Questions and answers at a glance

We are an international shoe manufacturer based in Graz, Austria. Founded in 1872, we develop, manufacture, and distribute collections for the three brands superfit, legero, and Think!. Find out more here.

We produce the majority of our collections in our manufacturing facilities in Hungary (EMAS certified) and Romania (EMAS & SA8000 certified), as well as in our Indian factory in Vellore, which is certified to ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and SA8000. This means that all locations meet strict standards in terms of quality, working conditions, and environmental compatibility. Find out more here.

The insoles and inner linings of our shoes are mostly chrome-free tanned, from safe sources, manufactured using environmentally friendly production methods, and guarantee a transparent supply chain. They meet the strict quality requirements of our company’s own development platform for sustainable materials, VIOS®. With the VIOS® Restricted Substance List, we have created our own standard that sets much higher limit values than those required by law or quality seals and is constantly being updated. Find out more here.

Our shoes are created using a combination of traditional shoemaking techniques and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. Many steps in the process—especially for our Think! brand collections—are carried out by hand. Find out more about the up to 200 manual steps involved in manufacturing Think! shoes here.

Leather is a versatile and durable material that is a waste product of the meat industry. Tanning is one of the oldest crafts in human history and turns untreated animal hides into a durable material. This gave rise to one of the earliest examples of recycling: leather. It is characterized by its durability, breathability, and natural aesthetics, and is a sustainable product that –  with proper care – will last for many years. Recycling raw animal hides into leather also helps to conserve resources and promotes the environmentally conscious use of this valuable material. Furthermore, we source leather exclusively from responsible tanneries that adhere to the strictest environmental and social standards and are committed to our Code of Conduct. For example, we primarily work with tanneries that have been certified with gold or silver by the Leather Working Group. Learn more here.

Leather is a natural product. As a by-product of the food industry, it is inherently a recycled and therefore sustainable material. We process it in a particularly resource-efficient manner, and it is characterized by its durability, breathability, and natural aesthetics. Like human skin, every piece of leather is unique: this means that variations in structure and color can occur from time to time. More on this here.

When a leather shoe is exposed to moisture – whether from rain or perspiration – dye may be released from the leather. This should not happen, but it can never be completely ruled out with a natural material such as leather. Every leather skin absorbs dyes differently, and since we deliberately use only a small amount of fixing agents, color bleeding may occur in individual cases when exposed to moisture. This is, of course, a valid reason for complaint.

The color of leather shoes may differ in reality from the pictures in the online shop because leather is a natural material. Each animal skin has its own structure and absorbs color differently—sometimes slightly lighter, sometimes darker, or with subtle nuances in tone. In addition, screens display colors differently depending on their settings. Therefore, slight variations are completely normal and a sign that leather is a unique natural product – each shoe is one of a kind.

Leather shoes stay at their best when you care for them regularly: first remove coarse dirt with a brush or damp cloth. Then apply a thin layer of suitable leather care cream or lotion – this keeps the leather supple and refreshes the color. Finally, polish with a soft brush or cloth. It is also important to let the shoes dry after wearing them and to use shoe trees to help them retain their shape. Click here for our care tips.

For shoes with waterproof membranes, it is important not to impair their functionality with care products. Therefore, products containing high levels of grease or oil should be avoided, as these can hinder the breathability of the upper material. However, we recommend regular waterproofing to ensure lasting waterproofness. Click here for our care tips.

With our three brands, superfit, legero, and Think!, we are represented in over 40 countries worldwide. Our collections offer a wide variety – from classic leather shoes to combinations of leather and textile to pure textile models. Our range is complemented by linings and waterproof membranes from renowned manufacturers such as GORE-TEX and Sympatex. In addition, our range of certified vegan models is constantly growing, enabling us to offer the right footwear for every requirement. Find out more here.

For us, sustainability encompasses the entire value chain: responsible material sourcing, resource-efficient production, fair working conditions, and durable products. We consistently promote the sustainability of our collections with our legero united sustainability agenda, or luna for short. Find out more here.

We are consistently promoting the sustainability of our legero collections. The legero Eco Agenda summarizes our measures and is our commitment to the socially fair and resource-saving production of our women’s shoes. Find out more here.

We are consistently promoting the sustainability of our superfit collections. The superfit Environment Plan summarizes our measures and represents our commitment to socially fair and resource-saving production of our children’s shoes. Find out more here.

We manufacture most of our collections in our own production facilities. They are all certified according to international standards, including ISO 14001 (environmental management) and SA8000 (social responsibility). Many of our models also carry the renowned German Blue Angel environmental label. More information about our memberships and certifications can be found here.

It is important to clean and care for shoes regularly. You should use the appropriate care products for leather or textiles. You should also give your shoes a break from time to time to allow them to air out, change the insoles if necessary, and have repairs done whenever possible instead of throwing shoes away prematurely. More tips on shoe care.

Unfortunately, there is currently no comprehensive infrastructure for recycling shoes. However, we are working on concepts to promote the circular economy in the shoe industry. Many parts of our shoes are already made from recycled materials. Shoes from our Think! brand can be sent to our repair service via the retailer where they were purchased. Find out more here.

We primarily use high-quality leather, breathable textiles, robust sole materials, and innovative functional materials such as GORE-TEX or Sympatex membranes. When selecting materials, we always focus on quality, sustainability, and comfort. Find out more here.

Natural materials such as leather are not completely waterproof by nature. To make shoes weatherproof, we use membranes from GORE-TEX or Sympatex or special waterproofing treatments. Regular care with waterproofing spray provides additional protection for the materials. More details on waterproofing can be found here.

High-quality materials only reveal their full potential when they are properly cared for. Care extends their lifespan, preserves their appearance, and ensures that shoes remain comfortable and functional for a long time. Click here for our care tips.

Textile shoes can be cleaned with a brush or a damp cloth. Washing them in the washing machine is not recommended, as this can damage the adhesive and materials. Machine washing can also release microplastics that are harmful to the environment. Shoes should be waterproofed regularly to protect them from moisture and dirt. Click here for more care tips.

Wet shoes should never be dried directly on a radiator or in the sun – this makes the materials brittle. Instead, stuff the shoes with newspaper and leave them to dry in a well-ventilated place.

We recommend cleaning shoes by hand only. This preserves the longevity of the shoes and protects the environment. Machine washing can release microplastics and adhesives that are harmful to the environment. In addition, the materials can be damaged over time, significantly reducing their durability. Manual cleaning, on the other hand, allows for more thorough care. Click here for more care tips.

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This term covers a whole range of substances that make products water-repellent and are regulated by law. PFAS are used almost everywhere: from cosmetics to medical products, household appliances, automotive parts, outdoor jackets…even shoes. Their advantage is their water-repellent functionality, which makes products durable. Their disadvantage is that they degrade slowly in the environment, and some do not degrade at all. They are therefore often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Our shoes meet all legal requirements regarding PFAS. We constantly monitor the legal testing standards to ensure compliance. More information here.

Shoes should be kept dry, clean, and in a well-ventilated place. Use shoe trees to maintain their shape, and don’t store shoes in plastic bags, as moisture can build up.

That depends on how the shoes are made. For shoes manufactured using the AGO method, the soles can be repaired or replaced. For our Think! shoes, specialist retailers even offer their own repair service. PU (polyurethane) soles, on the other hand, cannot be replaced. This is because they are injected directly onto the upper of the shoe in liquid form under high pressure. This direct soling process does not require the use of adhesives and makes the shoe particularly robust, hard-wearing, and durable. It also makes the sole particularly light and flexible and offers optimal cushioning properties. For optimal comfort. Find out more here.

Children’s feet grow quickly and need enough space to develop healthily. Click here for a handy size chart and tips on how to measure children’s feet correctly.