Life of a Boot Series: The Shoe Capitol
Leon, Mexico.
When you think the world capitol of leather footwear, where do you think? China? Italy? It's Leon, Mexico. Cool, right?
Leon was founded in 1576 by the Spanish Conquistadores. The Spanish farmers established farming and cattle ranches, which are still present today. The rapid growth in cattle ranches led to the success of tanneries and, as early as 1645, the region became known for it shoemaking.
Fast forward a few hundred years, and there are as many as 3,400 shoe manufacturing companies in Leon. All of the tanneries are located in one district, seen below. This is where our journey started!