When I first set out to create Maratown back in 2015, I knew I wanted to combine the plush comfort of running shoes with the stylish look of modern dress shoes—footwear that could transition seamlessly from the sidewalk to the boardroom. What I didn’t expect was just how intricate and technical the process would be. Each design feature of Maratown grew out of a very specific need for comfort, stability, and durability—and it took years of trial and error to perfect.
The biggest challenge was the sole. Because our cushioning material is soft and responsive, a thin sole would have you practically touching the ground, losing much of the protective benefit. That’s why Maratown has a thicker sole—to ensure long-lasting support. We also widened it after realizing a narrower base made the shoe unstable. Next came the rocker front—like on running shoes—which lets your foot roll forward effortlessly, reducing fatigue during long days on your feet.
For that chunk of midsole, we tested many materials such as TPU and standard EVA. However, they were often too heavy, lacked the bounce we needed, or lost their cushioning after a few months. Eventually, we discovered an EVA derivative that’s lightweight, soft, cushy, and bouncy—while also retaining its properties over time. Protecting this cushioning was just as critical, so we placed a 3mm rubber outsole beneath the midsole foam to shield it, all while keeping the shoe lightweight.
Developing the upper was somewhat simpler, but still required fresh thinking. Instead of a traditional Oxford construction that locks the foot into a fixed volume, we opted for a derby style with an open quarter on each side, allowing for an adjustable fit. We shortened the quarters to free the metatarsal area from any hard points or stitches. While derbies are typically less formal, this revised design made the shoe more minimalist and dressy. We also worked extensively on the internal shape and volume, ensuring a generous interior that accommodates different foot shapes with removable insoles, volume adjusters, and multiple widths. Every prototype went through countless revisions, guided by input from pedorthists, laboratory tests, real-world beta testers, and, most importantly, feedback from our customers.
From a production standpoint, we ultimately chose Portugal, where skilled craftsmanship and access to premium materials enable the creation of high-quality shoes. Portugal is already renowned among health professionals for its footwear, making it the perfect place to bring Maratown’s vision to life.
It’s taken years of dedication, but the result is Maratown—a shoe that truly reflects the belief that you should never have to choose between comfort and style. Each pair is a testament to the lessons learned and the countless steps we took to get here, both literally and figuratively.
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Imagine standing at the starting line of a half marathon, surrounded by athletes in high-tech running gear, their feet clad in the latest performance sneakers. Now, picture someone next to you wearing classic leather dress shoes. Sounds unbelievable? It has happened—more than once.
As the founder of Maratown, I have spent years exploring the intersection of footwear innovation and comfort. One of the most polarizing debates in the shoe industry revolves around cushioning—whether it's a necessary advancement or an unnecessary barrier between our feet and the ground.
When it comes to running shoes, brands like Hoka, Adidas, and Nike have earned their reputations for comfort and performance. Their shoes are often designed with cutting-edge technology to provide maximum support, cushioning, and a responsive feel that’s unmatched in the athletic shoe industry. But despite their success in producing highly comfortable footwear for runners, none of these giants have ventured into creating shoes that combine the same level of comfort with a more refined, dressy aesthetic for professional environments.
