Sometimes the best discoveries are right under your nose, and that was certainly the case for Bobux founders, Chris and Colleen Bennett.
By the time the couple’s daughter, Chloe was nine months old, Chris and Colleen couldn’t count the amount of times her shoes had fallen off or the laces had come undone. But the only other option at the time was hard-soled shoes, and it was pretty clear that Chloe was not happy with them on her tiny feet.
“We had a good look around but everything seemed to be restrictive and uncomfortable for Chloe, and we could see how hard, inflexible materials would harm her little feet. So, we decided to use our design skills and make a shoe ourselves – very DIY New Zealand!” says Chris.
“Of course, cotton is not the most durable of materials, so we used soft leather and suede instead and then to make sure the shoe actually stayed on Chloe’s feet, we thought up the elastic ankle device. That was it - the Bobux Original was born.”
The Bennett family today: Colleen, Chloe, Chris, Hannah & Sam
Neither, Chris nor Colleen realised at the time how many parents would fall in love with the little shoe - ultimately leading to the international business that Bobux is today.
“We are still very much a family business. Our retailers, agents, staff and everyone involved with Bobux is part of what we like to call an extended family. It makes sense to us: it was our need as a family to find the right shoe for Chloe that launched an international business, and created a range of shoes that truly support the healthy development of little feet."
Bobux International Ltd head offices are located in Auckland, New Zealand.
