About Us

Dear Retailer Shops:

Story of Shao Shoes

When I think about men’s fashion, I start with my husband — a man who either wears flip-flops or no shoes at all, and absolutely hates shopping. That’s where my idea began. I didn’t just want to make shoes; I wanted to make men feel comfortable, confident, and cared for. I wanted men not only to look good but also to feel good. I brought my idea to a family-owned factory in China. We committed to fair practices — accepting small orders and paying double wages. From sketches to technical consultations, we worked day and night on every detail until Shao Shoes was born. In our first year, I sold door-to-door to retailers. Many questioned me: “Why a Chinese name? Why not Italian? That doesn't sound expensive. China only make cheap shoes etc..” Please don't judge by stereotypes but what they actually do and how they do it. People must also stop being the reason why unfair labor practices exist. We want to be authentic to ourselves, and we only make premium leather shoes with full-grain leather lining. And I believe If China can build the Great Wall, making great shoes should be no problem. Some of my experiences were tough but unforgettable — they even inspired me to begin writing jokes, which led to my stand-up comedy debut in July 2023(Follow cxsmall on IG for Cindy's comedy). Humor became my way of confronting stereotypes: If I’m Asian, does that mean I must be a math genius or know kung fu? 

This year, we start to build our own retail presence, alongside our sister brand, XSHAO. Guided by love — as the Bible teaches — we continue to love and support our retail partners. And we truly believe that more and more retailers will see just how F*awesome our shoes are. With gratitude, Cindy Shao Founder, Shao Shoes & XSHAO

XSHAO1942 inspired from a Shao family story happened in 1942, world war II. It means bold, thrive to survive. A story of entrepreneurial spirit carried by four generations. The founder Cindy Shao draws from her experiences in door-to-door sales, where the importance of donning professional yet cozy shoes for optimal performance became apparent. She took a bold step. She left her job and translated her sketches on paper into reality – a line of shoes that would redefine the way people start their day.