe items to achieve the preppy East Coast look in the 1960s. Today, the Sperry Top-Sider continues to be among the top choices for boating enthusiasts worldwide and has become one of the top shoe brands in the Philippines.
3. Keds
“Other than the fact that it's made for women, I love the style and the colors!!” - Antonette Guiao
The simple yet chic canvas sneakers of Keds continue to empower women worldwide.
Images: Keds Facebook page
*Keds come up in third place on this list of sneaker brands in the Philippines. This American company was established in 1916 and produced its first mass-marketed rubber shoes brands with a canvas top. It was supposed to be named Peds, but it was already trademarked. So, it was used the name Keds.
The shoe brand initially focused on offering “simple yet chic” canvas sneakers for women. But it eventually expanded to offer women’s accessories and men’s shoes. Today, the shoe brand continues to empower women around the world. It has also collaborated with several fashion houses and international celebrities with its goal of empowering women.
2. New Balance and Skechers
Second place in our list of sneaker brands in the Philippines is shared by two international brands: New Balance and Skechers. One has been in the market for over a century. The second one is a new kid on the block
With 100 years of experience under its belt, New Balance has focused on enhancing the design element of its latest line of sneakers in the market.
Images: New Balance Facebook page
Established by an Irish immigrant in the United States, New Balance initially produced arch supports and accessories for their rubber shoes brands to enhance fit. Originally called the New Balance Arch Support Company, it manufactured the world’s first running shoe in 1960. The sneakers were eventually adopted by different universities in the United States for their track teams.
The company manufactures its shoes in the United States and the United Kingdom as opposed to its rivals that have factories in other countries. Today, New Balance became one of the most popular sneaker brands in the Philippines that focuses on style with its latest products in the market.
Skechers focuses on comfort without compromising style in its line of shoes.
Images: Skechers Facebook page
One of the top shoe brands in the Philippines that share the limelight with New Balance in second place. Skechers initially intended to distribute Dr. Martens shoes in 1992, but its CEO, Robert Greenberg, decided to design and manufacture its own line of shoes. The “Chrome Dome” shoe line gave the brand its first taste of success.
As part of its expansion plans, the company started selling boys’ and men’s apparel in 1992 before further expanding its rubber shoes brands product line to women’s wear in 1998. The shoe brand focuses on comfort and style. It maintains its trendy image through celebrity endorsers like The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, and Robert Downey, Jr.
1. Nike
The Swoosh logo of Nike is among the most recognizable globally.
Images: Nike Facebook page
Topping this list of sneaker brands in the Philippines was selected by a third of the poll respondents. It is not surprising that Nike comes in first as it is the sneaker of choice for athletes, celebrities, and ordinary mortals. The company was established in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. It was initially named Blue Ribbon Sports before it took the name of the Greek goddess of victory in 1971.
The “Swoosh” logo of the brand was first used in 1971 and is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Its “Just Do It” slogan was initially used in an ad campaign in 1988 and has been at the forefront of the company’s marketing campaign ever since.
The sneaker industry in the country has seen an upsurge, and footwear has evolved from mere sports shoes to everyday footwear. What’s your choice on our list of the best sneaker brands in the Philippines?
Make sure to check out Yoorekka Magazine to find more sneaker brands in the Philippines!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on July 28, 2019.
Check out this video:
About Peter Parcon
After leaving spending 16 years of his professional life in the academe, Peter decided to try his luck in the world of online freelancing. For the past eight years, he has been creating content for clients all around the world. He can work on just about any topic - from tattoos to technology and food to finance. He dreams of visiting every island in the archipelago some day.
Learn more stories on:
Location Tags:
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although
careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all
information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended
to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
ALSO READ
CATEGORIES
VIDEO MARKET PLACE
FOLLOW US ON
MORE STORIES AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
