At Bared, we're all about building strong relationships with our makers.

Since 2012, we have proudly continued a partnership with our primary factory who carefully hand craft Bared shoes. We have since expanded to include 5 additional shoe manufacturers to the mix, including 2 manufacturers located in Portugal that produce our men’s shoes. Even with this growth, our original factory still produces over 90% of our range, reflecting the strong relationship we have built.

Working with a small, selective portfolio of manufacturers allows us to foster close, collaborative partnerships, and dedicate significant resources to ensuring safe and ethical working conditions for these makers. This also enables us to hold regular meetings with our suppliers, facilitating open discussions about production, processes, and working conditions.

Each of our manufacturers sign and agree to uphold the requirements of both the Fair Labour Association (FLA) Agreement, and the Bared Supplier Manual. These documents are based on the most respected global standards including the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Importantly, each of our shoe manufacturers agree to participate in an annual social audit conducted by a recognised third-party auditing firm. We choose to implement Intertek’s Workplace Conditions Assessment (WCA) which evaluates the supplier in key areas such as labour practices, wages and hours, health and safety, management systems, and environmental compliance. The WCA audit is based on standards by the ILO conventions as well as relevant local laws, ensuring comprehensive accountability and ethical practices across our supply chain.

Why do we choose the Intertek WCA audit?

We select the Intertek WCA audit because it provides a comprehensive, solution-oriented approach to ensuring ethical practices across our supply chain. Unlike traditional audits that only report outcomes, the WCA audit actively supports suppliers by offering targeted recommendations and actionable steps to improve their performance before their next audit.

To provide guidance, the WCA audits generate Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), which describe the specific areas requiring attention. These plans set key goals and expectations that suppliers must meet within a defined timeframe, often with the support of Intertek’s team.

By choosing this audit system, we ensure that our suppliers are not only compliant but also supported in making long-term improvements that align with our commitment to ethical practices and sustainable operations.

Where we are heading:

Our priority is to first ensure that all of our tier 1 suppliers have been audited by Intertek’s WCA audits as commissioned by Bared. While a few of our smaller, niche suppliers—such as those producing limited quantities of accessories—haven’t yet completed a Bared-commissioned audit, they have provided a recognised third-party audit within the past year. We believe in partnering with suppliers who share our values, which is why we only engage with those who demonstrate strong audit results.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to extend our commitment to responsible sourcing by expanding audits to our Tier 2 suppliers

Why do we choose the Intertek WCA audit?

We select the Intertek WCA audit because it provides a comprehensive, solution-oriented approach to ensuring ethical practices across our supply chain. Unlike traditional audits that only report outcomes, the WCA audit actively supports suppliers by offering targeted recommendations and actionable steps to improve their performance before their next audit.

To provide guidance, the WCA audits generate Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), which describe the specific areas requiring attention. These plans set key goals and expectations that suppliers must meet within a defined timeframe, often with the support of Intertek’s team.

By choosing this audit system, we ensure that our suppliers are not only compliant but also supported in making long-term improvements that align with our commitment to ethical practices and sustainable operations.

Where we are heading:

Our priority is to first ensure that all of our tier 1 suppliers have been audited by Intertek’s WCA audits as commissioned by Bared. While a few of our smaller, niche suppliers—such as those producing limited quantities of accessories—haven’t yet completed a Bared-commissioned audit, they have provided a recognised third-party audit within the past year. We believe in partnering with suppliers who share our values, which is why we only engage with those who demonstrate strong audit results.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to extend our commitment to responsible sourcing by expanding audits to our Tier 2 suppliers