Chilote Feet

Founded in Chile’s Patagonia, Chilote Shoes provides responsible, ethically produced, wool slippers that empower indigenous communities to preserve their unique culture and community. Every pair is handcrafted with the utmost care and pride by independent artisan women in Patagonia doing what they know and love: knitting. These wool slippers get down to the root of what makes traditional craftsmanship so remarkable. Not to mention they are incredibly warm and very comfortable.

This iconic design is the result of a co-creation between the local artisans and Chilote Shoes co-founder, award-winning designer Stiven Kerestegian. Stiven is a recognized social innovator and sustainable design leader who has held key strategic positions for LEGO, Microsoft, IKEA, as well as consulting positions with several governments, municipalities, and social start-ups. Francisca, a business major with a focus on social impact, has been leading in-region fieldwork and consulting with both NGOs and private organizations for over ten years. The pair met while working on related social design projects in the small town of Puerto Varas, known as the gateway to the Chilean Patagonia. In response to the growing adverse effects of globalization in the local community, they established Chilote Shoes to make a positive impact for people and the planet. In practical terms, this means enabling more inclusive and responsible ways to co-create mutual value through business.