About us
ABOUT US
Shoe specialist since 1842
Van Gastel Shoes is a shoe specialist. With a history of over 175 years in the shoe industry, Van Gastel Shoes has earned its stripes.
Our umbrella comprises three leading children's shoe brands: Twins&Trackstyle , Braqeez , and BunniesJR, which are sold through an extensive international network of retailers and online channels.
In addition to its own brands, Van Gastel Shoes develops and produces private label shoe collections for (inter)national retail chains and fashion brands under its private label branch, Universal Footwear Group.
Our company is built on a passion for shoes and the responsible development of children's feet. The Van Gastel Shoes team in Gilze, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Indonesia is committed to quality and creativity.
Van Gastel Shoes' entrepreneurship is based on long-term relationships with both our suppliers and our customers. Loyalty to both these relationships has made Van Gastel Shoes a leading company in the Dutch footwear industry since 1842.
ABOUT US
History
In 1842, Pieter Wijdemans founded the first shoe factory. In 1883, the factory was taken over by his son Johannes, who became a pioneer in introducing the steam engine to shoe production.
In 1921, Caroline, Johannes' daughter, took over the business with her husband, Josephus van Gastel. The fourth generation of shoemakers arrived in 1946. Caroline and Josephus' five sons began producing in their own factories in Kaatsheuvel.
In 1987, Marcel and Sjef van Gastel took over the factory. They continued to expand the company, focusing primarily on exports. The Braqeez brand was introduced in 1988, and in 1990, the Bunnies brand was replaced by the name Twins & Trackstyle.
Sjef left Van Gastel Shoes in 2012, and Marcel remained independent as director. The Bunnies brand was also relaunched in 2012 under the name of its smaller sibling, BunniesJR.
In 2015, Est. 1842 was founded as a women's brand, aimed at young, trendy women. Later, Est. 1842 transitioned to sandal collections for both women and girls.
In January 2019, Van Gastel Shoes left its familiar Kaatsheuvel location and moved its head office to Gilze.
The new showrooms at Nerhovensestraat 11 in Gilze will open in July 2021.
OUR BRANDS
