Raphia.nl

Raphia brings Moroccan craftmanship and Dutch shoedesign together.

14/10/2025

Change of weather, it’s autumn. When the wheather gets colder Raphia shoes combined with woolen socks provide perfect protection against the colder days.

05/05/2024

Throwback to our former workspace at Het Hof van Cartesius!

For 3 fun years we worked at this sustainable creative hotspot, where we shared a studio with designers and

Together we covered the façade with wood from a local tree that had to be cut down. It was such a beautiful place and definitely worth a visit if you’re around.

👉Slide to see the photos!

PS. Our new shop and studio is temporarily closed because of a much needed holiday. We hope to see you back after May 12!

02/05/2024

A few years ago we found a traditional company in France that is still making natural rubber soles out of hevea milk, which is very special!

Using hevea milk is a unique process, making these natural rubber soles more costly than the synthetic version. It has a 30% shrinkage after the rubber comes out of the mold, which makes it a more difficult process and it takes more time for the soles to dry.

But there are several advantages to using natural rubber; they are more supple than artificial rubber and it gives more bounce. And, these shoes are 100% vegan!

29/04/2024

FAQ • Customers are often curious whether our shoes are comfortable.

Our short answer is: Yes, of course! Raffia has two important assets which makes our shoes super comfy:
💨 it is extremely breathable
🤗 it adapts to your feet

We take the time to find the perfect shoe last for an optimal fit. The raffia is then carefully stitched by hand on the shoe last, making sure they will feel pleasant when you wear the shoes. And while you're wearing them, they will adjust to the shape of your feet!

This way we hope our shoes will become trusted lifelong partners for you. And did you know they are almost endlessly repairable as well?

26/04/2024

We get a lot of response to these shoes made on a pointy last & with mesh detailing. We only have 2 pairs left in size 36, but they will be restocked soon.

Would you like to get an update about these shoes? Slide in a DM with your size + details and we’ll keep you updated!

23/04/2024

The studio and shop will be closed from 24 April until 12 May as we are on a much needed holiday. We hope to see you back after May 12!

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17/04/2024

These are the craftsmen in Morocco that are specialized in the dying process. They’re based in Sidi El Mokhtar, an area known for its wool. Many families there have looms for weaving carpets, therefore these craftsmen mostly dye wool.

The know-how of these dyers is essential to the quality of our shoes, as raffia is much harder to dye than other natural fibres. Working with plant-based pigments requires even more patience as well, as it takes more time to absorb in the raffia fibers.

🧐 Check our stories if you’d like to see which natural pigments are used for our shoes!

09/04/2024

NEWS • Raphia moved to a new space!

After 3 fun years of working in the studio at the sustainable Hof van Cartesius we moved to a new place! It’s our atelier and shop at the same time.

Come in and have a look! We’re mostly present during weekdays and Saturdays. If you want to be sure we’re here you can book an appointment via our website!

💥 Oudegracht 268, Utrecht
👋 Come by and say hi
🗓️ Book a shoe fitting appointment on our website

# Shoedesign

22/08/2022

Natural dyeing story,
Our Madder model is naturally dyed with the Rubia Tinctorum’s roots.
We are working with dyeing master in Sidi L’Mokhtar.
Sidi L’Mokhtar is a town and a rural commune, in a wool area where main families income comes from carpet weaving on ancestral looms. Artisans in this area therefore have valuable knowledge in the finishing of natural fibres.
Indeed it requires a great deal of skills to colour rafia as these fibres are harder to dye than other natural fibres such as cotton or wool.
The result is a wonderful ochre red highlighted by the natural colour of our rubber soles.
Find them from size 35 to 46 on our online shop!

Adres

Oudegracht 268
Utrecht
3511NV

Telefoon

+31307600171

Website

http://www.raphia.nl/

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