Our Story
The Gallerist is the ever-evolving brainchild of Malte Hallberg and Ville Högberg. Ville and Malte grew up in Stockholm surrounded by Scandinavian influences such as Svenskt Tenn and Acne Studios, and what began in September of 2023 as a vision of a shoe brand that captures the essence of Swedish culture and attention to detail, has evolved into a brand that prioritizes sustainability, craftsmanship, and durability. The founders wanted to create something that lasts, a company that will stand long after them. To accomplish this, they are committed to timeless design and long-term thinking.
After haggling with suppliers and shipping companies for 6 months The Gallerist could finally on the 16th of March 2024 launch their brand. After receiving 2 sales on launch day without any extraordinary marketing, Ville and Malte could sense they were on the brink of something big. What follows is an ever-ending sequence of ups and downs and countless lessons learned, some more expensive than others. The founders have no plans of quitting and will continue to work to accomplish their dream of a shoe brand with amazing quality, design, service and sustainability.
Our vision
The Gallerist is a brand for those who give their purchases a little more thought, people who value quality, design, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Our sneakers are designed in Stockholm and handmade in Portugal, with careful attention to detail and materials. We proudly charge more than the average mass-produced sneaker, often made cheaply and unethically, because we believe in creating shoes that last.
At The Gallerist, we encourage buying with intention, choosing items to use and care for over a long period of time. It’s not only better for the planet, but also for your wallet. Consider the math: buying a pair of shoes for 120 dollars that last 1 year means a cost of 120 dollars per year. Our sneakers cost 240 dollars, but they last at least 4 years, that’s just 60 dollars per year. In other words, they end up costing half as much as the poorly made alternative. A smarter choice, both economically and environmentally.
Guided by a Swedish belief that less is more, we pour our heart into every detail, even the ones you might not notice. Sometimes, the space we leave blank says just as much as the things we choose to highlight. Nothing is left to chance.
Our connection with the people who make our products runs deep. Most of our production takes place in Porto, Portugal, where every piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans with decades of experience. Together, we source the finest materials, always with sustainability in mind, and shape each design with care, purpose, and a shared commitment to lasting quality.