MATIKO

Designed in USA

Based in the heart of Orange County, Matiko Footwear was founded in 2003 by USC Business School alum, Jesse Howard. Jesse’s goal was to fill the niche for high-fashion, funky, comfortable women’s shoes for the 18–35 market. After starting two small companies selling t-shirts and men’s surfwear, and graduating from business school in Los Angeles, Jesse realized that the best opportunity had been right in front of him all along. “My first thought was to design men’s skate shoes and surf flip-flops, but then it hit me: surfers and skaters buy a few pairs per year, but L.A. women collect more shoes than there are days in a year!”

Combining his creative energy and business poise, Jesse’s first collection featured unusual, almost experimental designs. This funky, sexy collection evolved into Matiko’s signature look, now interpreted in flats, pumps, wedges, and comfort shoes. Today, Matiko continues to attract media attention with the use of eye-popping color and designs not regularly seen on quality suede and leather goods.