29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Pomar

Finland

Pomar is a Finnish footwear brand founded in 1960 by Toivo and Kirsti Leppänen in Pomarkku. It makes Nordic Casual shoes and boots, including waterproof GORE-TEX styles, in its own factory in Estonia.

Facts
Founded1960
FoundersToivo and Kirsti Leppänen
OriginPomarkku, Finland
FactoryPärnu, Estonia
GORE-TEX licence1994
Websitepomarshoes.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
FootwearChildrenswear
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerce

What is Pomar?

Pomar is a family-owned Finnish shoe brand, operated by Pomarfin Oy, whose design language it describes as Nordic Casual. The company has been owned by the same family for three generations.

History

Pomar was founded in 1960 by Toivo and Kirsti Leppänen, who began making shoes for toddlers in a rented cottage in Pomarkku, western Finland. In 1994 Pomar became the first Finnish shoe manufacturer licensed to produce GORE-TEX footwear. The brand marked its 65th anniversary with a Heritage Collection.

Products and positioning

Pomar designs footwear for the northern climate, combining practical performance with understated style. Key products include:

  • Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX shoes and boots
  • The Pehmis style, with more than one million pairs sold
  • The Pomar Curling Boot and Felt Boot
  • Shoes for adults and children

Production

The brand manufactures in its own factory in Pärnu, Estonia, which operates under EU standards for safety, working conditions and the environment.

Why it matters

Pomar is one of the few Nordic footwear brands that still controls its own production, and its long specialisation in weatherproof shoes makes it a reference for climate-specific design in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Pomar from?

Pomar is a Finnish footwear brand founded in Pomarkku in 1960, with its own factory in Pärnu, Estonia.

Who founded Pomar?

Pomar was founded by Toivo and Kirsti Leppänen, who started by making toddler shoes in a rented cottage.

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