Brodo
Brodo is a men's fashion brand from Bandung, West Java. It was started in 2010 by Yukka Harlanda and Putera Dwi Karunia, two engineering students at Institut Teknologi Bandung, under the original name Brodo Footwear. Its main product is leather shoes. Up to 2017, its line also included wallets, T-shirts, bags, and other men's accessories. In the early days, the shoes were sold through social media such as Kaskus, Facebook, and BBM. After that, Brodo moved into retail stores, opened a website, and then opened its own stores in several cities. For secondhand buyers, Brodo is worth knowing as a local leather shoe brand that grew out of a small business and is now sold through many channels.
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Brodo shoes went into production in 2010. At the time, Yukka Harlanda and Putera Dwi Karunia were still studying at Institut Teknologi Bandung. The starting capital was 7 million rupiah, and the first result was 40 pairs of shoes. Early sales ran through social networks: Kaskus, Facebook, and Blackberry Messenger.
In 2011, sales grew. Brodo began to be placed on consignment at the retailer The Goods Dept. and at several distros in Jakarta and Bandung. A year later, in 2012, the two founders met an investor named Christopher Angkasa. From that meeting, Brodo Footwear was renamed Brodo Indonesia, built a website, and opened several stores in Jakarta and Bandung.
Over time, Brodo stores spread across Jakarta, Bandung, Bekasi, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. SWA magazine named Brodo an Indonesia Most Creative Company in 2015. In 2017, Brodo was chosen as the official shoe of PSSI. By that year, its products had expanded to wallets, T-shirts, bags, and men's accessories, but leather shoes remained its main product. For us, this history explains why Brodo is easy to find on the secondhand market: since the start, the brand has been sold through many channels, from social media to stores.
What we check before listing
We look at the condition of the sole first: the thickness of the tread, a slanted heel, and where the sole attaches to the body of the shoe. We check the leather upper for cracks, deep creases, and peeling paint, especially at the front flex point. We check the stitching, eyelets, and lining for loose thread or bulging material. We also note the smell inside the shoe and the wear on the insole, because these show how often the shoe was worn. We compare the label and the brand imprint with other Brodo products we have seen before, as one point of consideration and not as a guarantee.
Caring for it
Brush off dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth after wearing. For leather shoes, apply a moderate amount of leather cream or conditioner so the surface does not dry out and crack. Store them in a cool place with good air circulation, and fill the front with a shoe tree or paper to keep their shape. Avoid drying them in direct, hot sunlight and avoid soaking the shoes in water.
FAQ
Where does Brodo come from?
Brodo comes from Bandung, West Java. The brand was started in 2010 by Yukka Harlanda and Putera Dwi Karunia while they were both students at Institut Teknologi Bandung.
Does Brodo only sell shoes?
No. Up to 2017, Brodo's line also included wallets, T-shirts, bags, and men's accessories. However, leather shoes are its main product.
What should I check on secondhand Brodo leather shoes?
Check the sole, the heel, cracks in the leather, the stitching, and the condition of the inside. Leather shoes that were rarely cared for usually show it through a dry surface or deep creases.
Can secondhand shoes be cleaned at home?
Yes, for light care, such as brushing off dust and applying leather cream. For heavy stains or a smell that will not go away, it is safer to take them to a shoe care service.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).