Sunnystep is a Singapore-based footwear company dedicated to producing comfortable, supportive, and contemporary everyday shoes. Founded in 2019 by Ting Mao, the brand emerged from the founder’s personal struggle with a severe postpartum spinal injury, which made it difficult to find footwear that balanced medical-grade support with modern aesthetics. The company’s stated mission is to “empower people to move freely and happily.” 1

Sunnystep positions itself at the intersection of fashion footwear and comfort/wellness products. Its brand proposition rests on three core pillars: science, sustainability, and style. While the company describes itself as a “science-led footwear company,” industry classifications often place it within the broader apparel and fashion sector.

Founder’s Inspiration

The origin story of Sunnystep is deeply personal. Founder Ting Mao suffered a significant spinal injury following childbirth, which severely impacted her ability to walk, stand, and sit comfortably. For years, she dealt with chronic pain and searched for footwear that could provide necessary support without resembling conventional orthopaedic or medical shoes. She identified a market gap where comfortable shoes lacked style, while supportive shoes were often bulky and unattractive. Refusing to accept this trade-off, she decided to develop her own solution.

Sunnystep was officially created in 2019 with the initial goal of producing walking shoes that were both comfortable and stylish. 2

From Prototype to Retail

Prior to founding Sunnystep, Ting Mao worked as a data scientist and had explored various consumer brand concepts. She collaborated with a small Chinese shoe manufacturer to refine her footwear design. After approximately six months of sampling, she developed a minimalist shoe that offered superior support while remaining lightweight. Initial prototypes were distributed to family and friends, whose positive feedback encouraged her to test the concept commercially.

The brand held its first pop-up event at Square 2 in Novena, Singapore, in July 2019. Starting with only two designs, the pop-up generated significant interest, leading to a waiting list for sales during the week-long bazaar. By the end of 2019, Sunnystep had opened its first permanent store. 3

The company’s growth trajectory can be summarized as: personal health challenge → prototype development → community testing → pop-up retail → Singaporean brand establishment → regional expansion.

Sunnystep focuses on everyday footwear engineered for comfort and support, distinguishing itself from traditional athletic performance brands. The current product lineup includes:

• Walking shoes
• Sneakers and trainers
• Ballet flats (ballerinas)
• Oxfords and loafers
• Slip-on shoes
• Sliders
• Travel-friendly footwear

Specific models currently available include the Balance Walker, Balance Runner, Dream Sport Trainer, Balance Sport Ballerina, Balance Zip Sneaker, Balance Oxford, Dream Oxford, and Softie Slider. The underlying design philosophy ensures that a single pair of shoes can accommodate multiple daily scenarios—such as commuting, office work, shopping, and travel—without being restricted to specialized sporting activities.

Sunnystep differentiates itself through a combination of comfort technology and fashion-oriented design. The company emphasizes that its products are developed using principles of biomechanics, material science, and movement research.

Key Features

• Arch Support: The cushioning system provides structured arch support designed to stabilize the foot rather than allowing it to sink into soft foam.
• Proprietary Footbed: Insoles feature massage points intended to relieve muscle tension during walking or standing.
• Pressure Distribution: The footwear is engineered to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing stress on the body.
• Wide Toe Box: Many designs accommodate wider feet and bunions, with specific attention paid to Asian foot shapes.
• Lightweight Construction: Materials are selected to ensure shoes remain light, preventing fatigue during prolonged wear.
• Blister-Conscious Design: Soft uppers and velvet-like padding reduce rubbing and blister formation.

MIT Sports Lab Collaboration

A prominent aspect of Sunnystep’s brand narrative is its partnership with experts from the MIT Sports Lab. This collaboration integrates movement science into footwear design, particularly regarding pressure distribution and biomechanics. This association supports the brand’s positioning as an “engineered comfort” provider rather than just a fashion label.

Medical Distinction

It is important to note that Sunnystep explicitly states it is not an orthopedic or medical brand. Its shoes are designed for everyday lifestyle comfort and movement support, not for treating specific medical conditions. Consequently, it is best described as a science-led comfort and lifestyle footwear brand.

Sustainability is a central pillar of Sunnystep’s identity. The company incorporates eco-conscious practices into its product development, including:

• Use of recycled materials.
• Integration of bio-based materials.
• Repurposing of coffee grounds into vegan-leather-like materials.
• Eco-conscious manufacturing processes.
• Sourcing from certified responsible suppliers.

According to the company, its uppers utilize Global Recycled Standard-certified materials, with recycled content exceeding 90% in certain descriptions. 4 Sunnystep has also set a goal to reduce manufacturing emissions by 30% by 2030, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Sunnystep cultivates a cheerful brand personality, utilizing terms such as “Sunshine,” “Joy of Movement,” “Walk Strong,” “Live Bright,” and “Suntastic” throughout its marketing. 5 This creates a contrast between the technical aspects of its footwear (biomechanics, material science) and the emotional benefits (happiness, freedom, confidence).

On the footwear spectrum, Sunnystep occupies a niche between traditional fashion footwear (style-first), sports footwear (performance-first), and orthopedic footwear (medical-support-first). Its competitive proposition is defined as: “A stylish everyday shoe that prioritizes long-duration comfort and support.”

Sunnystep began in Singapore and has expanded regionally. As of 2026, the brand reports having 17 stores in Southeast Asia. The distribution of these outlets is as follows:

• Singapore: 12 stores
• Malaysia: 3 stores
• Indonesia: 2 stores

This expansion highlights Sunnystep as a notable example of a Singapore-born consumer brand scaling through physical retail in the region. The company operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer brand, leveraging both online channels and brick-and-mortar stores. Physical locations are crucial for customers to try on shoes, assess fit, and experience the comfort features before purchase.

Sunnystep has evolved from a personal solution to a founder’s health problem into a recognized regional footwear brand. By combining biomechanical engineering, sustainable materials, and contemporary design, it addresses the needs of consumers who seek comfort without sacrificing style. The brand continues to position itself as a leader in the “movement-health” category, aiming to help people move freely and happily in their daily lives.

1. Our Founder’s Story – Sunnystep
2. Sunnystep
3. Sunnystep: Singapore mum builds shoe brand after spinal injury – CNA Lifestyle
4. Comfortable Walking Shoes | Sunnystep – Sunnystep – The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes
5. About Sunnystep – Wantedly