Education
Through programs like Storyboot School, artists learn traditional skills in a culturally grounded setting.
We build footwear rooted in Indigenous knowledge, designed to move with you and last through whatever life brings. Like our ancestors before us, we create with purpose: honouring the animals we rely on, working with partners who share our values, and treading lightly on the earth.
Our goal is to create the most comfortable, durable, and beautiful Indigenous footwear in the world. We achieve this by sourcing high-quality materials, working with Indigenous designers, collaborating with Indigenous artists, and using time-tested methods that ensure performance and authenticity.
Traditions & Philosophy
At Manitobah, we carry forward the legacy of footwear as both a survival tool and a form of artistic expression. For over 10,000 years, Indigenous peoples have crossed frozen landscapes and endured harsh winters, protecting their feet with mukluks and moccasins made from natural materials harvested from the land, using skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. These traditional techniques continue to guide everything we create. Our footwear is built to function and made to tell a story with every step.
Designers & Artists
Our footwear is Indigenous-designed, not Indigenous-inspired. Beyond design, nearly every product we make features collaboration with Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island, sharing stories of land, kinship, and cultural tradition through beadwork, patterns, and purposeful details.
Manitobah is part of the 5% of brands globally that work directly with Indigenous people and communities. Through our Artist Ecosystem, we support artists at every stage of their journey, from education to entrepreneurship, ensuring that our collaborations are rooted in respect, reciprocity, and long-term impact. Many of these artists also sell their handmade goods through our Indigenous Market or share their skills by teaching others in their communities through our Storyboot program.
Artist Ecosystem
Our work with Indigenous artists goes beyond collaboration, it's part of a larger ecosystem rooted in creativity, culture, and community. At the heart of Manitobah is a thriving Artist Ecosystem, designed to empower Indigenous artists through education, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships. From programs like Storyboot School to professional development opportunities and fair compensation, this circular model supports artists at every stage of their journey—helping them grow their skills, build independent businesses, and share their stories with the world. By investing in art, we invest in culture, community, and a future where Indigenous entrepreneurship can thrive. Together, these steps form a living ecosystem that keeps Indigenous artistry at the centre of everything we do.
Trade
Opportunites for artists to sell their work, gain independence, and grow their businesses is created via the Indigenous Market.
Mastery
Through mentorship, collaboration, and business development, both artistic growth and entrepreneurial success is supported.
Leadership
By fostering sovereignty and a culture of giving back, many artists go on to teach others in their communities, continuing the cycle of cultural connection and empowerment.
Education
Through programs like Storyboot School, artists learn traditional skills in a culturally grounded setting.
Trade
Opportunites for artists to sell their work, gain independence, and grow their businesses is created via the Indigenous Market.
Mastery
Through mentorship, collaboration, and business development, both artistic growth and entrepreneurial success is supported.
Leadership
By fostering sovereignty and a culture of giving back, many artists go on to teach others in their communities, continuing the cycle of cultural connection and empowerment.
Process & Testing
Every pair of Manitobah footwear begins long before it reaches your feet. Our approach blends Indigenous artistry, traditional knowledge, and modern innovation—always guided by respect for community, culture, and the environment. From the first spark of inspiration to the final round of testing, each stage of our process is intentional, collaborative, and rooted in care.
Here’s how we bring our designs to life:
STEP ONE
Inspiration & Research
Each season begins with a reflection on our past, present, and future, focusing on continuous improvement, a smaller environmental footprint, and the use of carefully considered materials. The design team reflects on past learnings to create in harmony with community, Mother Earth, and nature. We prioritize Indigenous knowledge, historical practices, and materials that promote environmental balance, while focusing on seasonal functionality and purposeful design for modern needs.
STEP TWO
Artist Design & Collaboration
Indigenous artists and designers lead the creation of product and artwork, sharing stories of land, kinship, and tradition through new designs or embellishments like beadwork and embroidery.
STEP THREE
Development
Footwear is sketched, prototyped, and refined to ensure both beauty and functionality. We select high-performance materials with low ecological impact, then test the designs to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and performance.
STEP FOUR
Testing & Refinement
We don't guess—we test. The product undergoes community testing to ensure it performs well in diverse environments. Feedback drives adjustments to improve comfort, durability, and fit, ensuring the final design meets Manitobah’s high standards.
Human Testers: Every new design gets worn by real people living real lives. Their feedback tells us what works and what needs fixing.
Simulated Testing: Then we turn up the pressure. Our footwear goes through 50,000 flex tests to see how it holds up under serious wear and tear.
Iterations: From lab to sidewalk, we tweak and refine until everything feels just right. If it doesn't hold up, it doesn't go out.
STEP FIVE
Creating An Artist Community
We prioritize Indigenous creatives for our projects, from videographers to designers and storytellers. It’s about creating opportunities, building community, and making sure the people behind the work reflect the culture we’re proud to share.
Artist collaborators are invited into the Manitobah Community, to continue their journey by contributing to initiatives such as the Artist Ecosystem, Indigenous Market, Storyboot School, and Sovereignty through Leadership — in supporting artists through contract education, artist rights, consultations, and ongoing guidance.
Manitobah aims to support not only the individual artist but their community through grassroots relationship building, implementing the TRC Calls to Action, and B Corp™ Certification.
Our Technology
Why change what has worked for over 10,000 years? At Manitobah, we use proven technologies rooted in Indigenous knowledge. These time-tested methods continue to guide how we design and build our footwear today.
Waterproof
Our AuthenTEC technology uses a three-layer waterproof system, from the leather and fur on the outside to the shearling lining on the inside. The inner shearling wicks away moisture so your feet stay dry, warm, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Great Grip
Our custom Glacier Grip and Two Rivers treads are inspired by centuries of Indigenous knowledge of the land. They're designed to help you cross everything from frozen lakebeds to icy driveways with confidence. Reliable traction, exactly when you need it.
Natural Soles
Our natural Crepe outsole is made from sustainable rubber that forms tiny air bubbles within the material. These bubbles create a cushioned, flexible footbed that supports natural foot movement. It’s comfort you can feel with every step.
Wiggle Room
Our toe beds are designed with extra room to let your toes spread and move naturally. This improves circulation, which helps keep your feet warmer and supports better foot mechanics. It's a design choice our Indigenous ancestors used to prevent frostbite during harsh winter journeys.
Waterproof
Our AuthenTEC technology uses a three-layer waterproof system, from the leather and fur on the outside to the shearling lining on the inside. The inner shearling wicks away moisture so your feet stay dry, warm, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Great Grip
Our custom Glacier Grip and Two Rivers treads are inspired by centuries of Indigenous knowledge of the land. They're designed to help you cross everything from frozen lakebeds to icy driveways with confidence. Reliable traction, exactly when you need it.
Natural Soles
Our natural Crepe outsole is made from sustainable rubber that forms tiny air bubbles within the material. These bubbles create a cushioned, flexible footbed that supports natural foot movement. It’s comfort you can feel with every step.
Wiggle Room
Our toe beds are designed with extra room to let your toes spread and move naturally. This improves circulation, which helps keep your feet warmer and supports better foot mechanics. It's a design choice our Indigenous ancestors used to prevent frostbite during harsh winter journeys.