The story

The shoemaking tradition itself in idyllic Aurland has roots that stretch back to the 1880s. Where it is claimed that the British Salmon Order who came to Aurland to fish at the time needed help to get their shoes repaired, and for that reason has been an important reason for the flourishing of the shoemaking profession in Aurland. One of the Lakselords - Lord Buxton - is said to have come to the shoemakers in Aurland, and asked for a shoe that was both comfortable to wear, but also elegant enough to wear in the hotel he was staying in. We have therefore chosen to call our updated model after him, namely "Buxton".

 

The moccasin - inspired by the Indians

The originator behind the legendary Aurland shoe was Nils Tveranger, who in the early twenties went to the United States and trained as a shoemaker. It is claimed that he found inspiration from the Indian moccasins of the Iroquois people, while at the same time he was inspired by the Teses shoes of the "indigenous people of Norway". These two sources of inspiration were probably used when Tveranger established himself as a shoemaker in Aurland, and developed the Aurland shoe, which at the time had lacing and eyelets, and went by the name "National Shoe".

Nils Tveranger – the first Aurland shoe

Although the 1930s were characterized by economic downturns, there was optimism in Aurland. Nils Tveranger developed the Aurland moccasin, which had similar features to the Norwegian Tese shoe, and which was later named the Aurland shoe. It became highly sought after in the decades after World War II, and was exported to Great Britain, Canada and the USA, while also becoming very popular in Svalbard

Hard times and decline
Towards the end of the 1960s, times became tougher for the shoe industry in Norway. Increased competition led to the closure of shoe factories all over the country, which also affected shoe production in Aurland. From a time with as many as 19 shoe factories and 100 employees, in a short time there were few factories left. One who tried to continue the tradition was Ansgar Wangen, together with his wife Eldbjørg and son Svein Odar. Since 1989, Aurland skofabrikk has been the sole manufacturer of the Aurland shoe.

Aurlandskoen today
Today, it is a trend to take care of heritage and traditions, which also applies to the tradition-rich Aurlandskoen. Aurland shoe factory collaborates with well-known Norwegian designers and fashion houses to develop new collections, which will carry on our heritage. The small factory deep in the Sognefjord today produces more than just shoes, such as bags and other additional products.

The Aurland shoe, which was the original "penny loafer", is popular among the population and is an important part of our cultural heritage.