Step into Comfort and Innovation with Arcopedico at Zilba Lifestyle Footwear
Nestled along the picturesque Sunshine Coast, Zilba Lifestyle Footwear is your go-to destination for high-quality, comfortable footwear. With three stores in Caloundra, Coolum Beach, and Noosaville, we take pride in offering a curated selection of shoes that cater to every lifestyle. Among our diverse range of brands, one name stands out for its commitment to comfort, innovation, and timeless style—Arcopedico.
Arcopedico L45 Liho - White
The Origins of Arcopedico: A Legacy of Comfort and Innovation
Arcopedico’s story begins in the charming town of Vila do Conde, Portugal, where a visionary named Elio Parodi set out to revolutionise the world of footwear. A natural inventor with a passion for improving lives, Parodi believed that shoes could do more than just protect our feet; they could support our entire body. After extensive research and consultations with orthopaedists and podiatrists, he developed a groundbreaking orthopaedic sole that would come to define the Arcopedico brand. In 1966, Arcopedico was born, and with it, the Dual Arch Support System—a design that not only provides unparalleled comfort but also helps to improve alignment, gait, and posture. This innovative system became the cornerstone of Arcopedico’s success and remains a defining feature of the brand’s footwear to this day.
The Classic Knit Line: Where Comfort Meets Durability
The first pair of Arcopedico shoes ever produced was from the classic Knit line, a collection that has since become synonymous with comfort and durability. Combining techno-elastic technology with knitted nylon fibres, these shoes create a supportive environment for the foot while allowing for a full range of motion. Affectionately known as “shocks” due to their sock-like feel and exceptional durability, the Knit line remains a beloved choice among Arcopedico fans worldwide. In the early days, Arcopedico’s Knit shoes were sold in cafes around Portugal by Elio Parodi’s wife, Maria. She quickly realised that the key to selling these shoes was to have customers experience their comfort firsthand. “I had to convince people in the cafes to put on the Arcopedico shoes. Once they felt the sensation, I knew I would be able to sell them,” Maria recalled. Her intuition was spot-on, and soon, the Knit line gained a loyal following.
A Commitment to Quality: Handcrafted in Portugal
For over 20 years, Arcopedico exclusively produced its Knit line in the picturesque village of Vila do Conde. The brand’s dedication to quality craftsmanship has never wavered, and today, all Arcopedico shoes continue to be made in Portugal, where tradition and innovation come together in perfect harmony. The company remains a family-run business, with Elio’s son, Enrico Parodi, taking over the reins and continuing his father’s legacy of innovation and excellence.
A Sustainable Future: Arcopedico’s Eco-Conscious Innovation
Arcopedico’s commitment to innovation extends beyond comfort and style—it also encompasses sustainability. The Lytech line, for example, is not only incredibly comfortable but also eco-friendly. All Lytech shoes are vegan, biodegradable, and BioCalce Certified, ensuring long-lasting quality without the use of toxic materials. This forward-thinking approach to footwear production aligns with Zilba Lifestyle Footwear’s dedication to offering products that are both stylish and environmentally responsible.
In 2016, Arcopedico celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching the Star Shoes Project, a global initiative aimed at studying the world’s feet. The project invited participants from 19 different countries to leave their footprints in phenolic foam boxes, which were then analysed to help create a new Arcopedico patent that caters to diverse foot types and needs. This ongoing commitment to research and innovation ensures that Arcopedico remains at the forefront of the comfort footwear industry.
