In this interview, we take a closer look behind the scenes of SANVT Footwear and the ideas, processes, and craftsmanship behind our shoes. Co-Founder Benjamin shares why footwear was always part of SANVT’s vision, what was missing in the sneaker market, and how experience and intention shaped the brand’s first sneaker collection. From minimalist design and everyday comfort to premium Italian leather and Portuguese shoemaking, this conversation explores what it takes to create sneakers made to last.
What was the original idea behind developing shoes, and what personally motivated you to take this step?
Honestly, a truly great outfit has never felt complete to me without the right shoes. That’s always been the case. From the very beginning, SANVT was about the bigger picture — about essentials you wear every day and truly rely on. And shoes are simply part of that. On top of that, I had already gained a lot of professional experience within the footwear industry. I knew how complex the topic was, but also what’s possible when you approach it the right way. At some point, it became clear: if we were going to do it, we had to do it with the same level of consistency and intention as our clothing. And once that was clear, there was really no reason not to take that step.
What gap are we addressing in the sneaker market, and what sets our sneakers apart from other brands?
The sneaker market is incredibly loud — oversized logos, constant new drops, heavy marketing, but often very little substance behind it. That’s exactly what we felt was missing: a sneaker that feels calm, premium, and built to last, rather than something that’s forgotten after a single season. We never wanted to create a trend-driven sneaker, nor a classic performance sports shoe. Instead, our goal was to design an everyday sneaker, one that simply works, looks good, and feels genuinely high quality, without demanding attention or putting itself front and center.
What defines a perfect sneaker for SANVT, and how do you balance aesthetics, comfort, and function?
To me, a perfect sneaker is one you don’t have to think about. You put it on, start walking, and it simply feels right. No pressure points, no stiff sole, no effort required to make it work with your outfit. At SANVT, aesthetics, comfort, and function are equally important. If one of those falls short, it’s not a SANVT essential. That’s why we invest so much time in testing, refining, and iterating every detail. Minimalism, in that sense, is anything but simple. The more reduced a sneaker is, the more visible every single detail becomes. There’s nowhere to hide.
Why did you choose premium Italian leather, production in Portugal, and consciously exclude certain materials?
Premium Italian leather was a clear choice for us from the start. You can feel the difference immediately — in the texture, the comfort, and in the way the material develops character over time. Portugal was the natural choice for production. The country has a long tradition of exceptional shoemaking, deep expertise, and a way of working that aligns perfectly with our standards and expectations. Just as importantly, we consciously chose what not to use. We avoided anything that may be inexpensive but adds no real value for example cheap plastics, unnecessary design gimmicks, or shortcuts in the manufacturing process. Quality always comes first.
The entire development process took nearly two years — shaped by countless prototypes, adjustments, and continuous refinements down to the smallest details. The biggest focus has been the fit: footwear leaves no room for error. If something isn’t right, you feel it immediately. Compared to apparel, footwear is far more technical. Many more components need to work together precisely to ensure everything performs as it should.
New models are part of what’s ahead — but we’re taking it step by step. Our focus remains on continuously refining what already exists and making it better with each iteration. Sustainability will play an even stronger role going forward, with a focus on more durable constructions, more considered material choices, and cleaner, more responsible processes. For us, footwear isn’t a side project, it’s a long-term part of SANVT.
