Timeless craftsmanship from Nowy Targ – where three decades of tradition meet modern design

“The best step leaves a good mark”

a motto that inspired Wojas to support local communities and charitable initiatives

100% made in Poland • Family heritage shoemaking since 1990 in Nowy Targ • Visit Wojas →

(€ = budget | €€ = mid | €€€ = premium | €€€€ = luxe) (★★★★★ = heirloom + zero-waste preorder |

Polish leather isn’t just about tradition – it’s about survival. When the Soviet-era shoe factories of Podhale collapsed in 1989, one man decided to rebuild what others abandoned. Thirty-five years later, Wojas stands as one of Europe’s largest leather footwear manufacturers, producing hundreds of thousands of pairs annually without relying on fast fashion’s shortcuts. This is craftsmanship scaled up, not dumbed down.

Brand Intro

Wojas was born from necessity and family legacy. In 1990, Wiesław Wojas – a member of a family with generations of shoemaking heritage – founded the company in Nowy Targ, a region historically known for leather production. In that first year, the small team produced several dozen thousand pairs of shoes. By 1994, Wojas acquired equipment and departments from the bankrupt NZPS Podhale factory, preserving hundreds of jobs that would otherwise have vanished. The company embraced rapid growth: by 1996, the Wojas Trade company expanded the retail network; by 2008, it listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange; and by today, it operates approximately 180 stores across Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Belarus, and Hungary[2]. Nearly 1,500 employees work in Polish facilities, producing elegant leather footwear for men and women, youth collections, trekking shoes, and a range of leather goods including handbags and belts.

Inspiring Story

What makes this story different is scale without compromise: Wojas didn’t outsource to Asia; it re-industrialised Poland. This philosophy inspired a long-term charity partnership. Since 2018, Wojas has donated PLN 20 per pair of its special Green Lace shoes to Anna Dymna’s Foundation “Mimo Wszystko,” supporting art therapy workshops for adults with intellectual disabilities. This is social impact embedded in production, not bolted on afterwards.

Who is this for?

You value shoes that last beyond one season. You’ve learned that leather quality matters – not because it’s trendy, but because it actually works. You appreciate European manufacturing that didn’t flee to cheaper labour markets, and you want to support brands rooted in their communities. You might be a daily commuter seeking reliable leather sneakers, or someone who invests in Chelsea boots for durability. You’re sceptical of fast fashion and willing to spend more on something that will still be wearable in five years. Wojas speaks to customers who see shoes as practical investment, not disposable accessories.

Sustainability & Transparency Note

Sustainability score is subjective. InEurope.eu finds this crucial, but conducts no audits. Assessment based on publicly available information and brand feedback.

The information on this blog has been presented to the brand but not yet been verified.