Goral: a thriving UK shoe factory
Are you interested in making your footwear in a UK shoe factory? We don’t make as many pairs here as we did in the past, but we still have excellent UK shoe factories.
Why choose a UK shoe factory?
There are lots of reasons why manufacturing locally is a good idea:
- Development travel costs will be reduced.
- You can easily get to the factory to check on an order.
- Communication will be smooth, with no time-difference delays.
- An increase in nationalistic feeling amongst your customers means they’re more likely to look for, and be emotionally connected to the ‘Made in England’ mark.
- You won’t need to factor import duties into your pricing, making your products more affordable to the UK consumer (or your profits higher!) Of course, you’ll need to consider export duties if you’re selling internationally.
- ‘Made in England’ is a recognised mark of quality in many countries. You can even receive help from Department for International Trade to help you start exporting.
- Manufacturing and selling locally can reduce transport emissions, increasing your company’s sustainability credentials.
- It’s easier to know workers are being treated properly when you can visit the factory regularly. You also have access to information on UK employment laws and minimum wages.
I recently visited the Goral shoe factory in Sheffield, UK. The Goral family have been making shoes since 1936. Originally from Poland, they decided to bring their expertise to Sheffield. Moving from their first Sheffield factory to the larger facility I visited, Goral run a slick and successful shoe-making operation.
Goral produce their own range of men’s shoes. They also make uppers or finished products for many high end men’s and women’s brands. Minimums are 100 pairs per style and 50 per colour.
If you like machinery as I do, Goral have some beautiful pieces of equipment. Check these out!
Everything is so clean and well-kept. In my opinion, the best shoe factories are organised ones.
Who doesn’t love a big pink sanding and buffing machine?
Goral currently make cemented and sidewall-stitched cup-sole construction shoes. They’re planning to offer blake-sewn construction soon.
They specialise in flat shoes, or low block heels. From Chelsea boots to hiking boots, trainers and loafers.
This women’s smoking slipper is a signature style:
I loved watching Goral’s expert shoe-makers at work. If you’ve ever attempted to operate an industrial sewing machine, you’ll know the closing room technicians are particularly talented.
If you’re considering making your shoes here in the UK, take a trip through the Peak District countryside to visit Goral in Sheffield.
You can contact Goral here.
UK or elsewhere?
If you’re struggling to decide whether UK manufacturing is an option for your footwear brand, I can help you make this important decision.
Send me a message when you’re ready to make your business dreams a reality. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Hello
I would like to know the estimates for doing my shoes.
I have part of the material as sole, innasole, lasts… At the moment they have given me prices in Spain as the soles and materials are from them. However I am keen to know what about making them here in UK? I a base in South London.
Thank you.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Elena Esther Ako-Adjei
Thanks for your comment Elena.
There are very few women’s shoe factories in the UK, so depending on your price-points, Spain or Portugal could be better options if you’re making women’s products. Goral have made women’s products but only in large bulk quantities rather than start-up size runs.
Feel free to drop me an email if you need additional help.
Hi,
I’m looking to produce my own designed heels it has some unique features that will be built into the shoe I was wondering is this something you could possibly do and if not is there any other manufactures you could point me in their direction to help me out.
Thank you
Hi Aaliyah,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I don’t run a factory. I’m a consultant helping people to start shoe brands and find manufacturers.
I believe you would benefit from my How to Start a Shoe Brand online course. It’s a comprehensive working guide which will set you up for launch.
Along with essential templates and worksheets, the course is packed with video content including guidance from me and many other industry experts, freelance shoe designers and shoe brand founders. There is a whole module about finding a manufacturer.
Please do let me know if you have any questions about the How to Start a Shoe Brand course.
If your budget doesn’t currently stretch to the course, I would like to invite you to join The Shoe Community. There you will find a recording of my 45 minute How to Find a Shoe Manufacturer masterclass.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks and best wishes,
Susannah
Please call to discuss manufacture of trainer brand
Thanks for your comment Brian. I have sent you an email just now.
I hope to speak with you soon.
Susannah
Hi, I’m looking for a company who can supply and apply soles to slippers, we can provide the upper, and an inner sole.
Thanks, Alice
Hi Alice,
Thanks for your question. I love the name of your business! Your products look beautiful too.
If you’re looking for a manufacturing facility in the UK, I recommend contacting the British Footwear Association to see if they have factory recommendations.
Best wishes,
Susannah
I want to learn and work with your shoe company. Am also a young shoe making from Nigeria. But I want to work in your factory. I need to understand international exposure of how to make shoe and am ready to work with your factory.
I need work and ready to make my self available for your company.
Hi Ojikutu,
Thank you for your message. I run an independent company (not a shoe factory) separate from Goral. You would need to contact Goral directly to enquire about employment opportunities.
Best wishes,
Susannah
Good Susannah
I am London base trainers designer more than 150 footwear design. I’m dreaming to make business a reality.
I have no professional background in this industry but I hope with your we can this to life.
I’ll be so delighted to hearing from you.
Kindest and Warm Regards,
Christian Iwondo
Hi Christian,
I would love to help you.
I’ll send you an email now with details of how I can support you.
Best wishes,
Susannah