Old family tradition

Even after 170 years, the shoe trade has a future

In their own "shoe museum" in St. Egyden, the shoemaking family exhibits old shoes and tools.(Bild: Ersteller : Hermann Sobe , 9232 Rosegg, Urheberrecht , Credit -Photo by Medienservice HS Sobe)

Whether on quiet soles, with seven-league boots or the finest sneakers - shoes play a special role in our lives. But the craft of shoemaking is increasingly being lost. But at a traditional Carinthian business in the Rosental valley, even after 170 years, it is far from over.

At the Stroj shoemaking workshop in St. Egyden im Rosental, three generations are practicing the traditional craft together: Ernst Sr. still helps out in the workshop, boss Ernst Jr. runs the business and his daughter Marie is currently completing her apprenticeship. The Strojs also specialize in the production of orthopaedic shoes - there are only 15 workshops in Carinthia for this.