This story begins in France, in 1990, with the launch of the Elite footwear brand. But it was in Portugal that the happy ending came to pass.
A year after launching, Elite began to be manufactured in Portugal. At the start of the new millennium, amidst a management shake-up, the brand was acquired by the company that had originally started producing it: Trofal. Founded by Luís Couto and now run by his daughters Filipa and Sofia Couto, the second generation of the family, Trofal is a reference in the footwear industry. And now it is breathing a new life into Elite. 

"Elite is an adventure brand, with sports, nautical, equestrian, hunting country and casual items. It’s a vintage brand that even has a fan club”, explains Filipa Couto. "To make these items, we use raw materials that are as natural as possible, free from harmful chemicals, recycled materials, water-based glues, natural yarns and slow-tanned leathers”, Filipa and Sofia Couto told VERSA.

Quality, resistance, and durability are the brand’s main attributes, combined with a careful choice of more sustainable materials that respect the circular economy. "Most of the items are made by artisans who are highly specialised in the ‘Goodyear Welted’ manufacturing process, a more time-consuming process that gives the shoes the best quality, comfort and durability”, explain the Couto sisters.

Like most brands, Elite has an iconic model in its collection: the Trappeur boot. To celebrate the 100,000th pair produced of this classic model, a large-scale replica was built at the entrance to the company’s headquarters.  The boot is still sold today.

The brand is aimed at "all those looking for timeless footwear made from quality materials, as well as for environmentally conscious consumers”.

The female universe
In 2024, Elite is re-launching itself with a new, refreshed image, without ever losing the know-how it has built up over more than 30 years. "We decided to focus on trendier and cooler women’s items, considering the current needs of the female consumer, who wants to combine comfort with style”, say these sisters. 

The brand thus offers classic shoes, moccasins and boots, and has a flip-flop collection in the pipeline. "Spring and summer colours and a preference for lighter materials are the stars of this capsule collection, while maintaining the exceptional comfort and quality that distinguish us”.

Elite aims to refresh its range of products and "strengthen its position in the market, without ever forgetting the brand’s main focus: the durability and repairability of the footwear produced. The use of manufacturing techniques such as the ‘Goodyear Welted’ construction guarantees the shoes high resistance, durability, and easy repair, thus increasing the lifespan of the footwear. We get boots that are 30 years old just to repair the sole”, explain Filipa and Sofia.

"The brand will continue to focus on timeless and versatile products that remain elegant and functional over time. At the same time, we will increase the range of trendy offers for women, always concentrating on quality, comfort, and the interests of our consumers”, the sisters conclude.