Sebastian Öhrn, Founder of Myrqvist / Premium Footwear

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we catch up with Sebastian Öhrn, founder of Swedish footwear brand Myrqvist (https://myrqvist.com/en-gb) , returning to the show several years after our first conversation. Founded in 2016, Myrqvist was built around a straightforward idea: create high-quality footwear in timeless designs, using some of the finest materials available, while keeping prices accessible. What began as a Scandinavian take on classic Goodyear welted footwear has since developed into a much broader collection incorporating sneakers and what Sebastian describes as “semi-casual” shoes — styles that retain the appearance of smarter footwear while offering greater comfort and versatility. Sebastian explains how COVID dramatically changed the company's trajectory. With the global dress-shoe market falling by 84% in 2020, Myrqvist had to rethink its offering almost overnight. The challenge was to adapt to changing lifestyles without losing the clean, understated Scandinavian aesthetic that had defined the brand from the beginning. We discuss what Scandinavian design means when applied to footwear, from clean lines and neutral colours to a balance between British and Italian influences. Sebastian also explains why Myrqvist has embraced monochrome sneakers, particularly designs where the sole matches the upper, creating a much more versatile option that can work with tailoring, chinos and casual clothing alike. The conversation also covers Myrqvist’s exp