Our heritage

Labora is a proudly South African family-run shoe manufacturing business based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The company was founded by Johnny Parboo in 1988 as a one-man operation, working with a single sewing machine and the help of his family and friends. This brave risk paid off, and his extensive experience and unbridled passion saw him setting up the building blocks of the Labora legacy.

The business has grown rapidly from 1990, when we had a production run of 100 pairs of shoes per day. Today the factory produces more than 200 000 pairs of shoes per month, no small feat in this highly competitive environment.

Labora has a proud history in South Africa’s footwear sector, establishing the company as a forerunner in the local footwear industry. Our range of shoes has increased to suit the ever-changing world of fashion and retail demand and our factory is adept at quick turn-around on orders and switching production of styles when necessary. Our in-house manufacturing and distribution capabilities allow us to successfully serve our select retail partners, providing high-quality shoes to all our clients on time and exactly to their specifications.

We are committed to using only the finest materials in our production, and to manufacturing and importing products of the highest quality. Every shoe we make is evidence of these commitments. We pride ourselves in the fact that each and every pair of our locally-manufactured shoes are hand-crafted by people who are passionate about what they do, and we believe that this passion comes through in our products.

Our unique brand collection is a testament to our ability to produce original designs that are stylish, comfortable and high-quality. Labora brands are synonymous with style, and each brand is dedicated to creating beautiful and unique shoes of exceptional quality. Each of our brands has its own individual identity and personality. From comfortably casual to sophisticated chic, our shoe brands will cater to your every need.

Our shoes are loved and trusted by everyone who experiences them.

Labora is a proudly South African family-run shoe manufacturing business based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The company was founded by Johnny Parboo in 1988 as a one-man operation, working with a single sewing machine and the help of his family and friends. This brave risk paid off, and his extensive experience and unbridled passion saw him setting up the building blocks of the Labora legacy.

The business has grown rapidly from 1990, when we had a production run of 100 pairs of shoes per day. Today the factory produces more than 200 000 pairs of shoes per month, no small feat in this highly competitive environment.

Labora has a proud history in South Africa’s footwear sector, establishing the company as a forerunner in the local footwear industry. Our range of shoes has increased to suit the ever-changing world of fashion and retail demand and our factory is adept at quick turn-around on orders and switching production of styles when necessary. Our in-house manufacturing and distribution capabilities allow us to successfully serve our select retail partners, providing high-quality shoes to all our clients on time and exactly to their specifications.

We are committed to using only the finest materials in our production, and to manufacturing and importing products of the highest quality. Every shoe we make is evidence of these commitments. We pride ourselves in the fact that each and every pair of our locally-manufactured shoes are hand-crafted by people who are passionate about what they do, and we believe that this passion comes through in our products.

Our unique brand collection is a testament to our ability to produce original designs that are stylish, comfortable and high-quality. Labora brands are synonymous with style, and each brand is dedicated to creating beautiful and unique shoes of exceptional quality. Each of our brands has its own individual identity and personality. From comfortably casual to sophisticated chic, our shoe brands will cater to your every need.

Our shoes are loved and trusted by everyone who experiences them.