Made in New Zealand Shoes
Posted by Team NZNC on 1st Aug 2022
New Zealand is the ninth most patriotic country in the world according to a survey conducted in 2006.
At New Zealand Natural Clothing we feel that we should be higher up in the ranks given our devotion to sourcing local fibres as well as our dedication to conserving our environment.
One of the biggest things we are proud of (besides our rugby team and our incredible wine) is our commitment to natural fibre and how we use it for as much as possible!
We are famous for our range of high quality socks but all socked feet need shoes.
What better shoes to advocate than shoes made right here in New Zealand?
We’ve got three proudly Kiwi shoe makers that we are excited to share with you today!
Allbirds
A proud Kiwi, Tim Brown knew all about the wonder that is merino wool and began to question why such a fabulous fibre wasn’t being used in footwear. Tim took his idea as far as he could before teaming up with Joey Zwillinger. Joey is an engineer and renewables expert! Together they created a wool fabric for shoes.
Their mantra?
- Simplicity in design
- Confidence in comfort
- Made from nature
This is Allbirds’ womens tree runner shoe:
- Made from renewable materials
- Machine washable
- Minimizes Odour
- Flexibly Conforms To Your Movements
Learn more about Allbirds here.
Soul Shoes
Soul shoes have a wonderful story about their humble beginnings. Rob Galloway hand stitched his first pair of sheepskin shoes in 1973. Soul shoes became a household name in New Zealand and has spread worldwide with its use of natural fibres and recyclable materials.
Their NZ leather comes from Tasman Tanneries in Whanganui, they also source hides from Tuscany in Italy.
Every item is made by hand using the most environmentally friendly option including recycled shoe boxes!
These original jandals are made in Raglan with New Zealand hide:
- They mould to your feet for next level comfort
- Super durable
- Soft stitched straps
- Great value for money
Learn more about Soul Shoes here.
Skellerup
Skellerup was born back in 1939 and came from what was originally known as the Marathon rubber footwear company. During their first years their energy was focused on the war effort. Crafting footwear for soldiers and gas masks for civilians.
In 1958 they made their first pair of Red Band Gumboots which rapidly became an icon item. At their peak Skellerup was estimated to be providing 70% of New Zealand’s footwear. They have since been pushed to relocate their factory to China but they are still making the Red Band Gumboots to original specifications 60 years later!
The RedBand Gumboot is an icon because they are:
- Hand built with multiple layers of rubber bonded to heavy-duty cotton canvas linings to give the boots strength, flexibility and protection.
- Made with a rubber sponge insole for additional underfoot comfort.
- Specially formulated UV-inhibitors to guard against NZ’s harsh environment which degrades rubber quickly.
- Heavy-duty, non-clog cleated sole for grip and stability on the farm, backyard or anywhere you need a reliable boot.
Learn more about Skellerup here.
We love supporting a true Kiwi business.
We have so much respect for other companies who are striving to be at the forefront of using local resources and doing everything they can to support the environment. We also love long established companies that have taken care of New Zealanders for years!
We’ve showcased three awesome New Zealand companies and their high quality footwear products, we encourage you to learn more about them and buy from them when you can.
Don’t forget that every shoe needs a foot and most of those feet would get very uncomfortable without a good pair of socks!
We’ve got you covered there as always. Shop the socks here.