Wildling Shoes
Wildling Shoes GmbH offers sustainable barefoot shoes that promote natural movements. With an innovative corporate culture, flexible work models, and a strong focus on social responsibility, Wildling sets new standards for regenerative business models.
Wildling Shoes GmbH: Sustainable Barefoot Shoes and Innovative Corporate Culture
editKey Products and Services
editWildling Shoes GmbH, founded in 2015 by Anna and Ran Yona in Engelskirchen, Germany, specializes in the production of sustainable minimalist shoes. These shoes are designed to allow natural movements and consist of very thin soles (between 1.5 and 3.5 mm) and anatomically fitting shapes. The product range includes shoes for children, teenagers, and adults, all made from pure natural materials such as cotton, hemp, moleskin, linen, cork, and wool. The shoes are sold annually in two collections through direct sales via the company's online shop[1][3].
Mission and Values
editThe mission of Wildling Shoes is based on the belief that the foot is naturally healthy and only needs the opportunity to develop strongly. The company aims to develop shoes that leave the foot as undisturbed as possible, similar to a second skin that protects against injuries and weather influences without impairing the natural functions of the foot. Values such as openness, cohesion, curiosity, and change are central to the corporate culture. Wildling celebrates diversity and individual strengths and focuses on radical collaboration and mutual empowerment[1][2].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editWildling Shoes is strongly committed to sustainable production and social responsibility. The company relies on transparent supply chains, fair working conditions, and the use of ecological natural materials. Production takes place in Portugal while adhering to high environmental and social standards. Wildling strives to continuously minimize its ecological footprint and focuses on regional material sourcing from Germany and other European countries. Additionally, the company supports renaturation projects and considers Cradle-to-Cradle products to promote regenerative sustainability[1][2].
Corporate Culture and Work Practices
editWildling Shoes is a pioneer in the "New Work" movement. The company offers flexible working arrangements that are oriented around the lives of employees rather than the other way around. Many employees work part-time, especially young parents, and work is decentralized with coworking spaces in Berlin, Cologne, and Engelskirchen. Regular on-site meetings and the use of tools like Asana, Slack, and Google Meet enable efficient asynchronous collaboration. The corporate culture thrives on appreciation, empathy, and individual strengths, which has been recognized through awards such as the German Founder Prize and the B Corp certification[1][3][4].
Conclusion
editWildling Shoes GmbH is more than just a shoe manufacturer; it is a company that exemplifies a new way of collaboration and doing business. With a strong focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and innovative corporate culture, Wildling has become a role model for regenerative business models. By combining high-quality, sustainable products with a supportive work environment, Wildling creates a positive impact at all levels.
Sources:
edit- 1 - https://www.schau-ins-rheinland.de/wildling-shoes-gmbh/
- 2 - https://www.wildling.shoes/pages/unser-ansatz
- 3 - https://workdate.com/de/best-practice-case-wildling-shoes/
- 4 - https://www.wildling.shoes/blogs/news/new-work-bei-wildling
- 5 - https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/wildling-shoes/