ABOUT US
VAMSKO is a footwear fashion house that operates both online and in a physical concept store. Originally founded in Finland in 1986, VAMSKO launched in 2012 and now serves an additional 28 European countries through e-commerce sales.
The company’s head office is located in Nokia, Finland, where our central functions, including design and warehousing, are based. Our concept store is situated in Tampere, Finland, in the heart of the town center.
With years of experience and hundres of thousands of pairs sold, we are committed to being a part of a better and more sustainable future for all. We are collaborating with other organizations to make the fashion industry more sustainable, and establish long-term relationships with our subcontractors.
PRODUCTION
The Sustainable VAMSKO collection was launched in autumn 2020 and is exclusively manufactured in European family-owned factories, ensuring 100% local production. By minimizing the involvement of extra middlemen during transportation, we effectively reduce the carbon footprint associated with the delivery of our products, as they are delivered directly from the factories to our warehouse.
The VAMSKO collection is primarily comprised of handmade leather shoes crafted from chrome-free leather, which is derived from other animal by-products. Our shoes are produced locally, from the outsole to the finishing details, and are constructed with synthetic faux fur and certified mulesing-free wool exclusively.
VAMSKO maintains a list of restricted or prohibited chemicals to be utilized in the production of our products, and all of our subcontractors are required to comply with the Suppliers Guide Convention before production commences.
As we do not own the factories responsible for the manufacturing of our products, close collaboration with our subcontractors is paramount to ensuring that our design and quality requirements are met. Currently, we work exclusively with select factories in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, which are all family-owned, and renowned for offering excellent working conditions for their employees. Once the pandemic situation improves, we intend to conduct regular visits to our factories to maintain high-quality manufacturing standards and ensure good working conditions.
VAMSKO TODAY
At VAMSKO, our mission is to craft exceptional footwear that our customers will cherish and wear for years to come. We prioritize high-quality materials and enduring design to achieve this goal. Fortunately, our current styles are built to stand the test of time.
Despite our commitment to sustainability, we believe that style should not be sacrificed. Our collections feature classical elements fused with seasonal inspirations to create an array of fashionable options that are both sustainable and stylish.
At VAMSKO, we aspire to create shoes that will maintain a cherished place in your wardrobe for years. Our focus is on preserving the magic of each design while utilizing economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable practices. To achieve this, we strive to create products that are not only useful and meaningful for years to come but also celebrate the natural signs of aging as something special rather than flaws.
Previously, VAMSKO offered a mix of lesser-known brands from around the world, including our own brand, SoWhat Footwear. However, our approach was different in those days. A few years ago, the majority of our shoes were produced in China, with a focus on trends and high volume. Today, all of our production is based in Europe.
In 2019, we set a goal to shift more of our manufacturing to Europe, specifically in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Our aim was to have a 100% European-made collection under the VAMSKO brand by 2025. Furthermore, all of our packaging materials are now recyclable. We are pleased to report that we achieved these goals by the winter of 2020.
How did we manage to reach our goals so quickly? In truth, the COVID-19 pandemic played a role. About a two years and a half ago, we had a strong desire to make significant changes to our business model. The pandemic forced factories in Asia to close or become inaccessible, which presented an opportunity to accelerate our transformation. We strengthened our existing relationships with European factories in Italy, Spain, and Portugal and worked hard to achieve our objectives despite the challenging circumstances. The AW2021, SS21, and AW2122 collections were all 100% manufactured in European family-owned factories.
At VAMSKO, we are committed to creating a better future by joining the fashion revolution. We invite you to join us in strengthening our efforts to achieve this goal.
AFTER THE PURCHASE
Proper care of your shoes can help minimize their environmental impact. To prolong the lifespan of your shoes, it’s essential to handle them with care and wear them in weather conditions appropriate for their material. Follow the care instructions to maintain their quality and ensure longevity. Additionally, allowing your shoes to dry and rest after use can make a significant difference in their lifespan. Embrace the natural signs of wear and aging, as they are a testament to the longevity of the product. Remember, shoes were made to be used and loved, so take care of them accordingly.
THE FUTURE
At VAMSKO, we are committed to finding more sustainable and environmentally friendly options for our products, including offering more vegan choices. However, we want to be transparent and clear that we will not compromise on the quality and integrity of our materials. While some brands may use 100% PU-based materials for their vegan options, we are actively seeking alternatives that do not rely solely on this material.
While PU (polyurethane) may be considered vegan, it is not without its environmental drawbacks. PU is a synthetic material made from petroleum-based chemicals, which means it is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Furthermore, the production of PU can emit harmful pollutants and chemicals into the environment.
We understand that many of our customers are looking for more vegan options, and we are committed to finding sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives that align with our values. Our goal is to continue to innovate and improve our products.
