At Happy Little Soles, we’re proud to champion brands that not only put children’s foot health first but do so with time-honoured craftsmanship and responsible innovation. One such brand is Bundgaard — a Scandinavian favourite and one of the oldest children’s footwear brands in Scandinavia, with a rich heritage and a heart for children’s natural movement.
A Danish Legacy Since 1904
Founded in Esbjerg, Denmark, Bundgaard began its journey in 1904 when Thorvald Emil Bundgaard took ownership of a local shoe factory. Originally a manufacturer of adult shoes, the company took a pivotal turn in the 1920s when Thorvald’s son, Thorkild, struggled to find well-fitting, durable shoes for his own children. Recognising a gap in the market, the family launched a new mission: creating high-quality, comfortable footwear specifically for little feet.
Bundgaard’s earliest children’s shoes were crafted with the same attention to quality and fit that defined their adult collection. These early designs were quickly embraced by Danish families, laying the foundation for Bundgaard’s reputation as a pioneer in healthy foot development — a principle that remains at the heart of the brand today.
In the early 20th century, when specialised children's footwear was virtually unheard of, Bundgaard stood out with unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and a passion for innovation. Later, as globalisation and fast fashion changed the industry, Bundgaard’s enduring legacy and heritage became its strength — allowing it to adapt without ever compromising on quality.
This forward-thinking approach led to Bundgaard becoming one of the first brands in Scandinavia to specialise in children’s footwear — a reputation they proudly uphold to this day.
A Commitment to Children’s Foot Health
Bundgaard’s children’s shoes quickly became beloved in Danish households, thanks to their durability and comfort. From the 1950s through the 1960s, Bundgaard cemented its place as a household name across Scandinavia. Today, with over 120 years of history, Bundgaard continues to innovate while remaining true to the principles that made it a trusted name for generations.
What sets Bundgaard apart is not just its legacy — but its uncompromising approach to fit and function, guided by a deep understanding of how children’s feet grow. Where others follow trends, Bundgaard leads with insight, drawn from decades of shoemaking experience.
Their design philosophy is clear: children’s shoes should follow, not restrict, the natural shape and movement of the foot. Bundgaard creates shoes that empower children to move freely and grow confidently, supporting every stage of development.
Designed for Natural Movement
Bundgaard shoes are thoughtfully designed with the needs of active children in mind and to support the way children naturally walk and grow. With flexible soles and wide toe boxes, firm heel caps and a lightweight construction, each well-crafted shoe promotes natural foot movement and helps strengthen developing foot muscles. This aligns perfectly with our barefoot philosophy at Happy Little Soles, where we value shoes that work with children’s feet, not against them.
They also use breathable, high-quality materials to ensure a healthy foot climate and all-day comfort — essential for little feet that love to run, jump, and explore. With smart features like padded collars, adjustable closures, and reinforced toe caps, Bundgaard shoes are built for comfort, protection, durability, and everyday adventure.
Every design blends Scandinavian simplicity with clever functionality, making Bundgaard shoes a perfect choice for families seeking reliable and stylish options — especially those searching for barefoot shoes that respect the natural anatomy of children's feet.
Crafted Sustainably and Ethically
Bundgaard doesn’t just care about healthy feet—they care about a healthy planet too. As proud members of the Leather Working Group, they ensure all leathers are responsibly sourced from tanneries committed to environmentally responsible practices. Their wellington boots are made from natural rubber and are vegan friendly.
All production processes align with REACH standards, and their commitment to sustainability goes beyond materials — they design with longevity in mind, reducing waste and encouraging mindful consumption.
From design to delivery, Bundgaard embraces ethical practices and thoughtful innovation, encouraging families to choose quality that lasts.
Looking to the Future
In 2024, Bundgaard proudly celebrated 120 years of shoemaking — a milestone that reflects not only longevity but resilience and vision.
The brand is excited to relaunch several beloved classic styles, blending the craftsmanship and character of their heritage with modern materials and updated fits. These designs are more than a nod to the past — they honour generations of shoemaking tradition while continuing to support the healthy development of children’s feet for the future.
Looking ahead, Bundgaard’s goal is to strengthen its global presence while staying true to its Scandinavian roots. With a focus on innovation, fit, and sustainability, they aspire to deepen partnerships with specialists and environmental initiatives and are committed to supporting not just growing feet — but a growing world.
Why We Love Bundgaard at Happy Little Soles
Bundgaard’s mission aligns beautifully with ours: to provide children with shoes that support healthy development while offering comfort, quality, and style. Whether you’re looking for barefoot-friendly designs, robust everyday shoes, or heritage-inspired classics, Bundgaard offers a reliable, stylish solution for growing feet. Their hero products here at Happy Little Soles are their wellington boots. So popular are the natural rubber naturally vegan friendly boots we can't keep them in stock.
We’re proud to feature Bundgaard in our collection — a brand with a rich story, trusted legacy, and bright future.
Explore our Bundgaard collection today and find the perfect pair for your little one’s next adventure. Because healthy feet start with the right shoes.
