PORTRAIT
BAABUK is a Swiss company that creates natural handmade
wool shoes combining an old tradition with modern and
appealing design.
Baabuk adventure started with a pair of Russian traditional shoes found by an enthusiastic young man under the Christmas
tree. On the spot, he was convinced by the quality and usefulness of that present. He decided to learn more about
the origins of the shoes, their production method and personalize them with his own designs.
The path of Baabuk founder is not uncommon. Today, more and more people search for an alterntive to mass production,
and get their inspiration from past traditions and a more authentic connection with cultures.
Baabuk believes in the wisdom acquired by generations, and the production technique we experiment haden’t changed for
the last three hundred years. We are environmentally conscious, and use and reuse natural and recycled material.
We think about the quality, and all our products are unique and handmade. We care about your feet, and therefore
designed stichless shoes to keep your feet warm and comfortable by extreme weather. We find the world we live in fully
stimulating, and get inspired by new trends and vibrations.
We are a young & motivated team, and we created Baabuk because
we believe in what we do!
ORIGINS
All new is a well-forgotten old.
Russian proverb
Throughout the history, the need to cope with the cold climate in Russia’s countryside has
produced some interesting inventions. After trying several ways to keep their feet warm, Russian
peasants came up with the idea of using sheep’s wool to produce felted boots, now known as
valenki.
The production of valenki began at the end of the 16th century. It was a result of scrupulous and
time-consuming handwork. At that time, the wool shoes were both expensive and fashionable.
The production of valenki only took place in the winter – starting after the harvest time was over and
went on until after Easter, when cattle pasturing started again.
Valenki were worn inside and outside, and served to protect feet even in Siberia at -40C. They
are a part of Russian traditional dress that transcends classes – Russian leaders, soldiers, kids and
peasants have all worn valenki. For a while, valenki fell out of fashion and were associated with rural
life in Russia or purely utilitarian wear for the police or the military.
BAABUK has been inspired by the traditional and natural way to
make valenki. Its mission is to revive the old tradition with a touch
modernity and design.
JUST out of wool?
WOOL
LAYERS
FELTING
WASHING
HAMMER
SHAPE
About half
a kilogram of wool
is required to make
a pair of shoes,
sheered from
a single sheep.
Firstly, the wool is
separated, washed
and brushed.
The wool is
prepared in several
layers on special
shoe shapes so
that Baabuks can
be feltered in one
piece. Wool of
different colors is
mixed.
Wool, warm water
and soap are
manually rubbed
so that wool fibers
interwine and
budle between
each other.
The felted wool
is placed into a
washing machine
for serveral
hours at a high
temperature.
The wool shrinks
then by 30%.
The shoes are hit
with hammers
and brushes.
This step is
very important
and physically
demanding.
The shoes
become firm and
water repellant.
Finally, the shoes
are mounted on
a shoe last
and left to dry
natually for 2
days. The shoes
takes its’ final
shape. The the
decoration
process can start.
10 RESONS WHY YOU SHOULD
WEAR BAABUK
1. Hard to find a more cozy shoe
2. Protects from cold and heat (yes, possible)
3. Funky shape
4. Bet you love the logo!
5. 200 grams... unbelievable
6. Uses recycled material
7. Bacterias hate Baabuk
8. Battles feet odor
9. Water repelent
10. Surprisingly easy to clean
WHY
BAABUK?
Wool protects humans and animals
in a great variety of climates
and conditions.
Wool fiber is so resilient and elastic that it can
be bent 30,000 times without breaking or
being damaged. Its complex cellular structure
also enables it to absorb vapor, but repel larger
drops of liquid. No synthetic fiber has ever
been able to compete with wool, combining all
of these characteristics.
EASY
FLAME
RESISTANT
Wool is the only fiber that naturally resists flaming.
Unlike many artificial fibers which melt and stick when
on fire, wool usually smolders or chars instead of
bursting into flames. Although wool burns in intense fire,
it normally self-extinguishes when the flame source is
removed.
Wool garments are not easily spotted by grease. Wool
does not wrinkle. It is resistant to wear and tear. It is
lightweight and versatile.
COMFORTABLE
WHY
WOOL?
Wool is an excellent insulator. It keeps heat close to the
body by trapping air within the fibers. It functions as
a “temperature regulator” protecting the body in both
cold and warm conditions. That is why wool clothing is
worn throughout deserts where it’s hot during the day
and cool at night.
WATERPROOF
Wool can easily absorb up to 30% of its
weight in moisture without feeling damp or
clammy. It wicks moisture away from the
body, keeping the person “dry and warm”.
To a certain degree, wool is considered
water repellent. Small amounts of liquid,
such as light rain or snow, will stay on the
surface or run off the felt.
Baabuk Sarl
Grossholzweg 28
3073 Guemligen
Switzerland
www.baabuk.com
[email protected]