2024 sees Rieker celebrate 150 years of shoemaking—a century and a half of commitment to creating comfortable and stylish footwear for people worldwide. From humble beginnings in rural Germany to selling shoes across the globe, our key principles have remained. These principles have allowed us to become a reliable, trustworthy, and dependable manufacturer that continues to strive for excellence.
Learn more about Rieker's history as we discuss the company's founding and the methods and values that make us who we are today.
Table of contents
- The formation and early years of Rieker
- Expansion and evolution
- The importance of Antistress
- Commitment to style and comfort
- Rieker today
The formation and early years of Rieker
Rieker was born in Tuttlingen, a town in the Black Forest region of Germany, in 1874. Originally named Rieker & Seitz after founders Heinrich Rieker and Carl Seitz, the company became simply Rieker following Seitz’s departure in 1901.
Just four years later, Heinrich passed away. He left the company in the hands of his sons Ernst, Heinrich Jr., and Karl.
The initial factory was the first of its kind in Tuttlingen, creating a new industry and job market for the small town. The building had to be expanded to meet the company’s needs. By 1924, the company had made incredible strides under the leadership of the three sons, with over 1,000 employees registered.
In these first 50 years for the company, Rieker had gained a reputation for quality as, initially, shoes were made for affluent shoppers in Northern Italy. The word got out, and suddenly, Rieker became known all across Central Europe.
Expansion and evolution
Due to the spread of awareness over the subcontinent, by the mid-1960s, the operation had continued its growth, with over 2,000 workers employed. Increased fame meant increased demand and increased demand meant new ideas.
Early Rieker designs were exclusively men’s shoes and boots. The elegant yet functional nature of these shoes meant the wealthy families across Europe who were enamoured with them wanted more, so Rieker began to make ladies’ footwear, too.
The 1970s saw two major changes for the company. First, headquarters were moved to Switzerland as production was spread across three continents. Second, a new generation headed up the company, as Markus Rieker took the brand from strength to strength from 1975.
Expansion worldwide resulted in exponential growth for Rieker and its shoes, with over 9,000 independent retailers stocking Rieker shoes and accessories. Across Morocco, Slovakia, Tunisia and Vietnam, Rieker employs over 20,000 people.
The importance of Antistress
Functionality has always been at the heart of the Rieker design process, even in the late 19th century. Several decades of hard work have gone into creating shoes that support your feet and make everyday life easier.Today, Rieker’s trademark is our antistress technology. All Rieker shoes are made with antistress properties to ensure your feet are protected and supported appropriately, whether hiking up mountains or simply walking to the office.
We’re proud to make shoes that make every step enjoyable and comfortable. Brits aim to walk 10,000 steps daily, putting their feet under intense pressure and demand. Rieker shoes are all made to be lighter, shock-absorbing, roomier, and more reflexible.
These properties combined result in shoes that take the brunt of the ground’s impact, alleviating the responsibility of your feet. You have room to let your feet breathe while maintaining a snug fit that feels as light as slippers.
Our antistress shoes show the dedication, progression and quality-driven nature of Rieker as a whole. The brand has always held personal values throughout its history, and providing industry-leading comfort is one of which Rieker is extremely proud.
Commitment to style and comfort
Another standout element of Rieker’s design over the years is its preparedness to adapt to popular styles without compromising quality. Whether it be timeless footwear like brogues and Mary Janes or trendier items such as trainers or ankle boots, all are made to feel exceptionally comfortable.
One of Rieker’s biggest strengths as a brand has been our ability to diversify the shoes we make for different purposes. Our summer and winter collections contain practical and stylish shoes for any occasion.
In the company's early years, Rieker was lauded for shoes that were as functional as they were elegant. We take great pride in that reputation and have worked hard to preserve it while adapting modern design and manufacturing techniques. Shopping Rieker shoes means you’re shopping for products with a history of dedication and care.
Rieker today
The hard work and talent that built Rieker in Southern Germany 150 years ago have taken the brand to new heights as a European footwear mainstay. Attention to detail, a keen eye for styles and trends, and a need to provide customers with comfort have defined the last century and a half of shoemaking at Rieker.
Our men's and Ladies footwear collections feature stunning shoes, but the work doesn't stop here. Our teams across the globe continue to innovate and create stylish and comfortable shoes that will define our brand's next generation.
150 years and counting. The best is yet to come.
