Renate Jacob by Paulina Esponda

Elisavet Fakou (EF): the color of this shoe is beautiful. my mom wore something almost exactly like this at her engagement party.

Paulina Esponda (PE): thank you! sometimes i match the rims, sometimes not—i just like the finish. this one’s not done yet; i’m still trying out different elastics and tweaking the wedge. but comfort is always my goal.

EF: i noticed your shoes have names, what’s the story behind that?

PE: the names are all family. my first style is called “OMA”, that’s “grandmother” in german. she left Germany when she was 15, which was the same age my daughter was when i started making shoes. it all felt connected. then i made a kitten heel and named it after my daughter, Martina—so that’s “MAR.” and “LILA” is for my sister and my mom. “ANA” is my niece, who’s like a daughter to me, and it’s also my mother-in-law’s name. even “ZEB” is named after my husband.

EF: that’s such a personal touch. how long have you been doing this?

PE: two years now. i make small collections because I want to keep it special—and manageable! at first, i was working from home, but the boxes took over, so I got a studio.

EF: where are your shoes made?

PE: in alicante, spain. they’re handmade, and i’m very involved in the process, from picking leathers to testing comfort.

EF: you mentioned comfort a lot. was that always the inspiration?

PE: always! i love slippers—real home slippers. i’d always look for ones with a sole for the street. i wanted to make shoes that felt like that: comfortable, but also elegant and a little nostalgic. i want people to look at them and think, “that looks comfortable.”

EF: the wedge is iconic in your collection. how did that come about?

PE: i was living in new york, always on the go, and never found the perfect shoe for standing all day or going out. the wedge is the answer: it’s comfortable, stable, and still looks chic. but I didn’t want it to look bulky, so i designed it to have a stiletto feel at the back.

EF: you’ve lived in mexico, new york, london, and now madrid. How have those places shaped your brand?

PE: each place is a different stage of life. new york was where we became a family, and i have beautiful memories there. but i think if i’d stayed, i might never have started my own shoe brand. madrid is where Renate Jacob came to life.

EF: did you always want to make shoes?

PE: not exactly. i’ve always loved fashion and shoes, but i studied computer science and worked in finance for over a decade. it wasn’t until I moved to spain that i found someone who could help me make shoes. i had ideas but no technical knowledge, so i learned as i went—like putting together a puzzle.

EF: what’s the process for creating a new style?

PE: it starts with an idea—often from a need, like wanting an everyday shoe. i work with a small team in spain who help me translate my ideas into reality. i test each sample myself, making changes until it feels right. that’s why i only have a few styles after two years!

EF: your shoes have a devoted following. what’s that like?

PE: it’s the best part! Some clients have every colour. they tell me how comfortable the shoes are, and that’s everything to me. i’ve had women say they can finally wear heels again after surgery, or that they wear them all day at events without pain.

EF: i know leandra medine cohen is a fan.

PE: yes! when she first followed me, my daughter and i were having coffee. we literally jumped up and down. it was such a special moment for both of us. leandra’s support gave me a real boost of confidence.

EF: how do you sell your shoes?

PE: mostly through instagram dms right now. i love the personal connection, but i know i need to set up a website soon. people keep telling me it’s easy, but i’m a bit hesitant!

EF: what’s next for renate jacob?

PE: i want to keep the collections small and special. i’m thinking about a flat sandal for summer and maybe a boot for winter. but the most important thing is to stay true to the comfort and heritage that inspired me in the first place.

EF: thank you, paulina. it’s been wonderful hearing your story—and trying on your shoes!

PE: thank you! i hope you enjoy them as much as i do.