Experience The Freedom Of Going Barefoot
Since our establishment in 2009, leguano has been dedicated to providing footwear that allows you to experience the sensation of walking barefoot in all situations and on every occasion. Our product range has expanded, and our team has grown, all working tirelessly toward the success of the leguano brand. Keep reading to learn more about leguano.
Where Tradition Meets Functionality
Nestled in Buchholz, Rhineland-Palatinate, leguano focuses on the essentials: sheer functionality harmoniously combined with chic design and traditional shoemaking craftsmanship. Our shoes are born out of a desire to create something extraordinary.
Our Journey
Inspired by the words of Dr. Walter Packi, a pioneering biokineticist, avid long-distance runner Helmuth Ohlhoff embarked on a mission to run as freely as if he were barefoot. This pivotal moment led to the creation of the leguano barefoot shoe after five years of relentless development. It wasn't just for runners; it was for everyone seeking the liberation of natural foot movement. leguano barefoot shoes not only grant your feet the freedom they deserve, but also safeguard them with a low-wear, non-slip sole that adapts seamlessly to every movement. Our exclusive "lifolit®-lg" sole, developed in collaboration with Hexpol, embodies high flexibility and exceptional abrasion resistance. In 2009, leguano was born with a small, dedicated team, all sharing a profound belief in their product: barefoot shoes made in Germany.
Evolving With Purpose
leguano's growth has been swift and purposeful. In 2012, we took our first step into the international market with a partner in Switzerland. By 2013, our network expanded to include our own branches, starting with the successful launch of the first barefoot shop in Bad Zwischenahn. In 2015, our own sewing shop and the first sewing machine came into existence.
A New Home For Growth
In 2018, we bid farewell to our moated castle in Birlinghoven near Bonn, relocating our administration, production, and central warehouse to neighboring Buchholz. This year also marked the founding of the leguano seminar center, which later evolved into leguano Academy and Barfußpark GmbH in 2022.
Present And Future
The high recommendation rate makes us a fast-growing company that no longer only sells its shoes in its own leguano® stores and at trade fairs in Germany, but has now built up its dealer and partner network worldwide: There are more than 700 dealers in Germany alone, leguano® barefoot shoes are exported to over 30 importers, and leguano® can be bought in North America as well as in Australia and Korea.
Over 700 employees ensure every day that leguano® continues to gain a foothold worldwide. This interaction naturally has an impact on the growth rate: In its anniversary year of 2019, the company generated sales of 38 million euros. Compared to the previous year, 2018, this represented an increase of 31%. In just 3 years (2016: 14.628 million euros), leguano® has more than doubled its sales.
Even though the stores were closed for several months during the Corona years and production was suspended, leguano® managed to limit the drop in sales to just a few percent through other sales channels. The company fared much better than most of its competitors in the shoe industry. leguano® has proven that it can "handle a crisis". With the optimism and commitment of its employees, the growth zone was reached again in 2022 and sales of well over 44 million euros were achieved. In 2023, leguano® achieved sustainable sales of around 53.85 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 22% compared to the previous year. For 2024 we expect to exceed 60.00 million euro revenue.
Thanks to years of experience and the use of the best materials, we manage to maintain a very high standard that we have set for ourselves and to constantly reinvent these unique and high-quality shoes. 100% functional, 100% for everyone of all ages.
Our Commitment to Excellence
With years of expertise and the use of top-quality materials, we maintain an unwavering commitment to delivering shoes of exceptional quality. Our products are 100% functional and designed for everyone, regardless of age.
SWR Report: Success On Light Soles - Barefoot Shoes From The Westerwald
"Made in Südwest" showcases successful enterprises from southwest Germany, including a feature on leguano. We invite you to explore our store and experience the remarkable world of our shoe brand.