Miles & Louie

Miles & Louie was established in 2012 by brothers Octavio Martinez and Carlos Martinez, who were college students at the time studying Architecture and Medicine respectively. Unable to afford high-quality shoes they desired, the Martinez brothers decided to leave their studies and teach themselves shoemaking through online tutorials and videos. They initially funded their venture with a loan from another brother and began producing 4-5 pairs of shoes monthly from their Tijuana workshop.

Approximately one year after founding, Emmanuel Polanco, a graphic design graduate, joined the team. Polanco contributed marketing expertise and web design knowledge, and provided space for a showroom at Plaza Fiesta in Tijuana. As the company grew, operations expanded to Leon, Guanajuato to access better materials and trained craftspeople while increasing production capacity.

Miles & Louie specializes in the Goodyear welt construction method, which the company describes as "the best manufacturing process" for footwear due to its durability and ability to be resoled multiple times. Each product is handmade with attention to each step of the manufacturing process. The company uses carefully selected materials including leather, canvas, wood, and ironwork in their products.

Manufacturing operations are based in Leon, Guanajuato, where the company has access to quality materials and skilled craftspeople, while maintaining retail locations in Tijuana. The brand's approach emphasizes lifetime durability with proper maintenance, positioning their products as long-lasting investments rather than disposable fashion items.

The company produces Goodyear welted shoes in various styles, along with a range of leather goods including bags, backpacks, wallets, and belts. Miles & Louie offers custom and bespoke shoe orders, allowing clients to personalize colors, features, and designs to match their individual style and needs.

The brand's pricing positions them in the mid-range heritage footwear market, with shoes priced between $100-$250, accessories from $5-$100, and bags and backpacks ranging from $100-$230. Products are sold through the company's official website, two retail locations in Tijuana (including Paseo de los Héroes 9415), and distribution points in Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Miles & Louie's founding objective was "harmoniously combining different disciplines, materials and ideas" to create practical and functional pieces. The company emphasizes quality construction, fair pricing, and customer satisfaction. The brand works to challenge "the old stereotype of Mexican product" by utilizing industry-leading manufacturing techniques and maintaining strict quality standards throughout the production process.