Laomeihua
Time-Honored BrandLaomeihua · Tianjin · Founded
Laomeihua, a century-old footwear and headwear brand from Tianjin, is renowned for its handmade cloth shoes and traditional shoemaking craftsmanship, embodying the commercial culture of Tianjin.
Brand Story
Laomeihua was founded in Tianjin during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period, with the exact year now lost to history. At that time, Tianjin, as a major commercial hub in northern China, boasted a thriving footwear and headwear industry. The founder, whose name is yet to be verified, opened a shoe store on Guyi Street, adopting the name 'Laomeihua' to signify 'time-honored, renowned for quality, and elegant footwear.' The shoemaking techniques blended northern and southern methods, particularly excelling in the production of thousand-layer sole cloth shoes, with finely stitched soles and high-quality satin uppers, offering both comfort and durability. Laomeihua witnessed the prosperity of modern Tianjin commerce, and its store was a frequent haunt of dignitaries and literati. During the War of Resistance, Laomeihua persisted in traditional craftsmanship, making shoes for the common people, exemplifying the resilience of national enterprises. After the founding of New China, Laomeihua underwent public-private partnership, ensuring the continuation of its skills. Today, Laomeihua has become a representative of Tianjin's intangible cultural heritage, with its handmade cloth shoe technique listed in the municipal intangible cultural heritage catalog. The brand's story carries the collective memory of Tianjin residents and serves as a microcosm of modern Chinese handicraft industry development.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
Hand-stitched thousand-layer soles, breathable and moisture-absorbing, lightweight and comfortable, a classic of traditional cloth shoes. (200-600 RMB)
Uppers adorned with exquisite Suzhou embroidery, combining practicality and ornamental value, beloved by women. (300-800 RMB)
Cotton-lined for warmth, with non-slip soles, suitable for winter wear, preserving traditional shoemaking techniques. (150-400 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Tianjin（天津）
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Cultural Note
Laomeihua's shoemaking technique emphasizes 'every stitch and thread.' The thousand-layer sole requires dozens of processes, including pasting fabric layers, cutting soles, binding edges, and stitching, with 81 stitches per square inch to ensure sturdiness and durability. The upper cutting follows traditional 'shoe patterns' with attention to ergonomics. Its cultural value lies in inheriting the wisdom of northern folk shoemaking, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship and serving as an important carrier of Tianjin folk culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Laomeihua founded?
Laomeihua was founded in null, originating in Tianjin, Tianjin, primarily in the Footwear & Headwear field.
What is the signature product of Laomeihua?
Its signature product is Thousand-layer Sole Cloth Shoes. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: