The footwear sector is among the most affected by the changes that Trump has proposed in recent months, and it is currently going through a difficult period along with several other industrial sectors in the country. New tariffs, unfair competition from Asia, and an uncertain economic future—not just in the country but worldwide—paint an unclear outlook for this industry.
Design is a weapon that has strengthened and given identity to many national and international brands that have chosen to enrich their collections with well-grounded trends and marketing campaigns that enhance their connection with the market. These are the same brands that have chosen not to imitate Chinese companies by cheapening their products and sacrificing authentic design, as well as quality in materials and manufacturing. For this reason, they have stood out in the national consumer’s collective mind. Some of these brands have already built a legacy over several years, while others have less than two decades of history, but they have evolved alongside their brand ethos, adapting trends to the Mexican market and catching the attention of consumers and competitors.
It has been widely proven that the Mexican footwear industry will never be able to compete with Chinese manufacturing processes, which already have several public complaints regarding questionable labor practices. That is just one reason distinguishing the two industries.
Mexican footwear, and specifically the footwear made in the city of León, Guanajuato in Mexico, has been known for decades for its quality processes and materials. This is why the city earned the nickname «The Leather and Footwear Capital,» a title that has lost strength over the years in its quest to compete with low-quality Chinese products with compromised design. But in the end, this formula did not seem to work: the Asian product has found ways to enter the country at increasingly lower and unreachable prices, leaving Mexican companies in a more difficult situation with clients who have grown used to consuming and discarding trends they buy at laughably low prices.
Not all is lost; the identity of commercial Mexican design—the kind that actually sells—has manifested in several brands that have achieved success by reinventing or inventing from their collections and brand communication. For this reason, I chose 7 brands from León that—in my opinion—are doing an incredible job with their collections, constantly improving, staying updated on trends, and making them their own in each collection. These companies have been able to differentiate themselves over time among so many options, refining their design and visual communication. These are some examples to follow for young brands and even those with a history that can still redefine themselves for the better.
Dante
Cracked leather and suede boots, platforms, and geometric or pleated heels in a well-chosen color palette for the Mexican market can be found in their online store, adorned with unique designs and a refined Rock & Roll vibe. This relatively young brand has positioned itself in prime locations in Mexico City and León, as well as through appearances at New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week.
Their elaborate campaigns align perfectly with the lifestyle of the consumers they want to reach. Dante proves there is still a market for original design with quality materials at fair prices that reflect the value of a good pair of shoes.
My Favorites: Feelings Black, Freddie Sand y Vespa Black Suede
Mezcalero
A boot brand that retains the handcrafted feel of leather with leather soles, combined with a completely avant-garde design. Patent leather cowboy boots with an alternative edge and bold combinations adorned with neon touches, metallic appliqués, and fringes shape their collection.
Today, Mezcalero has positioned itself as one of the most cutting-edge Mexican brands, and its models, even in the broad offering of cowboy boots, stand out for their finishes, proving that footwear made in León also shines for its identity and design.
My Favorites: Selena Black, Mezcal True Gold y Eilen Green
Lalic Derien
A truly young company from León that embraces trends and transforms them into something more, experimenting with unique geometric heels that identify the brand at first glance. The chosen leathers and combinations also give it identity. Their collection is full of mules and boots with a distinct air, in snakeskin and metallics.
Lalic Derien disrupted the Mexican footwear industry with designs of simple appearance but with carefully chosen details that make them visually exclusive.
My Favorites: Venus Scarlet Red , Tamara Wine Scale y Venus Boreal
Via Libera
A brand with more than 30 years of history that stood out this year with a commercial collection that includes heavy boots, flats, and low-heeled pumps, but is led by leather cowboy boots made in a neutral color palette accentuated with fringes or cherry red.
Via Libera presents us with leather products at fair but affordable prices and shows it is not afraid to experiment with trends if they properly fit the Mexican market. It offers a varied collection enriched by casual, contemporary, and versatile cowboy boots.
My Favorites: Lesli Piel Negro, Sandy Piel Cereza y Zapatilla New York Negro
Brantano
The Brantano of the 2020s has achieved a perfect upgrade in design and marketing aligned with this decade. We are talking about a strong company from León with a 40-year history that today stands out not only for being an important name in the city’s footwear sector but also for the visible evolution of its collections, which align with the needs of 2025.
Brantano is now positioned as a strong brand that expands with design and visual communication each season, with collections balanced between innovative trends and contemporary basics.
My Favorites: Zapato Tacón Hebillas Metálicas Rojo y Sandalia Moño Textil Negro
Paruno
Paruno is a company I repeatedly mention in my articles for its sustainable commitment through initiatives like Re-New and Pre-Loved, as well as an alliance with the Sierra Gorda Ecological Group to offset the carbon footprint from its footwear production. This shows that innovation in a company is also evident through environmental commitments.
Their shoes, made with certified leathers, are adorned with urban-style soles that play with modeling and add a subtle and casual rock & roll air to each piece. This essence is something that distinguishes the brand and is also evident in merchandising products aligned with their Foro Paruno, a well-known venue for listening to local and international rock bands in the city.
My Favorites: Tenis Tyler Verde, Choclo Mujer Turner y Bota Mujer Sheryl Blanco
Cuadra
Cuadra is a brand that fascinates many people for its elaborate design, built with leathers and complex combinations, and yet it has earned a place among national buyers, who we know generally have conservative tastes. But with Cuadra, they are encouraged to experiment by wearing elaborately designed footwear.
Boots adorned with fine patterns in laser cuts, metallic applications, exotic leathers, and fringes combine in a way that invites the buyer to wear them without fear. Cuadra has turned this quasi-eclectic style into something that distinguishes its brand and surprises with every design and collection.
My Favorites:: Botín Tradicional en Piel Genuina , Botín Casual en Piel Genuina de Mantarraya y Botín Western Fashion en Piel Genuina de Mantarraya
What other brands would you add to this list?
Análisis, Cultura y Mindset de la moda. 
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