OUR FOOTWEAR FACTORY
First Step Group
Footwear manufacturing is a complicated process, requiring a specific kind of expertise.
The leather footwear reserved for special occasions or fancier offices calls for a double whammy of quality and style - something we found at this supplier.
Location
China: Shanghai Middle Road, Laixi
District, Qingdao, Shandong province
No. of employees
625
Social & environmental certificates
Child Labour Free
Intertek Global Security Verification
UL Social Responsibility & Accountability
ISA TanTec Leather
Who are they?
Based in Qingdao, China, these shoemakers craft high-end leather footwear across their several specialised factories. They work with some of the world’s best footwear brands - and they have partnered exclusively with us to bring you the Barkers shoes you love.
What do they make?
This factory crafts the majority of our leather dress shoes - those derbies and oxfords you wear with your favourite suit when you’re dressed to impress.
Why them?
With serious expertise in leather footwear, the quality of the manufacturing made them a no-brainer for us - and fantastic service sealed the deal. We’ve worked with them for over four years now, and appreciate their knowledge of fashion trends and international retail markets.
What are their environmental and ethical standards?
For Barkers, First Step source ISA TanTec leathers with a low-carbon finish, for an environmentally better alternative to traditionally leather processing. Their factory workers are all paid above the minimum wage and receive overtime pay as well as free accommodation and meals. They also have access to collective bargaining.
