As a future-forward brand, we make beautiful, lasting shoes handcrafted in Brazil by legacy artisans using eco-conscious materials and conscientious manufacturing processes. The quality and longevity of our products also allow their wearers to reduce their environmental impact by extending the lifespan of their shoe wardrobe.
Every pair of Bernardo shoes is handcrafted in Brazil at a multigenerational, family-owned factory in the country’s south, which has been renowned for leather craftsmanship since the early 19th century. In addition to offering healthy and equitable work environments, our partners employ heritage craftmanship techniques that create high-quality, lasting shoes and allow for smaller production runs, reducing waste and excess inventory.
Our commitment to recycling extends to our packaging and packing materials, which are biodegradable and increasingly made from recycled materials. All tissue paper and paper is FSC certified, and we have replaced conventional plastic inserts with 100% recycled cardboard sticks. We are diligently working to eliminate all plastics. We further look to offset our impact by planting a tree for every pair of shoes sold — in collaboration with One Tree Planted — and by remaining a conscientious member of the communities in which we live and work. In an effort to give back to these communities and the world, we regularly donate to impactful charities, ranging from Soles4Souls and No Kid Hungry to the American Red Cross, and support causes such as breast cancer awareness, environmental restoration, food pantries, and disaster relief. This overarching commitment to honest, accountable holistic sustainability is grounded in our belief that how you show up in the world matters and that every small step and effort is valuable. We are doing our best, but we always strive to do better.
Every Bernardo shoe is made using time-honored, traditional, handcrafted shoemaking techniques. Our dedication to this artistry and superior craftsmanship spans over 75 years.
Our premium materials are primarily locally sourced to minimize our carbon footprint. All leather comes from and is tanned in Brazil, principally from a LWG gold-certificated tannery that embraces environmental and sustainability practices, including replacing traditional, toxic chrome leather tanning with vegetable retanning. We also use reconstituted (recycled) leather insoles and, whenever possible, leather outsoles for enhanced longevity and reduced environmental impact. And we employ water-based cement due to its minimal chemical content and superiority for post-use recycling.
Designed in New York and artisan handcrafted in Brazil, our essential yet expressive shoes have been worn by style makers and worldly wanderers for over 75 years.
