We’ve always viewed clogs as stylish and comfortable to wear, but there’s something about Thy Roots that truly stands out. Hailing from the shoe capital of the Philippines—Marikina—founder Schan Cruz has succeeded in transitioning from his family’s leather heirloom into a stylish trendsetter in the realm of local footwear.
Every design by Thy Roots is intricately constructed to ensure that its uniqueness can effortlessly enhance a multitude of outfit choices, spanning from streetwear to casual wear. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy the comfort and the confidence of standing out from head to toe.
Sprouting into Success
With humble beginnings as part of the many families operating in the Marikina area, Schan has ventured out from the family business to impart his own flair to leather shoes. Inspired by contemporary fashion icons such as Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, and Junya Watanabe, among others, he has created designs that seamlessly blend into today’s fashionable landscape of proudly Filipino-made items.
“Nakuha ko yung mentorship and learnings from those that have been in the business since the 1960s and 1970s. Sila din ung nagppush and nagbibigay din ng mga advice.”
He recalled how Marikina evolved into what it is today. Kapitan Moy spearheaded the revolution by envisioning shoes as accessible to the less privileged. He took the craft to new heights, passing it down for generations to come.
Rooted in Resilience
Marikina has been an empire for producing leather goods for over a century, but it remains prone to natural calamities, notably the typhoons Ondoy and the recent Karina. These challenges make it harder to establish a startup, combined with the popularity of China-made products and other imports. However, Schan and his team never falter, continuously weathering the storms with sheer passion and dedication.
Schan credits his success to always being 100% involved in his business to elevate it to new heights, a mentality that resonates with almost all creatives. His spontaneity in generating diverse design ideas for his clogs is akin to how Michael Jackson would jot down ideas, even in the dead of night, to work on them the next day. He believes that when the universe sends ideas his way, he must act on them promptly; otherwise, someone else might seize the opportunity.
Planting the Seeds for the Future
Schan refers to his friends and followers who have supported him as his seedlings, growing alongside the brand. He hints at the possibility of opening a physical store down the line, where all seedlings can see the collections firsthand and try them on in person.
In the meantime if you’re interested in getting your own pair of clogs or tabis, you should head on over to their website or Instagram for some fresh footwear that combines style and comfort for any occasion.
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