Marikina, a city with a rich history in shoemaking, is home to the Otto Shoes Mini Museum. Nestled within the heart of Marikina, this quaint museum pays tribute to the legacy of Otto Shoes, a brand that has been in the business since 1979.

We went to the Otto Shoes Mini Museum while waiting for our appointment. We parked our car at the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, just in front of the shoe museum.

The mini museum is located at 321 J. P. Rizal, P. Deguangco St., Sta. Elena, Marikina City. The museum’s story is intertwined with the brand’s founder, Manuel P. Samson, who embarked on his entrepreneurial journey from the backyard of his ancestral home in Marikina.

The journey of Otto Shoes began humbly, with its first retail outlet opening its doors in 1979 in Pasig. From there, the brand’s popularity soared, leading to the establishment of more retail outlets and a presence in various malls. Presently, Otto Shoes has 66 boutiques across the nation.

This historical backdrop sets the stage for visitors to dive into the world of shoemaking. The museum contains a personal assortment of items inspired by shoes, belonging to the Samson family, along with contributions from their circle of friends.

The museum showcases an expanding exhibition of artifacts related to shoes, ranging from ordinary items to exceptional objects such as clothing, kitchenware, and office supplies.