Our Commitment to Society
We believe luxury should be reflected in both the quality of our shoes and our commitment to a fairer, more sustainable world. Every step of our production process reflects our brand promise of responsibility, craftsmanship, and respect for community.
Respect for Our Artisans
The heart of our brand lies in the skilled hands of our artisans. All our artisans work in-house at our Mariano Shoes atelier in northern Portugal, ensuring full production transparency from cut to finish. We honor their craft by providing above-industry-average compensation and market-leading working conditions, reflecting the respect and gratitude we have for our team. We also operate a strict code of conduct across Mariano Shoes and have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
Our Made-to-Order Model
Sustainability is at the core of our business model. While our flagship store offers a selection of curated designs for an immediate experience, the majority of our footwear is handcrafted to order. This personalized process significantly reduces surplus inventory and waste, reinforcing our commitment to both craftsmanship and responsible production.
Use of Responsibly Sourced Leather
We are members of the Leather Working Group, a global community committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather. We exclusively use leather sourced from byproducts of the food industry, ensuring this fine material is repurposed responsibly. We do not work with exotic animal skins. All our leather is treated using non-chromium tanning methods, which are kinder to the environment.
Cork-Lined Soles
Within the soles of many of our designs, we use cork, a naturally renewable resource harvested from the bark of Portuguese oak trees. This unique process allows the trees to regenerate, ensuring a continuous and environmentally friendly supply. Beyond its sustainability, cork offers exceptional comfort, flexibility, insulation, natural cushioning, and lightness, elevating the quality of our meticulously crafted footwear.
Repair Service
We believe in the longevity of carefully crafted footwear and in caring for our shoes to last for decades. Our atelier offers an on-demand repair service to restore your shoes to their original state, complete with the opportunity to customize and personalize them for a new lease on life.
100% Green-Powered Atelier
Our atelier is completely powered by renewable energy. Solar power, wind power, and hydropower are plentiful in Portugal, and we ensure that our production makes the best use of our natural environment.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
We use a combination of recycled and recyclable materials for our packaging, such as recycled cardboard and paper, combining our commitment to responsibility with an elegant unboxing experience.