About • RABA Shoes

A modern lifestyle brand, inspired by the African diaspora.

My Story

I named the brand RABA (the Swahili word for 'sneaker') to honor my earliest travel memories in Tanzania and my family's connection to President Nyerere. Throughout my journeys across the continent, I cherished the items I brought home that connected me to these profound experiences. However, these exquisite pieces were typically reserved for special occasions and rarely used. RABA was founded on this principle: to incorporate these cultural treasures into everyday living, creating a constant connection to heritage, memories, and the rich traditions found throughout Africa.

Brand Story

RABA celebrates Africa's rich textile traditions through our curated collection of hand-woven fabrics created by master artisans. Our brand also celebrates the ongoing dialogue between African communities on the continent and throughout the diaspora. People separated by history, yet connected through a centuries-long dialogue of shared artistic expression and cultural exchange that continues to evolve today. When you adorn yourself or your home with these textiles, you carry a reminder of your connection to this enduring heritage and your own incredible power to create.

Photo by Melvin McCray

Frequently Asked Questions

Each RABA pair tells its own story. While our product images represent the general design, every pair features its own character and subtle variations in the handcrafted textiles we use. We want you to love your unique shoes as much as we love creating them. If the natural variations don't match your preferences, we're committed to helping you find a pair you'll cherish.

• Try on your shoes immediately upon arrival to ensure proper fit and to experience your unique textile design.
• Not quite perfect? We'll work with you for up to 30 days from the first delivery date to help you find your ideal pair with free returns and exchanges during this time.
• Simply contact our team returns@raba.world and we'll guide you through the exchange process.

Remember that these shoes are made from hand woven fabric. Subtle variations aren't imperfections—they're signatures of authenticity and the handcrafted nature of our textiles. Shoes must be unworn with all tags attached.
1. Email customer service at returns@raba.com with your order number and reason for return/exchange
2. Our team will provide a return authorization and shipping label and instructions
3. Package your item(s) securely with all original packaging and tags
4. Ship using the provided return label or method
5. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 5-7 business days after we receive your return.
6. Items purchased at in-person events or retail locations must be returned to those locations within 7 days.
Your shoes have already been treated with a stain and water-resistant fabric spray that should last for 3 months. We recommend treating them again after this period and spot cleaning gently with a slightly damp cloth if needed. (Be extra gentle while spot cleaning the Kente cloth).

Clothing should be enjoyed and lived in. Wear your shoes often and embrace any wear and tear! Recycle them at a reputable source (ie trashie.io), so they don't end up in a landfill or a beach.
These shoes were made in Italy and sizing may be a bit different than what you are used to. The best way to find your size is to:
1. Take an outline of your foot while you are standing (bonus points if you ask a friend for help).
2. Measure the longest part in centimetres. Then refer to this size chart.
3. The shoes have a slightly roomy toe box and most people will not need to size up.
4. When you try on your shoes, you should be able to move your toes.
5. For those with custom orthotics, you may remove our comfy insole with one of your preference. This may work for those who enjoy lots of arch support.