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The Inspiring Journey of Ecco: Crafting Excellence, One Step at a TimeEcco, a family-owned Danish footwear brand, has become a global icon in the shoe industry. Founded in 1963 by Karl and Birte Toosbuy, Ecco was born from Karl’s dream of creating his own shoe factory. This vision drove him to leave a secure job in Copenhagen, sell the family home, and relocate to Bredebro, a small town near the German border. With unwavering determination, Karl and Birte laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking brand—one that seamlessly blends innovation, quality, and tradition. |
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The journey began in an empty factory purchased for 158,000 Danish Kroner. By the end of their first year, Ecco employed 74 workers and was producing elegant footwear under the name Venus. These designs, with pointy toes and slim heels, quickly gained recognition, even drawing comparisons to high-end French styles. However, Karl’s vision went beyond elegance; he aspired to revolutionize the footwear industry, a goal he pursued with relentless passion. Ecco’s breakthrough came in 1978 with the launch of Ecco Joke, a moccasin-inspired shoe designed by Ejnar Truelsen. Made with ultra-soft leather, the Joke became Ecco’s first classic design. It was also the first shoe to feature a molded logo on the sole, leaving imprints of the Ecco name in sand and soil—a branding innovation that captivated customers and set a new standard for marketing. Throughout the 1980s, Ecco continued to innovate. The introduction of Direct Injection Technology allowed soles to bond seamlessly to leather uppers, enhancing durability, comfort, and flexibility. This revolutionary process elevated Ecco’s reputation for producing shoes that combined style and comfort, setting them apart in the competitive footwear market. Ecco’s commitment to quality extends beyond its designs. The brand owns and operates its tanneries, factories, and retail outlets, ensuring complete control over every stage of production. This unique approach allows Ecco to deliver premium-quality footwear and leather goods consistently. The company’s tanneries also supply leather to some of the world’s leading luxury brands, highlighting its unparalleled craftsmanship As Ecco expanded globally, it established factories in Indonesia, Thailand, Slovakia, China, and Vietnam, blending local craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Today, Ecco products are sold in 101 countries, with over 2,250 stores and 14,000 points of sale worldwide. From stylish heels like the Sculptured 65 to performance-driven golf shoes, Ecco continues to redefine footwear with lines like Ecco Soft and Ecco Shape, showcasing its commitment to innovation without compromising on quality. |
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Following the passing of Karl Toosbuy in 2004, his daughter Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak and her husband took over the business, ensuring Ecco remained true to its family roots while continuing to innovate. The brand’s mission to create “the footprints of tomorrow” has led to advancements in leather technology, including the development of Apparition, a transparent, water-resistant leather that exemplifies Ecco’s dedication to sustainability and forward-thinking design.
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| View Our Ecco Range |
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The Inspiring Journey of Ecco: Crafting Excellence, One Step at a TimeEcco, a family-owned Danish footwear brand, has become a global icon in the shoe industry. Founded in 1963 by Karl and Birte Toosbuy, Ecco was born from Karl’s dream of creating his own shoe factory. This vision drove him to leave a secure job in Copenhagen, sell the family home, and relocate to Bredebro, a small town near the German border. With unwavering determination, Karl and Birte laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking brand—one that seamlessly blends innovation, quality, and tradition. |
The journey began in an empty factory purchased for 158,000 Danish Kroner. By the end of their first year, Ecco employed 74 workers and was producing elegant footwear under the name Venus. These designs, with pointy toes and slim heels, quickly gained recognition, even drawing comparisons to high-end French styles. However, Karl’s vision went beyond elegance; he aspired to revolutionize the footwear industry, a goal he pursued with relentless passion. Ecco’s breakthrough came in 1978 with the launch of Ecco Joke, a moccasin-inspired shoe designed by Ejnar Truelsen. Made with ultra-soft leather, the Joke became Ecco’s first classic design. It was also the first shoe to feature a molded logo on the sole, leaving imprints of the Ecco name in sand and soil—a branding innovation that captivated customers and set a new standard for marketing. Throughout the 1980s, Ecco continued to innovate. The introduction of Direct Injection Technology allowed soles to bond seamlessly to leather uppers, enhancing durability, comfort, and flexibility. This revolutionary process elevated Ecco’s reputation for producing shoes that combined style and comfort, setting them apart in the competitive footwear market. Ecco’s commitment to quality extends beyond its designs. The brand owns and operates its tanneries, factories, and retail outlets, ensuring complete control over every stage of production. This unique approach allows Ecco to deliver premium-quality footwear and leather goods consistently. The company’s tanneries also supply leather to some of the world’s leading luxury brands, highlighting its unparalleled craftsmanship As Ecco expanded globally, it established factories in Indonesia, Thailand, Slovakia, China, and Vietnam, blending local craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Today, Ecco products are sold in 101 countries, with over 2,250 stores and 14,000 points of sale worldwide. From stylish heels like the Sculptured 65 to performance-driven golf shoes, Ecco continues to redefine footwear with lines like Ecco Soft and Ecco Shape, showcasing its commitment to innovation without compromising on quality. |
Following the passing of Karl Toosbuy in 2004, his daughter Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak and her husband took over the business, ensuring Ecco remained true to its family roots while continuing to innovate. The brand’s mission to create “the footprints of tomorrow” has led to advancements in leather technology, including the development of Apparition, a transparent, water-resistant leather that exemplifies Ecco’s dedication to sustainability and forward-thinking design.
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| View Our Ecco Range |