Going Strong! Children's Shoes with Optimal Fit
Interview with Dipl. Business Economist (BA) Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche, Managing Director of Däumling Kinderschuhfabrik GmbH
Our feet are supposed to carry us for a lifetime. The right shoes support them in this – best from the start. Speaking with Wirtschaftsforum, Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche, Managing Director of Däumling Kinderschuh Fabrik GmbH discussed the children's shoe specialist in a strong group, about a philosophy that is filled with life every day, and about working with passion and dedication – out of love for children's feet.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Nitsche, shoes for children's feet are an emotional topic – kids love cool style and color, while parents value quality and health aspects. What makes Däumling shoes stand out in this context?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: Our motto 'We love children's feet' perfectly reflects the philosophy and standard underlying our actions. Our strength lies in high-quality children's shoes with optimal fit, which also look really good. We develop and manufacture exclusively shoes for children and teenagers in a size spectrum from 17 to 43, from toddlers to teenagers. The range includes everything from walking shoes for the very young, to sneakers, sandals, ballet flats, loafers, and boots, up to barefoot shoes; so it is literally a comprehensive offering in terms of size, style, and color. What sets us apart from the competition is our focus on fit: children's feet not only constantly change through growth but also have their individual shape and width.
Nonetheless, the shoe must fit the foot perfectly. Therefore, we manufacture our shoes not only in various sizes, but also in two widths: Medium and Narrow. So, for every size and shape, there is not just one, but two lasts. In specialist retail, we are established with our WMS system as experts for children's shoes. Therefore, our focus lies on the specialist retailers, as our shoes require explanation due to the wide selection of sizes and widths.
Wirtschaftsforum: Shoe manufacturing has a decades-long tradition at Däumling. What were the beginnings and how is the company structurally set up today?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: The company was founded in 1937 by Hermann Meyer senior in his parents' house. Therefore, it can already look back on more than 80 years as a shoe manufacturer. It remained in family hands for three generations before being taken over by Thomas Bauerfeind into the Berkemann Group in 2022. In addition to Däumling and Berkemann, a company with a 130-year history in the shoe industry, the group also includes the brand Solidus, which has stood for comfort shoes with a removable sole for over 100 years.
Wirtschaftsforum: What has changed for Däumling since the acquisition into the Berkemann Group?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: Our goal is to make the best use of the synergy effects arising from the acquisition into the group. For instance, we have aligned our workflows and processes with those of the group, including merging our logistics with the group's logistics and being integrated into the central warehouse of the group at the Zeulenroda location and the common showroom.
Wirtschaftsforum: You yourself have been the managing director of Däumling since March 1st of this year and have been active in the footwear industry for over 20 years, which you therefore know very well. In which direction is the industry currently moving, and what changes is it undergoing?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: Indeed, the industry is currently experiencing a change due to the increasing market presence of large footwear retail chains. Our specialization in children's shoes thus proves to be a stroke of luck for us, as we are the first point of contact for specialized retailers in this segment because of our extensive experience and the high quality of our products. Furthermore, it is very positive for us that we produce exclusively in Europe, unlike other manufacturers. This significantly shortens the supply routes. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is slowly moving in this direction too, by gradually bringing production back to Europe.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your plans for this year, and where would you like to lead Däumling in the coming years?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: We are currently in the midst of developing the Spring and Summer 2025 collection. This year we will also be launching an Autumn and Winter collection for the first time, in which we will apply the technology of direct soling – meaning that the sole is seamlessly connected to the shoe, which contributes to an even higher wearing comfort. We preserve our values; our signature will still be recognisable. Nevertheless, we also respond to what the market is looking for and will consider other product groups. In the long term, we also want to remain a strong partner for the trade.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, a personal question: What motivates you in your profession?
Tristan-Sebastian Nitsche: As a father of three children within the age range of our target group, I effectively work 'at the source'. So, I have a personal connection not only to shoes in general but to children's shoes in particular. I really enjoy my work! We work here with passion and dedication, and we are aware of our tradition and responsibility
for the health of children's feet. In this spirit, I would like to continue leading Däumling successfully.