29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Carlos Santos

Zarco · Portugal

Carlos Santos is a Portuguese men's footwear brand made by the family shoe company Zarco in São João da Madeira. It is known for quality materials, creativity and fit.

Facts
OriginSão João da Madeira, Portugal
MakerZarco
Former nameMackjames
FocusMen's footwear
Websitecarlossantosshoes.com
Segment
Premium
Categories
Footwear
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerce

What is Carlos Santos?

Carlos Santos is a men's shoe brand from São João da Madeira, the centre of Portugal's footwear industry. It is produced by Zarco, a family-owned shoe company headquartered in the town.

History

The brand was previously called Mackjames, a label created by Zarco. It was renamed Carlos Santos after the company's leading figure, who rose from office work through sales to management of the business.

Products and positioning

Carlos Santos focuses on men's footwear and has built its reputation on quality, creativity, top-grade materials and fit.

Distribution

The brand is exported to dozens of countries and is sold through specialist footwear and menswear retailers.

Why it matters

Carlos Santos is one of the Portuguese manufacturer brands that have moved from producing for others to selling under their own name, reflecting the wider effort of São João da Madeira companies to build branded value on top of manufacturing expertise.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Carlos Santos shoes made?

Carlos Santos shoes are made by Zarco in São João da Madeira, Portugal.

What was Carlos Santos called before?

The brand was previously called Mackjames before being renamed Carlos Santos.

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