OUR HISTORY

We have a rich history in shoe making that stretches back over 135 years. And we're still family-owned today. Learn more about our journey below.

1886

Carl August Seibel started his shoe making business in the small village of Hauenstein, Germany. Named after his son Josef, the brand was born. Nestled in the sleepy wine-making Rhineland-Palatinate, it was one of many shoe making factories in the region.Village of Hauenstein Germany

1907 - New Factory & 2nd Generation

In 1907 a new larger building was built. After his passing, Carl-August was succeeded by his two sons, Karl and Josef. Soon after, Karl passed, leaving Josef to steer the family business for multiple decades, through both World War eras.Original Factory - Hauenstein Germany

1955 - Third Generation

After the forced economy of the Second World War, third-generation son, Josef Seibel takes over the company management in 1955. Under his direction and the post-war industrial boom, new styles and models followed in the late 1950s and 1960s, as well as an expansion in German production.

1980 - The Fourth Generation

After navigating a recession in the 70s, the 1980's saw strong growth for the small family brand. Carl August Seibel, the great-grandson of the company founder, starts becoming involved in shoe making and product design. Through both his education in Economics at university and family leadership, Carl August is being groomed as the fourth-generation family owner.
Carl August Seibel

1990 - Expanding Production

The 1990s see great demand for Josef Seibel footwear. And the German production can no longer cope with worldwide demand. Capable and reliable production partners are sought and found in Hungary & Romania. Carl August takes over leadership of the company, steering the business into the new century.

Today - A New Era

Today, the company is still operated out of the original village in Hauenstein, Germany. With the fifth-generation joining the leadership, it marks the start of a new, exciting era. Josef Seibel has production and sales facilities all over the world with more than 3,500 employees worldwide. The company also has a large network of reliable international suppliers. Using state-of-the-art production techniques, over 6 million pairs of shoes are produced annually and exported to more than 40 countries.
Carl August Seibel & daughter Franziska