INSIDE OUR VIETNAM FACTORY VISIT - A WEEK WITH THE PK SHOE-MAKERS

From Sole to Soul... A Peek into How PaperKrane Shoes Are Made!

In early June, I swapped my desk (and hoodie) for a week on-site at our Vietnamese factory, where the shoes you love are lovingly brought to life. This wasn’t my first trip over (must be closing in on 20 trips by now?!), but it was my first time working side-by-side with the incredible team who cut, sew, print, and shape every pair of PKs by hand - during PK production time.

And when I say team, I mean family. Literally.

 

THE FACTORY FAMILY:

Our main factory is a small, family-run operation. There’s mum, dad, and their two sons keeping things humming, along with around 20–30 staff who feel more like extended relatives than co-workers.

As always, they welcomed me like one of their own... fed me (a lot), laughed with me, and let me shadow every part of the process; from cutting uppers to stitching the details, screen printing, lasting, QC, and bagging up those fresh new kicks.

It’s a humbling thing, seeing the care and skill that goes into every pair. Every stitch, every sole, every lining - done by hand, by people who really care about what they’re creating.

A lot of you followed along on our Instagram stories during that week, and got to witness a bunch of PK BTS (behind the scenes). And I must say, I really enjoyed showing as much of the PK-making-process to you as possible.

Here's a few more photos taken during the week...

MICROFIBRE MAGIC + SCREEN PRINT SCENES:

I also spent time in two of our partner/supplier spaces - one whole day was focused on the vegan microfibre leather we use, and the other where the screen printing magic happens. Think bold colours, cheeky characters, and precision you’d never expect from a process that involves a giant rubber squeegee and hand mixed paint.

Watching our future styles come to life, layer by layer, was honestly so exciting… especially knowing what’s just around the corner 👀 (you’ll want to keep an eye out for rainbow soles, fun new boots, and a character named Jack Pickleson, again…)

JACK PICKLESON - Screen printed on microfibre leather

 

WHY THIS MATTERS:

In a world full of fast fashion and faceless production lines, this is different. These are real people, real relationships, and a process grounded in skill, time, and respect.

We’re not just making shoes - we’re co-creating foot-freedom, joy, comfort, and colour in every step… and I feel so lucky to be part of this little global team that makes it all happen.

 

COMING SOON...

This trip gave me a front row seat to the next 11 styles that are heading your way. Every single one made with the same care and craftsmanship I witnessed in person.

Want a sneak peek of those styles? Follow us on Instagram aaaand keep your eyes on your inbox if you're an email subscriber.  👟✨

• → See a new behind-the-scenes post [HERE]
  
• → Already eyeing your next pair? [Shop current collection]