Our Heritage

our heritage

With over a century of experience, we know what makes a good shoe.

1886

In 1886, Carl August Seibel founded one of the first shoe factories in Hauenstein, Germany. He 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.

1911

Following the death of Carl-August Seibel, his two sons Karl August and Josef Seibel take over the running of the business. Following the death of Karl August, Josef Seibel leads the company alone through the two world wars.

1955

The third generation of the family, also called Josef Seibel, takes control of the company. Under his management, the Seibel business responded to the opportunities that existed during the 1950‘s and 1960‘s with new designs and production expansion.

1980

Carl August Seibel, the fourth generation, takes over the running of the Seibel 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.

From one generation to the next.

1st Generation

Carl- August Seibel

2nd Generation

Josef Seibel

3rd Generation

Josef Clemens Seibel

4th Generation

Carl-August Seibel

5th Generation

Franziska Seibel

MODERN DAY

Over the following decades, subsequent generations of the Seibel family have expanded and led the company. Today, Franziska Seibel and her husband Michael Fischer, who represent the fifth generation, are in charge of the company's operations. Franziska and Michael focus on bringing new technology and modernisation, whilst maintaining the company’s long-standing traditions of craftsmanship.

Tradition at Heart.

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.

Trust in Progress.

We want to constantly evolve and find even better solutions. Which is why we are always striving for progress.