This is how the boots of San Polos, in Restrepo, ended up dressing the Florida Mounted Patrol

March 2, 2024

For the past three years, the Colombian footwear company San Polos has been supplying boots to the Florida State Mounted Patrol in the United States. This is the story told by Gloria Elena Sandoval, daughter of the founders and co-owner of the company.

Globally, the footwear business moves billions of dollars every year. In Colombia alone, the footwear market moved 3.67 trillion pesos in 2023, according to the Footwear and Leather Goods Observatory of Acicam. However, what this millionaire market has is also competitive, and there are many companies that do not manage to stay in the sector.

The case of San Polos, a Colombian family business founded in 1992 by María Suárez and her son, Agustín Sandoval, is very special.

San Polos has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a small space inside the home. With a trajectory marked by experience, trial and error, this company has managed to stand out in the footwear market both nationally and internationally.

For three years now, the company has achieved what many only dream of, and provides boots to the Mounted Patrol (on horseback) of the State of Florida, in the United States. This achievement took place within the framework of the International Leather, Footwear and Leather Goods Fair, which was held in Bogota in 2019.

You may read: Exporting regions in Colombia continue to grow

In addition to the United States, San Polos regularly exports to countries such as Mexico, Chile and Ecuador. Between 15% and 20% of its total production is destined for export.

But how did this family business manage to grow and become what it is today?

Diversification of San Polos’ products and ways of working

San Polos, footwear — This is how the boots of San Polos, in Restrepo, ended up dressing the Florida Mounted Patrol 3

With more than three decades in the market, San Polos has specialized in the manufacture of footwear, initially oriented towards the men’s segment.

In recent years, it has diversified its product portfolio to include women’s footwear. And, in addition to manufacturing, the company has ventured into the marketing of its products, with the opening of 17 stores in Bogotá.

Gloria Elena Sandoval, daughter of the founders and co-owner, emphasizes that the company does not limit itself to direct sales in its stores, but also carries out maquilas, exports and has approximately 120 points of sale under the consignment modality.

All this has allowed the company to generate a little more than 100 jobs, 85 direct jobs and, in satellite mode, approximately 30 more.

You may also read: Colombia is producing more pet products and export opportunities are growing

Informality of competition and poor access to credit

Despite its growth and consolidation, the footwear industry faces several challenges in the market.

One of the main ones is unfair competition from informal companies. These companies represent a threat because, by not complying with labor regulations and tax obligations, they have lower production costs and, consequently, can sell their products more cheaply.

As for competition from companies that are part of the formal sector of the economy, the company has managed to position itself by offering quality products at competitive prices.

However, Gloria Elena says that the lack of government support and difficult access to credit are obstacles that limit their growth and technological development.

Although there are entities such as Bancóldex, access to credit is complicated and requires compliance with a series of requirements that are often unattainable for small and medium-sized companies.

Likewise, modernizing machinery and implementing technological improvements are key aspects for competitiveness, but the high costs of these investments represent an additional challenge.

Moving forward

More than 30 years after its founding, the story of San Polos is a clear example of the effort, dedication, and creativity required to excel in the highly competitive footwear market.

Gloria Elena hopes that problems such as unfair competition and lack of access to credit can be solved, and that her shoes will conquer more and more markets.