About Us

BENE FOOTWEAR LTD | ESTABLISHED 1990

Bene Footwear is a 100% NZ privately owned and operated wholesale footwear company. We distribute all three brands in New Zealand through a network of switched on distributors across an extensive national distribution network and now also distribute the CRISPI brand in Australia

Distributor Enquiries are welcome

We work closely with these three Italian brands through annual visits for development and quality as well as regular weekly contact. Andrew, CRISPI and Grisport are premium brands, all of which are owned and operated as a family business with tremendous knowledge and passion for the footwear they produce. Each brand really has it’s own and distinct USP which we are careful to align with the market sector that will most benefit from this.

Harry Dykstra
Business Development Manager North Island
Henk Velvis
Sales & Marketing Manager NZ
Ed Leenders
Director and Operator
Dawie Breedt
Business Development
Manager South Island

the history of bene

Bene Footwear has a rich history that dates back to 1990 when we started as a small store in Upper Hutt. Originally focused on Safety and First Aid supplies, we gradually transitioned into becoming a leading distributor of high-quality footwear in New Zealand. Along this journey, we rebranded as Bene Footwear and shifted our focus exclusively to the wholesale distribution of footwear. Our network of dedicated distributors spans the nation, allowing us to bring three incredible brands to discerning customers throughout the country.

1990

Ed Leenders starts up as National First Aid Distributors from his garage, with First-Aid and then PPE Safety products.

1994

Ed and his wife Tessa with Ed’s fatherJohn outside of the showroom of Upper Hutt Safety A growing family business, focusing on Safety.

2001

The crew continues to grow, as does a budding love for footwear.

2006

Ed and his brotherMartin travel to Italy and begin to distribute Grisport, premium Italian Footwear comes to NZ!

2010

2020

Ed and Tessa continue to strengthen their relationship with Grisport in Italy, as well as establishing new import agreements with Andrew and Crispi.

2020

Bene Footwear is born. During the height of Covid, Ed decides to wave goodbye to retail store after 30 years! Focusing now solely on wholesale footwear.

NOW

An intergenerational family business who are all about footwear and passionate to provide the right footwear for our amazing Kiwi lifestyles, for work and play.

1990

Ed Leenders starts up as National First Aid Distributors from his garage, with First-Aid and then PPE Safety products.

Ed and his wife Tessa with Ed’s fatherJohn outside of the showroom of Upper Hutt Safety A growing family business, focusing on Safety.

1994

2000

The crew continues to grow, as does a budding love for footwear.

Ed and his brotherMartin travel to Italy and begin to distribute Grisport, premium Italian Footwear comes to NZ!

2006

2010 – 2020

Ed and Tessa continue to strengthen their relationship with Grisport in Italy, as well as establishing new import agreements with Andrew and Crispi.

Bene Footwear is born. During the height of Covid, Ed decides to wave goodbye to retail store after 30 years! Focusing now solely on wholesale footwear.

2020

TODAY

An intergenerational family business who are all about footwear and passionate to provide the right footwear for our amazing Kiwi lifestyles, for work and play.

CONTACT US

We’d love to hear from you! Have a question, feedback, or just want to say hello? We’re here to help. Whether you need assistance with our products or services, interested in partnering with us or have a sales-related question, our dedicated customer support team is ready to assist you.