Born in 1968 in Porto Alegre to Japanese parents, Chie Mihara grew up immersed in a rich cultural environment and artistic pursuits. She later pursued fashion design in Tokyo, studying under Junko Koshino, whose daring style profoundly influenced her creativity. Though her talent flourished, Mihara paused her fashion studies to explore sculpture in New York, only to realise her passion for footwear. Fascinated by its seamless blend of form and function, she then enrolled in accessory design at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology.

Her unexpected move into orthopaedic shoemaking was not a detour but a defining moment. It taught her the importance of comfort and respect for the foot, ensuring her designs were always wearable art. With the launch of her own brand in Spain in 2001, Chie Mihara embraced duality in her creations: expressive enough to spark joy, yet grounded in practicality and wearability.

Mihara, based in her studio in Elda, Spain, merges sculptural shapes, lively colour schemes, and vintage influences in every design. Her shoes are playful yet elegant, full of character while ensuring perfect fit. They stem from extensive experimentation and intuition, qualities that exemplify genuine luxury.

For Chie Mihara, shoes aren’t merely accessories. “No other accessory creates such a close emotional bond,” she once reflected; they carry our stories, breathe life into our outfits, and become companions along memory-filled paths.

Behind every pair of Chie Mihara shoes is a dedicated team of more than 30 individuals, each bringing their expertise to the brand. From shoemaking technicians and quality controllers to graphic designers, administrative staff, and sales managers, every role is vital. It’s a family-like workplace where professionalism meets passion, ensuring that every shoe leaving the workshop is a piece of art, carefully made with love and dedication.

Founded in 2002 by Chie and her husband Francisco, the brand has always embodied a strong family spirit. Over 20 years later, their three children, Harumi, Agatha, and Kenji, have joined the business, bringing fresh ideas, new energy, and a modern outlook. Collectively, they represent the next generation of creativity and innovation, ensuring that Chie Mihara remains authentic.