The management team at The Golden Boot went on tour to Spain last week to visit the Head Quarters of Panama Jack, Wonders and Hispanitas all of which are family run businesses.
Our first visit was to Panama Jack which is based in Elche, Alicante where we met our point of contacts Maria Sanchez and Pilar Sabater. We had a guided tour through the head quarters and it was clear to see their strong identity right from the pos (point of sale) right through to product which is also evident to see in store. The brand was born in 1989 and all the products are handcrafted and manufactured in Spain however it is only the prototypes that are done at HQ. The simple designs and use of Spanish leathers are very clean cut, the quality and love for what they do is very clear to see.
The company mantra ‘created to travel’ links to their goal of continuing walking together with our customers and consumers step by step. . .
Panama Jack also work on collaborations which is true to their mantra and spirit of adventure. They work very close to the Ruta Quetzal BBVA, a project that they have sponsored since 1992 and that is led by the adventurer and friend Miguel de la Quadra Salcedo. The project encourages young people to get involved with different cultures and remote places of the world. Those young people involved in the project receive a pair of panama jacks that helps to promote their brand as well as document their trip.
Panama Jack stockists range worldwide from Spain, France, Holland, Germany, South Korea and the UK. From the products sent out right from the moment we receive them, this is how the customer receives the product. This is an image of Bota C10 which is one of our ‘bestsellers’ in our mens department, the design identity from the 100% cotton bag and maintenance kit is a great little touch, but is only available with certain boots.
We move on to the prototype room where we see staff working on samples, stacks of Panama Jack boxes, wall to wall leathers and some of the SS14 chrome free collection. The chrome free collection has already started to arrive in our ladies department which is already proving popular, taking its design emphasis on native, western culture.
The natural range of boots, shoes and sandals are made with Titanium treated leathers. The benefit of Chrome-free makes the product hypoallergenic and biodegradable, as well as it helps to reduce water consumption and CO2 emissions.
From everything we have seen at Panama Jack just proves how much love and attention to detail goes into their product. As the mens department manager, ‘I have a great admiration for Panama as the natural style and comfort factor of them is fantastic, I own a pair of the warm lined Bambinas which is one of their best sellers and it will most likely be back for the winter!’
Here is a shot of us with Maria Sanchez and Pilar Sabatar from Panama Jack.
