About Us

António Ferreira Franco, 83 years, was the founder and is the current shareholder of the company. He started his business in the footwear industry in 1965. Spotting the need to develop specific footwear to protect the workers – at that time this was a novelty and a growing need – he travelled for two years to several Western countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada and USA. There, he learned the technique and methods for the manufacturing of industrial safety footwear with soles moulded directly on the shoe upper. In 1980, he imported machinery and raw materials from France and Germany, founding Ocnarf and entering as the
major shareholder. The production began in 1981, and in 1982 the models were certified in Germany under DIN 4843 standards; it was the first factory in Portugal manufacturing safety shoes with direct moulded nitrile rubber outsoles. In 1988 a new technology was installed that allowed the manufacturing of shoes with soles in TR and PVC. 
The quality and comfort of the products combined with the constant innovation – has enabled Ocnarf to export to the major economies of Western Europe and America, such as Holland, England and the United States. The strength and high resistance of footwear quickly conquered the customers from the Middle East which is a large market for Ocnarf. Africa – with its growing interest in quality articles – is buying Ocnarf
shoes, and Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, among others, are important destinations.
In Portugal, from the major national and multinational companies, many workers with the need for tough,
comfortable and durable, footwear rely on the Ocnarf brand; this is for us a challenge, an incentive and a motivation. We hope to continue to meet the expectations of those who work and want to be with their feet securely protected.