Made in Portugal vs. Made in Italy Shoes: What's the Difference?
Is Made in Italy really better? We're taking a closer look at European craftsmanship, quality, and why we chose Portugal for Joyasol.
When you think of beautifully made European shoes, Italy probably comes to mind first. Italian footwear has long been associated with luxury, beautiful leather, and exceptional craftsmanship.
But there's another country making equally beautiful shoes that doesn't always get the same attention: Portugal.
So, are Italian-made shoes actually better? And what makes Portuguese footwear worth considering?
Let's take a closer look.
1. Two Countries With a Rich Shoemaking History
Both Italy and Portugal have long traditions of shoemaking, with generations of skilled artisans perfecting their craft.
Italy is known for its luxury fashion houses, leather goods, and designer footwear. Portugal has built a strong footwear manufacturing industry of its own, particularly in the northern part of the country.
Many Portuguese factories combine traditional techniques with modern technology, producing everything from leather flats and sneakers to sandals and heels.
While Italy may have the more recognizable luxury reputation, Portuguese craftsmanship can be every bit as impressive.
2. Does Made in Italy Mean Better Quality?
Upclose stitching of our best selling Paisley sneaker
Not necessarily.
There's no denying that Italy produces beautiful shoes, but a "Made in Italy" label doesn't automatically guarantee better quality.
What really matters is how a shoe is made.
The quality of the leather, stitching, construction, fit, and finishing details all contribute to how a shoe looks, feels, and holds up over time.
A well-made Portuguese shoe can be just as comfortable and durable as an Italian one, and sometimes even better.
If you're curious about what to look for when shopping for quality footwear, read our previous article, How to Tell if Shoes Are High Quality.
3. Why Do Portuguese Shoes Often Cost Less?
Portugal has a skilled footwear workforce and an established network of factories and suppliers. Depending on the manufacturer, production costs can be more competitive than in Italy.
Italy also has a strong luxury reputation, which can influence retail pricing, especially for designer brands.
Of course, there are expensive Portuguese shoes and affordable Italian shoes. Pricing depends on the materials, construction, brand, and manufacturer.
But one thing we've learned is that you don't necessarily need to pay a luxury price to enjoy beautiful European craftsmanship.
4. Why We Chose Portugal for Joyasol
Here's a little behind-the-scenes story.
When we first started exploring where to manufacture Joyasol shoes, Italy was absolutely on our list.
But our founder, Christina Bullock, already had experience with Portuguese shoemaking.
Before launching Joyasol, Christina worked for another footwear brand that manufactured its shoes in Portugal. She had the opportunity to see firsthand the quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that went into each pair.
So when it came time to find manufacturing partners for Joyasol, Portugal was naturally high on the list.
And after exploring our options, we discovered that Portuguese manufacturers could produce shoes that were just as beautifully made as Italian shoes, if not better, often at a more accessible cost.
We were especially impressed by the skilled artisans, beautiful materials, and opportunity to work closely with our manufacturing partners.
For us, it wasn't about finding the cheapest place to make shoes. It was about finding the right people who shared our appreciation for quality, comfort, and thoughtful design.
Today, Joyasol shoes are designed in California and handcrafted in Portugal, bringing together effortless style and European craftsmanship.
5. What About Sustainability?
Both Italy and Portugal have manufacturers working toward more responsible footwear production.
Portugal's footwear industry has invested in material innovation, waste reduction, and more efficient manufacturing processes.
Of course, a shoe isn't automatically sustainable because it's made in Europe. Materials, manufacturing practices, and product longevity all matter.
At Joyasol, we focus on small-batch production, timeless designs, and creating shoes that can be enjoyed season after season.
We're also proud to be a member of 1% for the Planet, supporting environmental causes as we continue growing our brand.
6. So, Are Portuguese Shoes as Good as Italian Shoes?
The timeless Charlotte heel in light pink patent
Absolutely.
Both countries have incredible shoemaking traditions and talented artisans capable of producing beautiful, high-quality footwear.
Italy may have the more recognizable luxury reputation, but Portugal deserves just as much consideration.
Ultimately, the best shoes come down to materials, construction, fit, and craftsmanship—not simply the country printed on the label.
And a higher price tag doesn't always mean better quality.
A Little More About Our Portuguese Partners
Joyasol Founder & Creative Director, Christina Bullock, at one of our factories in Northern Portugal
One of our favorite parts of building Joyasol has been getting to know the people behind our shoes.
We're heading back to Portugal this fall to visit our manufacturing partners and suppliers, work on upcoming collections, and reconnect with the artisans who bring our designs to life.
It's always a reminder of why we chose Portugal in the first place.
Because behind every beautiful pair of shoes are real people, years of experience, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Want to Learn More About Our Shoemaking?
There's something special about knowing the story behind the shoes you love. From the artisans who bring our designs to life to the materials and details that make each pair unique, there's so much that goes into creating a beautiful shoe.
Discover More About Our Shoemaking in Portugal
Discover the Joyasol Collection
Timeless women's shoes designed in California and handcrafted in Portugal, with comfort, quality, and effortless style in mind.
