The business will continue to operate from its Varberg, Sweden, headquarters.

Its new status of foundation is set to ensure financial surpluses from Vagabond Shoemakers' business operations will be used for research, education and charity projects.

Previous projects included a take-back scheme in partnership with recycling solutions provider I:CO, to prevent products from ending up in household waste.

Mats Nilsson, who co-founded Vagabond Shoemakers with Marie Nilsson Peterzén in 1993, said: “We have always wanted our achievements to become support for initiatives and projects needed in our present time.

“A foundation means the opportunity to give continuous and substantial support. Also, it means a lot to us that the company will continue developing according to set goals and intentions"

Nilsson departed Vagabond Shoemakers in April 2013, after 20 years as CEO. He was replaced by Anders Odén.

Co-founder and deputy CEO Nilsson Peterzén said: “Our company has been successful throughout the years, and we believe in continuing in the same way: to work with good design, a quality that lasts over time and with efficiency and sustainability in everything we do.”

On 17 August 2023, Nilsson Peterzén stepped down from her role as creative director for Vagabond Shoemakers. She was succeeded by former head of design Maria Olander.

In November 2023, Vagabond Shoemakers boycotted the mass overconsumption associated with Black Friday by celebrating consumers who have over the years remained loyal to their old pairs of shoes in a campaign film released to coincide with the annual discounting period.

In September 2022, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard transferred the ownership of outdoor clothing retailer to charitable trusts set up to combat climate change.

https://www.drapersonline.com/news/vagabond-shoemakers-shift-to-foundation-model