Through Merch by Migrants, migrants have the opportunity to express their creativity and share their stories through original shoe designs featured in our online store.
For every pair of shoes sold, funds are saved for the artist who created the design. When they complete our programs, these savings go toward purchasing the equipment and materials they need to continue using the skills they’ve learned — whether it’s a laptop, sewing machine, or other professional tools. This support helps each individual move toward freelancing, starting their own business, and building long-term stability.
This initiative also carries a powerful message. In Morocco, when migrants are detained, their shoes are often taken away to limit their movement and discourage escape. By reclaiming the symbol of the shoe, Merch by Migrants turns it into a sign of strength, resilience, and the chance to move forward toward a better future.
Women’s High Tops
Men’s High Tops
Having shoes taken away from migrants poses a significant health and safety risk. Proper footwear is essential for protecting their feet. Without shoes, migrants face increased vulnerability to injuries that can lead to severe health problems, especially where medical care is scarce. The lack of footwear also hinders mobility, making it difficult to navigate hazardous areas and respond to emergencies. In short, shoes are a basic necessity that ensures migrants’ well-being and safe travel, and taking them away adds to their already difficult journey.
Women’s Slip-Ons
Men’s Slip-Ons
This practice is seen as a form of control, coercion, and an attempt to dissuade migrants from pursuing their journey further. It is a controversial and often criticized method due to its infringement on the basic rights and dignity of individuals seeking refuge or a better life.
Women’s Lace-Up Shoes
Men’s Lace-Up Shoes