Recently, I read a comment under an influencer's video: "Children's shoes are so expensive, it's bullshit."
And I have to admit - it hit me a little hard. Not because people shouldn't react to prices, but because I know how much goes into every single shoe we send out into the world.
We don't even get a salary that can cover our own expenses yet.
At Gogsig, we are still in the building phase. Helle and I are not yet taking a salary because we prioritize that the money goes to the most important thing: the production of quality shoes that can last - and that are good for children's feet.
Producing in the EU, and especially in Portugal, where our shoes are hand-sewn, is not cheap. But it is a conscious choice! We want to know the people who make the shoes and ensure decent working conditions and high quality.
A small shoe requires just as much work as a large one
There is no less work in a children's shoe than in an adult shoe - on the contrary! Every detail must be perfect, and the materials must be both soft, durable and safe for little feet.
Even though the shoe is small, it is still hand-sewn with the same precision and made from the best materials we can find.
Many factors come into play
When you look at a price, you might only see the shoe - but behind it lies much more:
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Freight from Portugal to us - then on to you
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Packaging fees and shipping materials
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Samples and development before the final product is ready
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Salaries for our skilled developers and seamstresses in Portugal
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Rent, storage, insurance and in the long run - hopefully - a salary for ourselves that covers our own expenses.
And then there's everything that comes with running a webshop:
Shipping to the customer costs us 48 DKK, and if a shoe needs to be returned, it costs 50 DKK more. If an exchange is required, the shoe has to be returned again - and then we have another shipping fee of 48 DKK on top.
Fortunately, it often stops there - but not always. This means that many small amounts quickly add up every time an order needs to be shipped, returned or exchanged.
This is just one example of the many costs involved in running a business, and all the small factors must be taken into account when setting a price.
The good news - barefoot shoes last
One of the best things about barefoot shoes is that they can often be passed down or resold at a really good price.
Why? Because they are made of quality materials, you don't make an impression in the shoe because the sole is soft and thin, they can withstand use - and because the fit doesn't "wear in" in the same way as in shoes with fixed support. A barefoot shoe naturally molds to the foot, but retains its functionality, flexibility and comfort - even when a new child puts it on.
So the next time you see a price and think it seems expensive - think about everything behind it. For us, it's not about making a lot of money, but about creating shoes that are healthy for your feet, produced with respect for people and craftsmanship, and that can be used again and again.
