While the title may be a joke, these shoemakers are not joking with their "Made in Africa" sartorial pairings for your appendages south of the ankle. For those looking for an alternative to the once amazing, now troubling Tom's Shoe Brand we suggest Sawa Shoesand Oliberté Footwear. Shoes that are not generating charitable slogans or debilitating African economies, these two brands are making fashion that is sustainable...in every sense of the word.
Made 100% in Africa, Sawa Shoesclaims its uniqueness in that it is neither a charity nor a fair trade brand. Sawa is simply a fashion brand that manufactures its products in Africa in order to maintain added value for the continent. As stated on their website, "If one day it were to snow in Africa, would people send us winter coats and snowboards?" Sawa has one thing right, Africans can and will produce their basic necessities and then some into the global market of fashion. And as Sawa braces for a pending snowstorm on the continent (per climate changes) they are certain Africans will be geared shoe-wise for the frosty weather... and snowboarding if they fancy! Check out their collection.
Oliberté Footwear, similarly believes in African countries self-sustaining their socio-economic livelihood, which is why when asked, "Why Africa?" They aptly replied, "Why Not?" Currently producing in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Kenya, Oliberté is most interested in supporting Africa's middle class as it's a defining element in the success of a country's socio-economic development. If you're on the path of wearing shoes that really make a difference, Sawa Shoes & Oliberte are taking you in the right direction, and in style.