If I would have to define Marikina with just one word, I'd pick shoes. The development of this came along with the booming of the shoe industry and most of the families that are native to the city made a living out of making and selling shoes. Thus, writing about Marikina wouldn't be complete without paying attention to the Marikina Shoe Trade located in the Marikina Sports Center establishment.
The Marikina Shoe Trade is an attempt to gather the remaining shoe businesses in a place where people, locals and tourists, can easily buy their products. As a Marikenyo, this is the first place I go to when I have to buy new shoes. The quality is excellent and the price is not expensive. The design usually stands in between fashionable and functional. Depending on the brand, it may more toward one side of the spectrum. Some brands favor a classic style, others trendy. Sometimes, a few pairs whose style have already been out-of-fashion may find their way on the display, but don't let that discourage you from checking this place out.
From experience, I would often find the pair of shoes I need. Marikina Shoe Trade has a lot of black school shoes, casual shoes and sandals, high-heeled shoes, wedges, and men's shoes. Pampasok ba ng hanap mo o pampasyal? You would most likely find a pair here.
Just a word of warning: the alleys are not very spacious so if you intend to buy shoes during peak seasons (beginning of school year, graduation season, store sale), the place may be cramped. read more