By Zuko Komisa
As we enter the new year we profile some movers and shakers in the sneaker and shoe business, local brands that caught our attention. We’ve compiled a list of 5 local brands in South Africa you should check out next time you’re shopping for trendy footwear.
Bathu is the newest addition to South Africa’s exploding sneaker scene. Bathu is a brand name taken from township slang for shoe. They are currently available online and in stores in Bloemfontein, Thohoyandou, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Newtown, Johannesburg. Sneakers are selling between R800 and R2,100.

Drip is a brand with humble beginnings. From a shack in Ivory Park where the founder grew up and designed his first pair for Casual Day at school, Drip has become widely recognised for their bold colours. The brand’s slogan is “The Township Dream,” reflecting the story of its inception.

Magents is a premium South African streetwear brand known for their fusion of “konscious” fashion and contemporary culture. Apart from sneakers they have a range of streetwear with a unique local flavour.

Also Read: 5 tips to shop smart this festive season(Opens in a new browser tab)
iFele is a brand of footwear modelled on the traditional Zulu ‘imbadada’ and re-interpreted with contemporary styling and modern materials. They are based in Durban where their home and design studio is, and in Richards Bay where they produce shoes at the Umfolozi College campus factory.

Also Read: Local series #KingsOfJoburg makes Netflix(Opens in a new browser tab)
Matsidiso is inspired by the rich diversity of pan-African cultures. This brand uses vibrant colours and textures and blends them into their designs in a modern way. These handmade shoes are produced by a family-run heritage factory, with 20 years in the shoe manufacturing industry behind it.



