Made in New Zealand Shoes
Posted by Team NZNC on 1st Aug 2022
Made in NZ Shoes – Putting Our Best Foot Forward!
We Kiwis are a pretty patriotic bunch, aren't we?
From our beloved rugby teams and world-class wines to our breathtaking landscapes and wonderfully resourceful people, there's certainly plenty to be proud of!
And here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, we'd like to think we're doing our bit to keep that Kiwi pride alive.
We're passionate about supporting local manufacturers, celebrating our beautiful natural fibres and encouraging responsible practices that help protect the environment we're so fortunate to call home.
Of course, we're particularly well known for our wonderful range of socks. You could say we've got a bit of a soft spot for them!
But even the finest pair of socks needs something to go with it.
And what better way to complete the picture than with a pair of shoes made right here in New Zealand?
After all, supporting Kiwi-made products isn't just about national pride. It's about recognising quality craftsmanship, supporting local businesses and helping preserve the skills and expertise of our New Zealand manufacturers.
So, in the spirit of keeping things local, we're delighted to introduce three proudly Kiwi footwear makers who deserve a little recognition.
Because when it comes to putting your best foot forward, we reckon there's something rather special about doing it in New Zealand-made shoes!
Allbirds
Allbirds – A Kiwi Idea That Took Flight!
It all began with a proud Kiwi named Tim Brown, who recognised the remarkable qualities of New Zealand Merino wool and wondered why this wonderfully versatile natural fibre wasn't being used more widely in footwear.
After developing his idea, Tim joined forces with Joey Zwillinger, an engineer with expertise in renewable materials.
Together, they set out to create something a little different – comfortable, thoughtfully designed footwear using innovative materials inspired by nature.
And so, Allbirds was born!
Their philosophy centred around three simple principles:
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Simplicity in design
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Confidence in comfort
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Made from nature
Combining minimalist styling with a fresh approach to footwear materials, Allbirds quickly attracted attention well beyond our little corner of the world.
And while Merino wool helped inspire the brand's beginnings, Allbirds has since explored other materials, including fibres derived from trees.
A pretty impressive journey for an idea that started with a Kiwi and his appreciation for wool!
Pictured below is the Allbirds Women's Tree Runner, showcasing the brand's simple, understated approach to everyday footwear.
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What Makes Allbirds Special?
Combining natural inspiration with everyday practicality, Allbirds footwear offers some rather appealing features:
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Renewable materials – Made using thoughtfully selected materials, including fibres derived from trees.
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Machine washable – Designed for easy care, helping keep your shoes looking and feeling fresh.
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Odour management – Breathable materials help keep feet comfortable and minimise unwanted odours.
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Flexible comfort – Lightweight, flexible construction moves naturally with your feet for comfortable everyday wear.
Simple, comfortable and thoughtfully designed – what's not to love?
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Soul Shoes
Soul Shoes – Handmade with a Little Kiwi Soul!
Every great Kiwi business has a story, and Soul Shoes is certainly no exception!
It all began back in 1973, when Rob Galloway hand-stitched his very first pair of sheepskin shoes.
From those humble beginnings, Soul Shoes grew into a much-loved New Zealand footwear brand, earning recognition both here and overseas for its craftsmanship, natural materials and distinctive designs.
With a strong commitment to quality and thoughtful manufacturing, Soul Shoes uses beautiful natural materials, including New Zealand leather sourced from Tasman Tanneries in Whanganui, alongside carefully selected hides from Tuscany, Italy.
Each pair is handcrafted with care, while the business also looks for ways to reduce its environmental impact, right down to using recycled shoe boxes.
Good old-fashioned Kiwi craftsmanship, with a little consideration for the planet thrown in – we rather like that!
Pictured below are the Original Soul Shoes Jandals, handcrafted in Raglan using New Zealand hide.
Simple, practical and proudly Kiwi – just the way we like them!
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What Makes Soul Shoes Special?
Handcrafted with care and designed for lasting comfort, Soul Shoes offer plenty to love:
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Mould to your feet – Natural leather gradually adapts to the shape of your feet for a wonderfully personalised fit.
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Built to last – Durable materials and quality craftsmanship make them a reliable everyday favourite.
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Soft, stitched straps – Thoughtfully designed for comfort and a secure fit.
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Great value for money – Quality, comfort and durability make them a worthwhile investment.
Comfortable, practical and proudly Kiwi-made – these jandals have certainly got soul!
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Skellerup
Skellerup – The Kiwi Gumboot Legend!
When it comes to iconic New Zealand footwear, Skellerup certainly deserves a mention!
Established in 1939, with roots in the Marathon rubber footwear company, Skellerup's early manufacturing efforts supported the Second World War, producing footwear for soldiers and gas masks for civilians.
But it was in 1958 that something rather special happened.
The legendary Red Band Gumboot was born!
With its unmistakable red band and rugged, practical design, this humble gumboot quickly became a Kiwi icon, finding its way onto farms and into sheds throughout the country.
At its peak, Skellerup was reportedly responsible for an impressive 70% of New Zealand's footwear production.
Although manufacturing has since moved overseas, including to China, the famous Red Band Gumboot continues to be produced to specifications based on its original design.
More than 60 years later, it's still one of New Zealand's most recognisable pieces of rural footwear!
And let's face it, whether you're feeding the animals, trudging through muddy paddocks or tackling a wet winter morning, there's something wonderfully Kiwi about pulling on a pair of Red Bands.
A true Kiwi classic – even if the manufacturing no longer happens on our shores!
What Makes Red Band Gumboots a Kiwi Classic?
There's a good reason Skellerup's iconic Red Band Gumboots have remained a favourite with generations of hardworking Kiwis!
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Built tough – Constructed with multiple layers of rubber bonded to heavy-duty cotton canvas linings for strength, flexibility and protection.
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Comfort underfoot – A cushioned rubber sponge insole provides additional comfort for those long days on your feet.
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Made for Kiwi conditions – Specially formulated UV inhibitors help protect the rubber against New Zealand's harsh sunlight.
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Reliable grip – A heavy-duty, non-clogging cleated sole provides traction and stability around the farm, garden or wherever the day takes you.
Rugged, reliable and unmistakably Kiwi – no wonder Red Bands have become a national favourite!
Discover more about Skellerup here.
We love supporting a true Kiwi business.
Supporting Kiwi Brands – From Head to Toe!
Here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, we have enormous respect for businesses that embrace natural materials, support local resources and make a genuine effort to reduce their environmental impact.
We're equally proud to celebrate those long-established Kiwi brands that have been keeping New Zealanders comfortably on their feet for generations!
We've introduced three wonderful New Zealand footwear brands, each with its own unique story, craftsmanship and contribution to our country's footwear heritage.
Whether they're still manufacturing locally or carrying Kiwi innovation onto the international stage, they're certainly worth getting to know.
And whenever possible, we reckon supporting Kiwi businesses is a pretty good way to put your best foot forward!
Of course, there's one rather important thing we mustn't forget.
Every good pair of shoes deserves an equally good pair of socks!
And that's where we come in.
From hardworking farm socks to everyday Merino favourites and wonderfully cosy winter essentials, we've got your feet covered.
Explore our full range of socks here.
Because great shoes deserve great socks – and nobody knows socks quite like your NZNC Soxperts!