The structure housing the Shoe Museum in Marikina was built in the 1860s during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines and was used as an arsenal by the Spaniards.

[1] Former First Lady Imelda Marcos's shoe collection had been on display at the Malacañang Palace Museum (now the Presidential Museum and Library) for six years during Corazon Aquino's presidential term before it was placed in storage at the beginning of Fidel V. Ramos's presidency.

[3][4] In the same year, Fernando conceived the idea to open a museum dedicated to Marikina's shoe industry.

It also features footwear from foreign cultures as well as shoes worn by well-known individuals such as Filipino celebrities and politicians.

[1] The museum's main feature is a portion of criminal convict[8] and former First Lady Imelda Marcos's shoe collection[3] (749 pairs as of 2020).