Our focus is not only on healthy feet; equally important to us is the culture and community of barefoot footwear. Given our focus, one of our priorities is to know our trusted suppliers personally and to maintain good relationships with them, for example through mutual visits. Over the years, Froddo has proven itself in every way – their products are high-quality, communication with them is always pleasant and reliable, and we are all the more pleased that their shoes have found such a strong place among our customers.
Green – the color of the building, the logo, and the philosophy!
Upon arrival, it’s clear that the green color is not just for show. Froddo strives to minimize its impact on the planet – whether by powering production with its own solar panels (and purchasing green energy when its own sources are not enough) or through its manufacturing methods. However, they never sacrifice quality for sustainability – they have even stopped using some recycled materials because their lifespan was significantly shorter than “non-sustainable” alternatives, making them less eco-friendly in the long run. It’s clear that they are looking for the optimal balance, not just catchy slogans.
People at Froddo
Behind the factory gates, 650 people work in Croatia and another 150 in Bosnia; most come from Nepal and Sri Lanka. In the past, they relied on employment agencies, but that’s no longer needed – employee satisfaction speaks for itself, and new workers now come on recommendations from friends and relatives. Froddo provides them with dormitories and affordable meals in the cafeteria. Thanks to this, they can save enough within two years for a better life back home.
With love for the craft
Making a barefoot shoe is a chain of thousands of small, precise steps. Anyone who knows the process understands that every shoe is a small miracle of patience. After visits like this, we often think the shoes are actually still cheap. ☺
Even though they have modern machines and some production is automated, a large part of the work is done by hand. Every step is done or checked by a specific person. For example, making a Velcro strap: one person cuts the leather strap, another sews on the hook side, a third sews on the loop side, a fourth stitches everything around, and a fifth attaches the strap to the shoe. Every shoe design and size has its own cutting dies; a shoe is made up of dozens of parts and changes temperature several times during production – so that the leather takes the ideal shape, the glue hardens properly, and the shoe stays flexible.
Each shoe passes through the hands of at least fifty people – each shoe is unique.
One admirable step Froddo takes is taking full responsibility for every pair of shoes that leaves their factory. Instead of relying on external suppliers, they try to keep the production of all important components under their own roof – so that every step, every detail, and every touch of care remains in their hands.
Quality materials
A recent improvement in production, and its move to an in-house workshop, was the decision to produce their own soles. These are now pressed from rubber granulate, which ensures absolute zero waste production – the granulate can be repeatedly pressed and ground, so neither rejects nor scraps are thrown away.
The dominant material is premium leather from herds where it is a by-product of the meat industry. Its appearance may sometimes be uneven in color, with fine wrinkles or small spots – but these are not defects, they are nature’s signature.
A million pairs a year
Today, Froddo produces approximately 1.1 million pairs of shoes annually, 60% of which are barefoot models. The biggest markets? Germany and the Czech Republic – and for us, Froddo is a clear number one. Not only for the quality of the shoes but also for the story and values behind them.
We are grateful to have been able to make this journey and that Froddo welcomed us with such warmth and enthusiasm. It’s wonderful to know each of our suppliers personally – even though the shoe industry might seem monotonous, every visit has its own charm and uniqueness. Thanks to this, every brand finds its place with us. An open approach and friendly atmosphere strengthen our relationships and allow us to grow and prosper together.