Carlos Santos

Carlos Santos began working at Zarco Footwear Factory at age 14. He later moved into the sales division of the company. By the age of 21, he started traveling to Italy to learn about production techniques in the shoe industry. In 2000, Carlos Santos became the sole owner of Zarco Footwear Factory after gradually acquiring all company shares. In 2010, production under the Carlos Santos brand name started, with an export focus and participation in international trade fairs.

The Zarco Footwear Factory in São João da Madeira produces Carlos Santos Shoes. Production at the facility involves over 200 separate manual steps, with most operations performed by trained artisans rather than machines. The factory produces approximately 450 pairs of shoes each day. Nearly all output, about 99 percent, is exported to international markets.

The company uses Goodyear welt and Blake stitch construction methods in its shoe production. Goodyear welt construction involves the use of a leather welt stitched around the perimeter of the shoe. The Blake stitch method features stitching the upper part directly to the sole. Some Carlos Santos shoes are produced as part of a handcrafted line that includes extra finishing steps and uses selected leathers. The company sources leather from tanneries in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.

Carlos Santos produces men's formal and casual footwear, including Oxfords, Derbies, monk straps, loafers, and boots such as Chelsea and Jodhpur models. The brand offers a patina service in which shoes receive hand-painted finishes in different colorways. Some shoes and accessories are available in matching leathers. The company's range also includes belts made from the same types of leather used for its shoes.