Shoe In: These shoes are made for walking

The idea of wearing locally made clothes is a good one, until you try to find them here. We're happy to share our ''wearing Proudly South African" outfits on social media, but how many of these items carry a unique local design signature?

There's a distinct shortage of domestically made men's shoes on our runways. That's because production often can't keep pace with imported items and the influx of international brands is at its all-time peak in this country. Then there is the question of quality, and making shoes that compare in design with international brands.

But there are three local designers who aren't trying to compete. Instead they are forging ahead with shoe designs that are original, well-produced and have a distinctly African feel.

Ace Nkoketse

Nkoketse is becoming known for his made-to-order leather shoes . His label is Lust Be Original, and his shoes have been worn by a host of celebrity clientele, including actor Pepsi Pokane and television host Lunga Tshabalala.

Nkoketse started making shoes when he couldn't finda job after graduating in fashion design from Sew Africa in 2006. He sources his quality fabrics from Egoli Leather on Commissioner Street in Johannesburg, and every shoe is moulded and stitched by hand.His dream is to one day make it big and help alleviate the poverty in his home town of Ekurhuleni. His shoes range from R650 to upwards of R6000 for his rare crocodile-skin boots. Call him on 082-674-8816

Maria Mccloy

McCloy is famed for her trendy Sunday stall at Market on Main in Moboneng, Johannesburg, where she sells brightly patterned clothing and accessories sourced from all over Africa.

Her most recent venture is decorating beautiful shoes (not made by McCloy) with printed traditional fabrics like the Seshoeshoe, Tsonga and Venda cloths.

Her range of men's shoes costs R500 a pair.

She hopes to stock the range in shops across the country.

Dale Stephen Strime

Strime is the Creative Director of Swede&CROWE, a label that takes pride in referencing the 1950s-style of gentleman dress .

The name stems from his fascination with crows and his Viking-like appearance.

Strime aims to redefine street style by adding a selection of designer boots, derby shoes and sneakers that carry a strong, independent signature. He matches colours and patterns in quirky but street-smart ways. All the Swede&CROWE shoes are made in South Africa, supporting local manufacturers.

Aiming for the international fashion scene, Strime said: ''The spring/summer collection pays homage to the times when beats were phat and prints were bold. Colour blocks and crazy prints are the major stars this season."

Shoe price ranges between R699 and R899.

To find out more about these designers see www.facebook.com/ mariamccloy and www.facebook.com/ nkoketseace. Swede&CROWE has a Tumblr page and you can check it out via www.swede-and-crowe.tumblr.com