It began with an observation: the designs had stopped surprising us. The shapes were right and the construction tried and tested, but the look had become static. The brand decided to return to those foundations – the derby, the loafer and the boot – and bring in what was missing: bold colour, daring and a touch of joy. The principle has remained the same ever since: respect the construction of a shoe, and dare to do everything else differently.

In 2016, the René laid the foundations for the house’s trainer collection: leather uppers, suede panels and a silhouette inspired by the 1980s. The women’s collections grew to include derbies, loafers and ankle boots. Each product family found its workshop: Porto for smart shoes, Spain for espadrilles and Tuscany for sandals.

In 2024, the house took the name Odaje, a contraction of “ode to joy”. A short name that can be pronounced in any language, reflecting a brand now sold internationally. The O in the logo forms a circle: the circle of a shoe made to last, be repaired and be passed on.

Under the direction of Head of Style Julien Granero, our Parisian studio is developing a more distinctive design language: bolder styles and pieces designed to stand out, always built on the fundamentals of shoemaking.

Our creativity rests on a conviction that has not changed since 2012: a beautiful shoe must be responsibly made. A purpose-driven company since 2022 and B Corp certified since 2024, we have our smart shoes made in European workshops, measure the impact of each of our designs and extend their life through expert care advice and robust construction. It is a commitment we uphold consistently, without grandstanding: making elegance accessible.

Through this name, every detail takes on meaning

The colour we work into leather, suede and mesh. The colour that looks just as good on a derby as on a trainer. Not a seasonal accent, but our signature.

The art that inspires us, transports us and moves us. The art that lives through those who create, in all its forms

To the rope sole sewn with a needle, the hand-dyed edge, the stitching precise to the millimetre.

Leather that develops a patina, stitching that holds firm, a sole that stands up to wear. A well-judged shape, from the arch to the heel.

Odaje has been a purpose-driven company since 2022. We have one ambition: to create responsible fashion that has a positive impact on the planet and the people who live on it. This status commits us to meeting sustainability and social and environmental responsibility goals.

Styles that transcend the seasons, with construction that allows for repairs.

92% of our designs, and all our smart shoes, are made in Europe, each in the workshop best versed in its particular technique.

98% of the leather in our smart shoes comes from European tanneries, and more than 80% of our leather designs use leather from the LWG supply chain.

Every season, a life cycle assessment of our designs shows us exactly where to take action.

A pair you love deserves to be repaired rather than replaced: that is why we cover your shoe repair costs.

Twice a year, the profits from our charity sales are donated to organisations including Allegretto, which funds research into Rett syndrome.

We are not there yet, but we are making progress. Season by season. Step by step. Our mission report takes stock of the progress we have made and what remains to be done.