Indonesia has been the production home for the largest shoe company, Nike, for decades now, and is one of the ten largest footwear manufacturers in the world besides Vietnam, India, and China.

However, even amongst its own citizens, the country is not necessarily recognized as a producer of top-tier footwear. Meanwhile, several manufacturing hubs can be found spread across the Island of Java alone, in Jombang, Mojokerto, Malang, Sidoarjo, Bandung, and Magetan, to name more than a few.

While we may not soon see Indonesia surpassing the likes of the United States or China in terms of sales and exports, it is important to note Indonesia has made strides in its footwear quality, with builds, designs, and brands that are nothing to scoff at.

Here are the Indonesian footwear brands that deserve your attention and maybe your money.

Brodo 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by BRODO (@bro.do)

Brodo started in 2010, in Bandung when co-founder and now CEO of the shoe company Yukka Harlanda had problems finding stylish, high-quality, but affordable shoes in his size, 46, and thus came the idea to create his own shoe company that sells directly to consumers and offers lines of formal, casual, sneakers, and boots all made with high-quality materials.

Ventela

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ventela® (@ventelashoes)

For the sneakerheads that prefer canvas to leather, Ventela is another brand that was born in Bandung in 2017 and founded by William Ventela, a vulcanized shoe factory owner since 1989. The Ventela brand offers models akin to the famous Converse brand, such as low sneakers, hi-tops, and slip-on favored by streetwear aficionados. Ventela shoes also feature their Ultralite Foam technology that makes for comfy and soft insoles. 

Prabu

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Prabu Indonesia (@prabu.indonesia)

Prabu is one of the younger brands on this list, as it was founded in 2019 and offers high-quality casual and formal leather shoes. Prabu shoes are manufactured using international standards with a guarantee of good quality, durability, and style. Prioritizing classic, smart, and modern concepts, Prabu has the vision to become the best DTC (direct-to-consumer) shoe brand in Indonesia.

Compass

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by COMPASS® (@sepatucompass)

Compass is a shoe brand that’s been in the market for a good while now, founded in 1998, in Bandung, when Kahar Gunawan wanted to rebuild a shoe factory based upon the vision that was left by his father, Kahar Setiadi. The company reimagined its brand in 2018 with a fresh contemporary touch, yet still featuring its logo of a Gazelle, made by Kahar Setiadi in 1983. The company has since regained new customers and popularity in the e-commerce era.

Wakai

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wakai Indonesia (@wakaiindonesia)

If you thought Wakai shoes were made in Japan, welcome to the club. While not much is written about the brand or the company on its official website, what we did find was that Wakai was made by the Indonesia-based Metrox Global company, which is a lifestyle retail group founded in 2004. The Wakai brand offers comfy slip-on shoes inspired by Japanese indoor slippers. They’re comfortable, chic, and come in various bright colors, perfect for a casual stroll.