Kavat began as a family shoe business in 1945 in Kumla, Sweden and has since grown to produce 250,000 pairs of shoes annually, 90% of which are children's shoes. The company prides itself on craftsmanship and uses traditional production methods to create durable, high-quality shoes. Kavat's CEO believes their sustainability-focused business model of producing locally and prioritizing longevity over trends will resonate with young parents concerned about the environment and future generations.

1. W W W . H A B I T. S E 15
Fashion history
In 1945, the family business
Kavat began manufacturing
shoes in the small provincial
community of Kumla. Since
then, the company’s sound
knowledge of leather and foot-
wear has been passed down from
one generation to the next. Kavat
now makes some 250,000 pairs
of shoes a year in its own factory
in Bosnia Herzegovina. 90 per
cent of the range is children’s
shoes, made with a deep passion
and love for craftsmanship.
By Susanne Tingstedt
–asprightlyseptuagenarian
Kavat
1 The factory – Kumla has been the centre of the
Swedish shoe industry since the mid-19th cen-
tury. Kavat opened its factory in 1945, after the
war, with faith and hope and a love for the craft.
2 Jubilee boot – In time for its 70th anniversary,
Kavat has designed a new adult range – including
this jubilee boot. These shoes use a so-called
sandal-stitching that was developed a century ago.
3 Finishing – A skilled hand and a trained eye.
The new 1945 collection has soles that are filed
into shape on the finished shoe. This step is tricky
and requires expert craftsmanship.
4 Last but not least – Small feet that are still
growing need shoes with a perfect fit. The lasts
for Kavat’s bestsellers have been used for many
generations of kids.
5 Kavat Basket – In the late-1980s, Kavat intro-
duced its basketball shoes for future world stars.
6 The cow – From moo to shoe. Kavat is passio-
nate about the origins of its leather.
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2. 1 6 W W W . H A B I T. S E
Fashion history
We are passionate about this,” says Magnus
Ericsson, CEO of Kavat. “We take up the challenge
against the buy-and-bin shopping culture by
increasing our customers’ awareness of the dura-
bility of our crafted shoes. We want to promote the
cyclical philosophy that is on its way back in society. Especially
among young parents, who think of their children and children’s
children, and understand that the earth’s resources are some-
thing we have on loan from future generations.”
KAVAT WILL CONTINUE to develop its business in harmony
with its origins and basic idea – locally produced, high-qual-
ity, practical footwear. Several new models are being gradu-
ally launched, and a new collection – Kavat 1945 – has been
designed in time for the 70th anniversary. Shoes in a limited
edition, made in Kumla using traditional production methods.
“OUR SHOES ARE less sensitive to trends and they last longer.
This gives added value, not just to our customers but also to
our retailers. We update our originals and rejuvenate the old
models.‘Old is new’. This is a sustainable business concept, and
it’s trendy. We keep an eye on the wine and food sectors, which
enhance the experience they offer by highlighting the origins.
We want our shoes to be something you can be proud of.” 2
1 Stitching – The upper and
inner shoe leathers are stit-
ched together. This is just as
important today as before.
2 Punching – Manual punch
cutters are still made for some
models, but today Kavat also
uses modern waterjet cutting
machines to make the different
shoe parts.
3 The Stig-Helmer san-
dals (named after a popular
Swedish movie character) are
bestsellers for both kids and
grown-up men.
4 Inspection – Inspection of
finished products has always
been a priority, which probably
goes a long way towards
explaining why Kavat is world-
famous for its outstanding
quality.
5 These models are classics,
and several of them return year
after year.
6 90 per cent of Kavat’s shoes
are for kids.
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