Däumling is ending shoe production in Germany after 75 years!

Däumling is ending shoe production in Germany after 75 years!

A sad chapter in German shoe history is being written: D-Kinderschuh GmbH, known for the traditional Däumling brand, has stopped producing children's shoes in Bruchweiler-Bierenbach after 75 years. All 32 employees were terminated at the end of August 2025. The company, which was founded in 1937 by Hermann Mayer as a small shoe manufacturer, is now faced with enormous economic difficulties after being sold to the Berkemann Group in 2022. The factory closure in Southwest Palatinate is scheduled to take place in mid-2026, which represents a significant loss not only for the affected employees but also for the region.

The end for Däumling is not an isolated case, but part of a larger trend. The German shoe industry is under pressure - falling sales figures and rising production costs are affecting established manufacturers. According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany is one of the largest shoe-producing nations in the EU, but the country imports over 40% of its shoes from Asia, especially from China and Vietnam. The challenges for domestic manufacturers are compounded by high energy costs and complex bureaucracy that make domestic production unprofitable.

The farewell to craftsmanship

“There’s something going on” – the end of a traditional company like Däumling is more than just an economic decision. With the closure, a piece of German craftsmanship will be lost. Däumling wasn't just a brand; it was also synonymous with quality and reliability. Unfortunately, those responsible found that production recently fell below 100 pairs of children's shoes per day and that costs such as the increase in the minimum wage threatened the survival of the factory. In the last three years, numerous shoe retailers have filed for bankruptcy, reflecting the desperation in the industry.

The plans to support affected employees are considered inadequate. With rising energy costs and the generally tense economic situation, the future of the remaining 32 employees is becoming bleak. The Berkemann Group now has to find solutions to compensate for the loss of know-how and tradition, which represents a major challenge given the current market situation.

A look at the entire industry

As the Federal Ministry of Economics emphasizes, the entire industry is struggling with changing consumer behavior and increased demands on production. Commitment to sustainable and digital solutions is on the agenda. At the same time, stationary retail remains an important sales channel, but it is clear that domestic manufacturers must increasingly rely on international diversification in order to survive in global competition.

In summary, we can say that saying goodbye to Däumling not only means the closure of a company, but also the loss of a chapter in German shoe history. The trend towards relocating production abroad could continue to increase if solutions to the industry's challenges are not found as quickly as possible. The situation makes it clear once again that “all good things come to an end at some point,” even if memories of Däumling and his legacy will still be present.