Vagabond Buyers Guide | Story, Style & Size Guide

Did you know Vagabond is the largest footwear manufacturer in Scandinavia? Originally popular in Germany and Scandinavia their high fashion footwear is now breaking the UK scene. Combing unique style with affordable high quality, here’s everything you need to know about the latest must-have brand at allsole.

@vagabondshoemakers

Brand Story

Founded in Sweden in 1973 producing only men’s footwear the brand decided to focus on growing its reputation within the fashion industry. With Sweden at that time having no factories the brand moved to Italy. While in Italy they perfected their process and open up a design studio before moving back to Sweden. In 1993 the son and daughter in law, Marie Nilsson Peterzén and Mats Nilsson bought the brand and expanded into womenswear. Today the brand designs all of its shoes in their Varberg design studio in Sweden.

Are Vagabond sustainable?

In regards to sustainability, the brand doesn’t just try and do one thing. They trial different processes and materials throughout their company. The brand has been developing a chrome-free tanned leather for inner soles and lining. Chrome-tanned leather can cause allergies and is applied on all Vagabond shoes, regardless of what upper they have.

They have been focusing on creating better glues to use in the production of their shoes. Usually, the glue is strong for durability, but also harmful to breathe in, meaning in factories you need good ventilation and protective equipment. Vagabond is coming up with its own glue as a solution in partnership with a Swedish laboratory.

They also work with a limited amount of factories, it can vary from season to season but it is usually around 5. All of the factories are in Vietnam, which are closer together making it more sustainably friendly.

@vagabondshoemakers

Where are Vagabond Shoes made?

The Vagabond factories are based in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Are Vagabond shoes true to size?

Vagabond shoes if anything run slightly small. If you sit on the edge of sizes we would recommend you get the size up especially if you are buying your winter boots.

Size Guides

If you are struggling to convert your size take a look at our size guides to help you.

Women’s Size Guide

EU	UK	US	Foot (mm)
35	2	5	223
36	3	6	230
37	4	7	236
38	5	8	243
39	6	9	250
40	7	10	256
41	8	11	263
42	9	12	270

Men’s Size Guide

EU	UK	US	Foot (mm)
39	6	6	250
40	6.5	7	256
41	7.5	8	263
42	8	9	270
43	9	10	276
44	9.5	11	283
45	10.5	12	290
46	11	13	296

@clairerose

Are Vagabond shoes narrow?

No, their collection is not particularly narrow. The shoes are developed to fit as consistently as possible, but the styling, construction or materials may affect the fit. For example, a shoe made from patent leather may feel tighter than the same style made from soft leather.