Our Legacy

In one way or another, we already know each other. Whether it's a long-standing relationship or we're just taking our first steps. But to get to know our legacy, we need to go back in time. Pull back the tape.

1933

Our story begins in 1933 in a factory not of shoes... but of hats.

This item, once indispensable in any head, was gradually falling into disuse, which led the company to explore new techniques and raw materials, including vulcanized rubber.

Sports footwear

From there, it was just a short step to sports footwear, and after a few experiments, the first Portuguese sneakers appeared, which would soon be worn across the entire country.

In the decades that followed, and without competition from other brands, Sanjo became a national phenomenon.

During the 80s, they jumped from the pavilions to the streets. And while the world surrendered to international brands, Portugal proudly wore its K 100 and K200.

But things were about to change.

With the end of the dictatorship in 1974 and accession to the EEC in the 1980s, the barriers that separated the country from the rest of the world dissipated.

International brands began to gain ground, while Sanjo brands were losing popularity.

In 1996, the factory declared bankruptcy.

Present and Future

For years, Sanjo were out of sight, but not out of the imagination of several generations.

Now they are back again with 100% Portuguese production.

The features that made them so popular remain, but with a new creative approach.

New materials, colors and textures were introduced and collaborations were established with Portuguese designers and artists.

The rubber in the soles is no longer vulcanized, but rather glued and made from recycled materials.

Chemicals were eliminated and the manufacturing process was optimized, reducing water and energy consumption.

Just like those who followed us, Sanjo also grew.

We come back the same, but slightly different. Ready for another 90 years of history.