Meindl - The Master Boot Maker
From humble beginnings in 1683, where Petrus Meindl became the first shoemaker in Kirchanschöring, Germany, there has always been a Meindl registered as a shoemaker ever since. Meindl has powered through the centuries to become one of the most renowned boot makers in the word, equipping outdoor sports people and hill climbers with state of the art footwear for all conditions and environments. In 1934 Meindl ventured into the clothing market and has had superb success within this part of the business too. As homage to Meindl and their dedication throughout the ages we’re going to take you on a nostalgic trip throughout the years of their history.
Through the Ages
- 1683: Petrus Meindl is the first shoemaker in Kirchanschöring, officially mentioned in written documents. Since then, in an unbroken series, there has always been a Meindl registered as shoemaker .
- 1928: Lukas Meindl became A self-employed shoemaker and laid the foundation for his family business, which has evolved and performed all types of tailoring ever since.
- 1934: He starts to manufacture all types of leather clothing. Clothing for motorcyclists and also traditional leather jackets and leather trousers. Everything needed was made in-house. The know-how and the manufacturing techniques were self-taught.
- 1946: A new start for manufacturing after the end of the Second World War. Leather clothing is mostly manufactured in hired labour, due to the economic shortfalls hardly any material can be bought.
- 1948: Son Alfons joins the family business, at that time Meindl employs 10 persons.
- 1949: Handmade shoes from own production are also sold in other stores. Participation in the Munich Exhibition for Shoes. It is the first time the name Meindl appears on the shoe market. The market is scanned and niches are seeked. The production of ski boots, work boots and alpine boots is perceived as an opportunity. The Meindl's specialize in these products, they establish the production gradually but steadily.
- 1955: Being a trained shoemaker, Hannes Meindl follows his brother into the family business. Together they work on the development of the company. New markets are found and entered. Hannes Meindl draws a new fashion line and successfully introduces it to the market.
- 1974: After the death of Lukas Meindl, the sons Alfons and Hannes take over the company which is equally divided between them. Together they develop strategies and new products which are exhibited at international trade fairs. Shoes and leather clothing find followers all over the world and so the production in Kirchanschöring is expanded continuously. The brothers manage the company with the support of their sister Marianne Hausmanninger.
- 1975: Due to the worldwide demand for Meindl products and the limited number of seamstresses, the Meindls have to look for new production locations in the neighbouring countries. Start of contract manufacture in neighbouring countries. Italy and Austria appear favourable.
- 1978: Hubert Hillmayer on the roof of the world- the Mount Everest- wearing Meindl shoes.
- 1994: Cooperation with the internationally successful artist Hubert von Goisern. A joint collection is launched in the summer of 1994.
- 1996: The international Design Prize oft he Munich Trade Fair is awarded to Markus Meindl.
- 2001: The company is divided into two domains- shoe domain and clothing domain. Lukas and Lars Meindl take the shoe domain. Hannes and Markus take the clothing domain. Up to that time, there are almost 500 employees working in Kirchanschöring for both domains.
- 2003: Start of the cooperation with BMW Motorcycle. Meindl starts to manufacture and develop motorcycle clothing for BMW.
- 2006: Alfons Meindl passes away after a short illness, one day after his 77th birthday.
- 2008: Start of the cooperation with Porsche. Meindl starts to develop and manufacture the fashion line for Porsche Design.
Within the last one hundred years Meindl has grown and advanced at an incredible rate. Today, Meindl is now one of the few footwear manufacturers actually producing boots in Germany. Meindl employ over 200 people at their factory in Kirchanschöring, Bavaria making quality footwear, of the highest calibre. I have no doubt Meindl will continue to innovate in their manufacturing procedures and the technologies which they use. They are sure to be around for another 300 years and beyond.
