Iconic Prestižky are making their way beyond Osaka — worn by the staff of the Czech National Pavilion

PRESTIGE shoes have held a stable position in the Czech market for 40 years, consistently built on honest craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and timeless design. Proof of this is the iconic white PRESTIGE model, which, thanks to its excellent quality and functional design, has not needed major changes over four decades to stay relevant. Under the hands of skilled shoemakers, new models are also created, focusing on comfort and health safety while preserving the spirit of the brand beloved by people since the 1980s in Czechoslovakia.

“Participating at EXPO 2025 in Osaka is a unique opportunity for PRESTIGE to showcase Czech craftsmanship and shoemaking tradition to the world. We believe that combining the iconic Czech PRESTIGE shoe with the global design talent of Jan Černý will appeal not only to Japan but to the entire region through its quality, comfort, and strong story,” says Jaroslav Navrátil, Chief Executive Officer of PRESTIGE.

The company has been working with fashion designer Jan Černý since 2017. Thanks to his design of the uniforms for the Czech pavilion team, Prestižky shoes have now arrived in Osaka. A total of 120 pairs provide all-day comfort for staff and guides while proudly representing Czech tradition and quality on the international stage.

Jan Černý’s collection takes inspiration from Japanese workwear and Czech coveralls, reflected in clean lines, practical cuts, and a strong focus on comfort. The limited-edition Prestižky, crafted from brown cognac leather, perfectly complements this concept.

“Our aim at EXPO 2025 is to showcase Czechia as a country that honors its roots while transforming traditions into a modern, competitive form. The story of Prestižky perfectly captures this — a brand that combines artisanal quality with appeal to a new generation of customers, making it the ideal ambassador for the values our participation stands for,” says Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025.

About the PRESTIGE Brand PRESTIGE was established in the 1980s in Svit, Zlín — the same place where Tomáš Baťa once made his shoes. The brand gained a reputation for durable and comfortable work footwear that, thanks to its distinctive silhouette and quality craftsmanship, also became popular as everyday urban wear. Its success is reflected in over three million pairs produced and thousands of satisfied customers. Since 2002, all PRESTIGE shoes have been made by Moleda, a company based in Štípa near Zlín, which took over the production lines and trademarks from the original Zlín-based company Svit.

About the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Czechia will be participating in a World Expo as an independent country for the sixth time. Since September 2022, the role of Commissioner General has been held by Ondřej Soška. The pavilion’s design – a glass spiral – was selected through an open architectural competition, which was won in March 2023 by Apropos Architects. The main structure is made of modern CLT wooden panels, while the façade features artistic glass, drawing on a centuries-old Czech tradition. The national pavilion provides a dignified setting for Czechia’s presence at EXPO 2025, which will take place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. Inside, the pavilion features a permanent exhibition, the multifunctional Daisue Hall auditorium, business meeting facilities, a restaurant, the CTP Lounge, and a seaside relaxation zone open to visitors in front of the building. Cultural performances take place almost every weekend from Friday to Sunday. The pavilion was officially approved for use in early April 2025 and stands as the largest wooden structure of its kind in Japan without a metal supporting frame. It officially opened to the public on April 13, 2025.