SWAMISZ are modelled on ancient wooden Indian Yoga shoes, called Paduka. Dating back over 5000 years, Paduka are one of the earliest forms of footwear invented. They are the ceremonial footwear of choice for India’s holy Yoga teachers, called Swamis; respected, enlightened masters of self-realisation, hence the origin of the SWAMISZ brand. While the original Paduka were worn for spiritual, yogic and ceremonial reasons, SWAMISZ are stylish, comfortable and made for regular wear, yet still featuring the original shoe’s distinctive shape and yoga toe plug. You could say they are a timeless design classic.

The designers, Claire Field and Phill Roach “…were completely inspired by the Paduka and the incredible sense of freedom that it offered. You don’t have to be a Swami to enjoy SWAMISZ, if you love design, comfort and style, then SWAMISZ are for you.”

On creative journeys throughout India, Claire and Phill encountered locals wearing an early prototype of SWAMISZ. Trying the shoes for themselves on their monsoon travels, they were compelled to meet with the footwear company who pioneered this amazing, unique flip-flop. “We were pretty excited by the story, the style, the comfort. These brothers who now manufacture SWAMISZ remembered their Grandfather wearing Paduka for health and vitality when they were young. The toe plug stimulates a pressure point between the toes, which is said to relieve fatigue and enhance concentration. Their idea was to translate the unique Paduka style with all its Yoga benefits into an everyday shoe for everyone”. That’s where Phill and Claire “stepped up” to collaborate. Forming a unique global partnership and bringing their enthusiasm, marketing and design skills the pair took the concept to another level. “We really wanted to emphasise the understated elegance of the original Paduka in the rubber shoes as well as communicate the inspiring legacy of the design along with the environmental benefits. We also refined the shoes’ comfort and style elements so people from all over the world would connect powerfully to SWAMISZ”.