This family-owned factory uses a combination of new and old shoe-making techniques, including many of the same construction methods employed by its founder, João Arlindo Wirth, 70 years ago.

Started as a one-man operation in the town of Dois Irmãos, this factory is now run by the founder's sons, Ricardo and Sergio, and their cousins, Yeda and Lauri. They were all born in the same town where the factory is located, and they all work as directors in the business.

At the factory, decades of family experience in craftsmanship is passed on to employees, who create shoes with traditional techniques and specialized machinery. The average pair takes nearly an hour and a half of labor to produce.

We also appreciate how this organization takes pride in taking care of its people. The factory offers transportation to and from work, a cafeteria for meals, health and dental care, and financial aid for employees and their children’s education. That’s just the kind of progressive standard-setting we love to see.