MEPHISTO was founded in 1965 in France by a young Martin Michaeli, who started his own shoe factory using his savings after returning from the United States and thus laid the foundations for a unique success story that continues to this day. In 1973, Martin MICHAELI registered his first patent for a special and unique shoe production process and in ‘75 gained international recognition and became a sought-after brand worldwide. Sport and leisure became a strong and important trend among the population and MEPHISTO managed to conquer a market thanks to a revolutionary concept of casual shoes for outdoor activities and urban life: MEPHISTO’s ‘ORIGINALS’ was born. The ORIGINALS perfectly capture the spirit of the times and become a worldwide success. In 1984, MEPHISTO lays the foundations for further expansion by opening the first flagship shop in Aachen, Germany, at a time when direct shop management was not yet common. A courageous choice, which paid off to the extent that MEPHISTO continued to grow rapidly.
Will there be any special initiatives or events to celebrate this important milestone?
Throughout the year, we will present several outstanding new developments in the areas of sole and shoe innovation. We will also realign our communication strategy. The 60th anniversary will play an important role in this context.
MEPHISTO is a global brand: What do consumers appreciate most about it?
For 60 years, MEPHISTO has combined tradition, expertise, passion, and innovation — a combination that can befelt with every step. This is what our customers and brand fans value. In addition, MEPHISTO manages to create timeless shoe designs that span generations and are loved by both young and old. MEPHISTO has remained authentic and still embodies "the world's finest footwear," made in Europe. This is something that is rare to find nowadays. Our customers love the brand because they can feel the passion behind it, and they appreciate that we have been successfully producing high-quality shoes with the best fit for decades.
One of your defining technologies is the MEPHISTO SOFT-AIR TECHNOLOGY: What is it?
The founder, Martin MICHAELI, is known not only for his entrepreneurial vision but also for his exceptional knowledge in the field of shoemaking. His strength lies in improving shoes and optimizing manufacturing techniques while perfectly combining materials. This has been a key factor in MEPHISTO’s success. The patented SOFT-AIR technology marked a significant innovation leap and remains a core feature of all MEPHISTO shoes to this day. The soft SOFT-AIR midsole at the heart of the shoe makes production highly demanding and complex, but it results in exceptional walking comfort, making MEPHISTO truly unique.
How has the global shoe market changed, and what are the key factors for success today?
The shoe retail market is constantly evolving, and traditional shoe retailers with a high level of expertise are becoming increasingly rare. With an export rate of around 80%, MEPHISTO must adapt to global changes. On the product level, continuity and authenticity are critical success factors. On the business level, high flexibility is essential to respond quickly to changes in the markets. One particularly important aspect is trust. Retailers need to be able to rely on a brand — and MEPHISTO has firmly established itself as a strong and reliable partner. The world is turning faster, and planning cycles are becoming shorter. We strive to align our processes accordingly to identify changes and trends early on and respond effectively so that both the brand and our retail partners can remain successful even in difficult times.
What are your target markets, and which ones will you focus on in the near future?
France is our home market, and our goal is to remain the number one in France in the future. Central Europe, North America, and Asia remain important growth markets for us.
How do in-store sales compare to online sales? What role does the internet play for you?
Our focus remains on traditional retail, as most MEPHISTO shops are operated by independent retailers. However, online business is very important in highly dynamic markets because direct access to end customers provides valuable insights into trends and market developments. In addition, online channels allow us to reach new target groups or introduce new product categories faster than in traditional retail, where lead times are much longer. Brand building also largely takes place online today — a trend that will certainly continue to grow in the future. We believe that every sales channel plays an important role. However, it requires a balanced approach and the right strategy to be successful across all channels.
