Sixty years is a long time! It contains a journey rich in sacrifice, emotion, and passion for our work. The story of a company that is, above all, a family—not only in management but also with our collaborators. We are proud of employees who were born and raised within the company, who have witnessed the history of PBS Soles from its beginnings to today. We hope to always continue ensuring our clients the utmost attention and care for detail.
60 Years of Rocking Ideas
Where did it all begin?
It was 1958 when Marcello Sorrentino, together with two other partners, founded the original PBS—P for Pesci, B for Bresciani, and S for Sorrentino—now known as “Produzione Bresciana Suole.” From the very beginning, the company wanted to stand out as revolutionary and eco-conscious. The first soles were produced in wood and cork, ranging from sneakers to fashion footwear with wooden heels.
The focus on high-quality materials was a winning formula, and with the generational transition—when daughter Ivana Sorrentino and her husband Tiziano Chiarini took over—the shift from wood to microporous material led to industrial-scale production, all while maintaining a craftsmanship touch, perfectly combining innovation with tradition.
We’ve always embraced change, striving to grow in both technique and production by participating in trade fairs—shared moments that once brought in work, innovation, and culture.
“It used to be different,” says Francesca Chiarini, daughter of Ivana and Tiziano and granddaughter of Marcello Sorrentino. “There was no internet, so the atmosphere and approach were unique. I remember at each trade show, my grandfather and father would bring cheese and prosecco because the last day was reserved for celebrating the success of the event. During the fair, we’d collect enough orders to sustain the whole year’s work. Times have changed, but we’ve grown along with them because, after all, we’ve adapted: fashion evolves constantly, and we try to stay updated and grow with it.”
Today, the company has evolved while maintaining the same core values: craftsmanship, Made in Italy excellence, and meticulous attention to detail. Now it’s preparing for the third generation: Francesca and Enrico Chiarini are already bringing fresh ideas to the table.
What are our goals for the future?
Certainly, to continue promoting eco-sustainability through our biodegradable soles and to further focus on our sock-shoe, a fashionable, high-quality product. But we don’t want to stop there!
We want to move forward, go beyond, and embrace new opportunities!