Felgueiras is "The small shoe capital of Portugal"
Felgueiras is often referred to as the "Capital do Calçado," or the shoe capital of Portugal, and that's not just a PR slogan. Around 60% of Portuguese shoe production comes from this region—making it the clear center of the industry. The city is home to hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses, many of them family-run and specializing in high-quality shoe manufacturing. The slogan is therefore not exaggerated; it has both historical and economic foundations.
More than 1,200 companies and workshops operate here, many of them family-run and specializing in sophisticated handcrafted models.
The town itself is closely intertwined with craftsmanship: As early as the 1950s, its economic rise began with small shoe manufacturers, initially producing for the domestic market. In the following decades, Felgueiras developed into an international hotspot for shoe manufacturers, especially in the premium segment.
Today, the region combines traditional craftsmanship with modern standards – from innovative manufacturing techniques to sustainable production methods. Many workshops work closely with regional tanneries and material suppliers. This results in short supply chains, personal relationships, and high standards of transparency and quality.
For RŌSHI, Felgueiras is more than a production site. It's a place where true craftsmanship is practiced – in an environment that values quality, responsibility, and timelessness.
Since the 19th century, shoes have been created here that impress with their precision and dedication. What makes Felgueiras special is the unique know-how passed down from generation to generation. Here, shoemaking isn't just a job; it's a lifelong passion.
But it's about more than just tradition. Sustainability plays an equally important role in Felgueiras. Materials are often sourced locally, production routes are short, and craftsmanship not only conserves resources but also creates shoes that represent a better future.
The sophisticated Goodyear Welted construction is also perfected in Felgueiras – a technique that makes shoes extremely robust, durable and unique: An additional welt seam is sewn in that connects the insole to the outsole and makes the shoes waterproof and resolable.
The use of natural materials such as vegetable-tanned leather, natural woven fabrics, waxed flax seams or hand-stitching with natural cork granules has been practiced in Felgueiras in the production of classic shoes for decades.
Every pair of shoes that sees the light of day here is a small work of art that combines craftsmanship, sustainability, quality, and style. This is exactly what we value at RŌSHI: shoes that not only look good, but also have substance and will accompany you for a long time.
