Portugal's shoemakers switch from fancy to comfy to survive the pandemic

Shoes are seen entering a machine at a shoe factory, amid the Covid-19 outbreak, in Guimaraes, Portugal. Photo: Reuters

Weddings were postponed, cocktail parties cancelled and work events replaced by video calls. With social gatherings severely curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, people have been buying far fewer shoes.

That has hit Portugal's footwear industry hard, because it specialises in high-end leather shoes – normally reserved for big occasions and formal work settings – and most are exported.