The oldest record of the shoe industry kept at León’s Municipal Historical Archive dates back to 1645. At present, León is the leading footwear manufacturing city in the country.

Although the regional economy was based on agriculture in the past, by the 18th Century, shoe manufacturing was among the main businesses in León.

By the first decade of the 19th century, around 1808 and 1809, shoe manufacturers from León formed a guild, just like weavers and tanners had done in 1765.

1888’s flooding was one of the most serious disasters endured by León citizens throughout history. Many shoemakers were forced to migrate to Puebla, Mexico City and Monterrey.

The 332 shoe manufacturers that remained in the city received economic support of the Central Aid Board. It would only be fair to affirm that the shoe manufacturing industry experienced a revival after those catastrophic events.

Shawl (Rebozo) weaving was the main industry at Leon; yet, by the 20’s the shoe guild was so strong that they needed an organization. The Union of León Shoe Manufacturers was established on May 24th, 1926.

With the entrance of USA into the World War II, American factories were devoted to military shoes production. The civilians market remained in the hands of Mexican shoe manufacturers, boosting Leon’s artisanal shoe production into a footwear industry with export quality.

Mexico is and will continue to be proud of the Mexican Footwear industry; a dynamic industry considered a role model, with a clear goal: Provide shoes for the whole world.