Our Heritage

ABOUT

GORAL exists to build footwear that lasts, in construction, in style, and in use.

Made in England. Built to last. For a lifetime of wear.

ABOUT US

THE STORY BEHIND GORAL

GORAL began as a small family workshop in Poland in 1936, built on generations of shoemaking knowledge and a simple belief: do it properly. In 2005, the family made the decision to move both home and craft to Sheffield, a city shaped by industry, known for its manufacturing heritage and commitment to quality. It gave us the space to grow while staying true to our roots.

Today, every pair we make still carries that same foundation as it did in 1936, family roots, honest construction, and a commitment to making footwear that’s built to last.

As demand for our footwear continued to grow, we made the decision to expand, moving into a larger space that would allow us to scale without compromising the craftsmanship at our core. In 2018, our new Goral & Son family workshop in Sheffield was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, marking an important milestone in our journey. From this workshop, we craft high-quality footwear not only for our own GORAL line, but also for a number of respected British fashion brands, continuing a tradition of British shoemaking while building for the future.

We’ve never believed in making more than we need. As a made-to-order and small-batch manufacturer, our approach is simple, produce carefully, not excessively. By crafting in considered quantities, we reduce waste, avoid unnecessary stock, and eliminate the need for mass seasonal clear-outs.

We don’t follow the traditional fashion calendar. Instead of chasing seasons, we focus on permanence, offering a core collection of timeless styles available year-round. These are designs we believe in, refined over time and made in the best quality leathers we can source.

This slower, more intentional way of working allows us to concentrate on what matters most, the craftsmanship, durability, and longevity of our products. It means every pair is made with purpose, not pressure, and built to be worn, rebuilt, and worn again for years to come.

From the beginning, it was important to us that every pair could be resoled. We saw a real gap in the market for well-made shoes that are built to be worn for years, not thrown away when the sole wears down. In fact, we think they look better for it, a rebuilt pair carries character, patina and history you just can’t replicate with something brand new.

We focus on getting the proportions right, choosing quality materials, and creating shapes you’ll still want to wear years from now.