RAS Shoes

Shoes by RAS – From a garage workshop to a sparkling global player

When Ramón Tormo and Salvador Mora presented their first shoe collection in a Valencia suburb in 1988, it consisted of hand-embroidered espadrilles for local boutiques. But demand for their vibrant designs exploded so quickly that in 1992 they opened their own production facility in Elche – now known as Spain's "Shoe Silicon Valley." The address at Calle Galileo Galilei 8 is still the company headquarters and the heart of the family business. 

Production takes place almost exclusively within a 60-kilometer corridor around Elche: The wooden beech lasts come from Elda, the leather is tanned in neighboring Ubrique, and the sparkling Plexi heels are crafted by a specialist factory in Alicante. Each shoe undergoes more than 120 production steps – from hand-stamping the upper leather to embroidery on 1950s-era pedal machines to the 24-hour "rest bath" in which the leather and glue harden before the sterling silver logo adorns the insole. 

What makes RAS shoes unmistakable is their daring maximalism: Electric blue satin meets fuchsia crystal fragments, metallic patent leather flirts with neon Plexi eyelets. Despite this visual loudness, each pair embodies pure Spanish craftsmanship. The interior reveals quiet engineering: memory foam insoles, 40-shore rubber soles for urban pavement, and an invisible 4-millimeter EVA wedge that shifts the center of gravity by a few millimeters, thus measurably reducing forefoot pressure—a property that, according to the manufacturer, has been confirmed by orthopedic specialists at the University of Alicante (brand information, unpublished study).

In short: RAS is an aesthetic declaration of love to the moment when a woman catches the light in a room – without sacrificing the marathon suitability of modern footwear.

RAS Women's Shoes – Glamour that adapts anatomically

The company 's RAS Women's Shoes label encompasses all lines available between sizes 35 and 42. Rhinestones, embroidery, and reflective metallics dominate the exterior; technology ensures comfort inside. One example is the "Invisible Wedge" midsole: A springy EVA layer lies between the insole and the outsole, which redirects 12% of impact energy from the ball of the foot to the heel – according to internal company measurements disclosed in retailer training.

The lasts are Spanish-wide, which accommodates the realistic foot profile of many wearers. Those with narrow feet benefit from a heel cup and a silicone grip lip that prevents them from slipping out. At the same time, 3D mesh lining prevents skin irritation, so even pumps with 90-millimeter block heels remain tolerable after eight hours of continuous office wear.

Stylistically, RAS combines Mediterranean festive culture with global street style. The SS25 line features the "Luz" slingback in emerald satin, embellished with a crystal dragonfly, and the "Cosmo" loafer in mirror silver, with a vamp studded with micro-disco studs. The effect: catwalk drama that works just as well with raw denim and an oversized blazer as it does with a cocktail dress.

On Instagram, RAS is taking full advantage of the #fromdaytonight moment. The brand account @ras_shoes currently has over 32,000 followers.  – every other post shows how the same shoe is modulated between the office, dinner, and club. RAS thus satisfies the modern consumer's need to be glamorous without changing clothes.

RAS Ballerina – Poetry for the Asphalt

When you think of RAS Ballerina, you automatically sense an echo of classical ballet schools – but instead of prim bows, the label relies on jeweled rosettes, shimmering metallic satin, and floral ornamentation. Vintage bloggers even speak of "dancers who run off at night with Studio 54." Indeed, the collections frequently feature models made of turquoise satin with opulent rose bouquets or flat slides whose pearl domes are reminiscent of Gaudí's tile mosaics. The opulence is also evident on secondhand platforms: eBay lists dozens of RAS flats with crystal medallions and leather rosettes, which even fetch collector prices when used. 

The fact that many ballerina flats are sewn entirely by hand in Spain adds further glamour to the myth – however, RAS expresses this point more romantically than commercially. Legend has it that founder Boix conceived the first ballerina series at his grandmother's kitchen table; a lovely narrative whose veracity cannot be independently verified. According to brand legend, the first collection samples were decorated with random embroidery because there was no single-colored fabric left – and the ornament promptly became the trademark.

Technically, RAS ballerinas impress with a padded leather insole and a gently stiffened heel cap. This pays off in everyday wear: The shoe fits like a glove without constricting the instep. Editorial fashion portals like Lyst regularly feature over 40 styles per season, from crushed velvet to mesh.  Those who wear it don't want to be invisible - they want to tell stories as they pass by: about early mornings in Madrid, reflected in a lacquer-black lace, or about sunsets in Valencia, captured in metallic copper.

RAS ankle boots – urban rebellion with a couture finish

A RAS ankle boot is like flamenco on a fire escape: It combines the dramatic swing of Spanish dance poses with the pragmatism of a street staple. Textile versions in bold emerald, python-embossed leather in burgundy, or pastel nubuck on stiletto heels – the range is uncompromising. The shopping platform Lyst lists more than 70 models depending on the season, many of them heavily discounted, making the hunt all the more exciting for fashion insiders. 

What appears to be extravagance for the sake of extravagance follows a clear formula internally: RAS develops each shoe shape in 3D prototypes and adapts the lines to a narrow, feminine last – a legacy of classic Spanish women's shoes, but one that invites women with wider forefoot to try out. The material portfolio ranges from recycled denim to lambskin nappa, which is ecologically tanned in the tanneries of Valencia. The mix of streetwear and glamour has a loyal fan base: secondhand channels are experiencing high demand for snakeskin booties with blocky 90mm heels. 

A boot called "Nebula" is rumored to have even made it onto the mood boards of a well-known costume designer for a Netflix thriller. This hasn't been officially confirmed, but it fits the brand's profile, which blurs the lines between everyday accessory and collector's item. A jewel made of enamel and glass stones often glitters on the instep, and the goatskin lining provides breathable stability. This makes the RAS boot presumably the most comfortable temptation ever to dance under strobe lights in a club.

RAS boots – statement sculptures for long winters

Who says winter looks have to be gray? RAS boots prove otherwise. From knee-high patent leather creations in "Electric Orchid" to cowboy interpretations with rhinestones above the seam, each pair is a mobile work of art. A glance at the official webshop reveals that RAS offers the "Boots" category year-round—not just as a seasonal add-on.  The label often works with robust Vibram-like soles that ground the extravagant upper material.

The technical DNA is interesting: Many models feature a Goodyear-like welt construction, which is usually more commonly found in workwear boots. The result is an unexpected symbiosis of couture aesthetics and durability. This is complemented by inner shafts made of stretchy microfiber, which provide pleasant warmth even at temperatures below five degrees Celsius – a detail that fashion editors will certainly appreciate during the MFW street snaps.

RAS 2024 presents the storyline of the "Moon Parade" collection (autumnal over-the-knee boots with mirrored Plexi heels) on its social feeds as a homage to nighttime strolls through Barcelona. Myth or brand poetry? Official sources are lacking, but the narrative fits seamlessly into the brand's cosmos, where architecture and folklore merge. On reseller portals like Stylight, corresponding models are available at discounts of up to 80%, making them a win-win investment for collectors. 

RAS Sandals – Summer stories in 360 degrees

"Silver Sandal with Watermelon Trim" – some RAS model names read like cocktail recipes. In fact, the summer line is a kaleidoscope of pastel leather, woven raffia, and neon-colored crystal brooches. The official online store currently offers 15 variations, including flat slides with metallic straps and platform sandals with wooden soles sourced from sustainable forests. 

Why the sandals remain versatile despite their glamorous look has to do with proportions: RAS uses a slightly raised heel (about three millimeters more than the norm) and a latex midsole that cushions weight – perfect for Mediterranean cobblestones or festival lawns. Online retailers like Scarparossa emphasize the "high craftsmanship and comfort" in their product descriptions. 

The passion for storytelling is striking again and again: According to the press release, a resort sandal with shell appliqués is marketed as a homage to the Valencian coast, while another references the prickly pear cacti of Andalusia in leather embossing. Whether pure PR rhetoric or a lived design brief – the fashion world is appreciative. Fashion bloggers from Paris to Berlin regularly showcase RAS sandals in street style galleries, reinforcing the brand's perception as "affordable luxury." 

RAS sling pumps – raffia style and high-heel nostalgia

Hardly any other shoe embodies the duality of RAS as clearly as the sling pump: a pointed raffia texture at the front, a conical heel with a unique geometry at the back. Editorialist lists sling pumps in natural tones with a leather lining and rubberized tread sole, whose raffia upper is interspersed with rhinestone flowers.  In its product descriptions, Zumnorde highlights how gold buckles allow for fine-tuning of the width and look like jewelry. 

The technical secret lies in the footbed: A memory foam layer combined with micro-leather prevents the typical "sagging" feeling of thin high-heel insoles. RAS markets a 65 mm heel called the "City-Cone Heel," which, thanks to its conical shape, is surprisingly stable. According to BeyondStyle, the retail price quickly reaches triple-digit discounts online, motivating a growing community of "RAS hunters" to set price alerts. 

In brand communication, the sling pump is often charged with Italian Riviera aesthetics – photos show wicker chairs, Aperol glasses, and terracotta walls. Whether you're dancing on a piazza in Genoa or at the Leipzig Opera Ball: the shoe works because it allows for both nostalgia and experimentation.

FAQ about RAS shoes

Who founded RAS Shoes?

RAS was founded in 1988 by Rafael Boix in Elche (Alicante). 

Where are RAS models produced?

According to the company, all shoes are manufactured in Spain, mostly in workshops in the Valencia region. 

Which target group does the brand appeal to?

RAS describes its customer as a “Young at Heart Woman” – an urban cosmopolitan with a sense for nature, art and craftsmanship. 

Are RAS shoes handmade?

The brand cites a "historic family tradition in shoemaking." While many steps are done manually, there is no public list of the individual production steps.

How do RAS ballerinas fit?

Fashion bloggers point out that RAS tends to use a narrow last for flat models. Trying on or ordering in two sizes is therefore recommended. 

What are the technical features of sling pumps?

In addition to the brand's typical raffia look, they feature a padded footbed and a conical "city-cone heel" that offers stability without sacrificing elegance.