The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand is getting a boost in the height department: Filipino designer Jojo Bragais returns as the competition’s official footwear sponsor, outfitting contestants in sky-high heels from arrivals to the finale.
A towering start to Miss Universe 2025
When over 100 Miss Universe contestants touched down in Bangkok on Nov. 2, they stepped right into the spotlight (and some controversy) in six-inch heels. The 74th Miss Universe competition, which runs through a Nov. 21 coronation in Nonthaburi, Thailand has seen delegates strut in Jojo Bragais’ signature pageant shoes at every event so far. Bragais, famed for combining sky-high stilettos with surprising comfort, has all the delegates literally walking taller this year.
What shoes Miss Universe 2025 contestants have worn so far
From Day One, Bragais’ heels have been part of the Miss Universe 2025 style uniform. During the swimsuit portion of the competition, Singapore’s Annika Xue Sager stood tall in the Jojo Bragais “Queen” heels — a glossy nude platform pump perched on a towering 6.5-inch stiletto that has also been worn by Miss Universe 2023 winner, Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios.
Philippines’ bet Ma Ahtisa Manalo opted for the “CJ” style in nude — a strappy sandal set on a 6-inch heel — to complement her lime green bikini. Throughout various tours and press events, delegates have been rotating between Bragais’ nude, caramel and metallic heels.
Who is Jojo Bragais?
Jojo Bragais is no stranger to pageant fans. The Bicol, Philippines native – originally a licensed nurse – stumbled into shoemaking in 2010 after a twist of fate led him to purchase a rundown shoe factory. What began as a two-person workshop has evolved into the Bragais Shoes brand, known for “uncompromising pageant shoes that masterfully combine style, power, and comfort.” Bragais first surfaced on the pageant circuit in 2014, when a contestant friend stepped onstage in a pair of his heels. Four years later, he was producing custom pairs for Miss Universe 2018 winner Catriona Gray.
This isn’t Bragais’ first walk on the Miss Universe stage – it’s his third. He became an official Miss Universe footwear sponsor in 2021, supplying heels to more than 70 delegates that year. He resumed the role for the 72nd edition in 2023, when contestants — including eventual winner Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua — competed in his designs. Vizzano was the official shoe sponsor of the pageant for 2024, before Bragais’ return this year.
Queen Platform Heels by Jojo Bragais.
Jojo Bragais
Bragais’ philosophy, “Walk. Win.” has become a fitting motto: his heels are literally helping contestants walk their way to victory. “All of our delegates walk with purpose, strength and in their own unique stride,” the Miss Universe Organization noted when announcing Bragais’ partnership. It’s a mission the designer continues to uphold in 2025, empowering over a hundred women to put their best foot forward.
A Miss Universe finale in Thailand — and in heels
With the Miss Universe 2025 final rapidly approaching, fans are eager to see how Bragais’ shoes will show up on the big night. Based on the preliminaries, expect the Top 20 semifinalists to glide out in synchronized steps — likely in shimmering gold or classic nude Bragais pumps that complement their evening gowns.
Bragais’ role is part of a broader style collaboration at this year’s pageant. Miss Universe 2025 contestants are also appearing in swimsuits by Filipino label Bench and makeup looks created with products from Thailand’s Chat Cosmetics, both official sponsors this year. The final airs Nov. 20 in the U.S. and Nov. 21 in Thailand.
