Gabor
Arklyz · Germany
Gabor is a German women's footwear brand founded as a company in 1949 by brothers Joachim and Bernhard Gabor and headquartered in Rosenheim, Bavaria. After decades of family ownership it became part of the Swiss group Arklyz, which completed its acquisition in December 2025. Gabor is one of Europe's largest makers of premium women's shoes.
| Founded | 1949 (roots in 1919) |
|---|---|
| Founders | Joachim and Bernhard Gabor |
| Owner | Arklyz (since December 2025) |
| Headquarters | Rosenheim, Bavaria |
| Production | Portugal, Slovakia, Germany |
| Segment | Women's footwear |
| Website | gabor.com |
What is Gabor?
Gabor Shoes is a German shoe manufacturer focused on women's footwear, with a men's line under the name Pius Gabor and a range of bags. The company is headquartered in Rosenheim, Bavaria, and since late 2025 has been part of Arklyz, a Swiss group that also owns Lloyd and retail businesses such as Asphaltgold and The Athlete's Foot.
History
The company dates its roots to a small shoe and leather goods shop opened in 1919. The Gabor company itself was founded on 1 February 1949 by brothers Joachim and Bernhard Gabor in Barmstedt near Hamburg and moved to Rosenheim in 1966. It became a stock corporation in 1994. In 2009 it acquired the Spanish brand snipe, and in 2020 it launched Pius Gabor for men. Arklyz announced the acquisition of Gabor in October 2025 and completed it in December 2025.
Products and positioning
Gabor sits in the premium segment of the women's shoe market, combining fashion styling with comfort. Its range includes:
- Ankle boots, boots and pumps
- Sneakers, loafers and ballerinas
- Sandals and seasonal styles
- Comfort lines with wider fits and cushioned footbeds
- Handbags
Business model and distribution
Gabor manufactures much of its range in its own factories, mainly in Portugal and Slovakia, with additional production in Germany and Asia. According to German Wikipedia, it sells through about 400 stores and shop-in-shops and several thousand retail and online partners in more than 60 countries. In December 2018 it launched an online marketplace that integrates local shoe retailers, linking its e-commerce to its wholesale network.
Gabor and technology
The company operates a central logistics centre in Mindelheim and describes its distribution set-up as an intelligent logistics centre, while its retailer-integrated marketplace connects online demand with stock held by partner shops.
Why it matters
Gabor's move from family ownership to Arklyz reflects consolidation in the German-speaking footwear market, where several mid-sized family firms face succession, cost and retail challenges. Its retailer-connected marketplace is also an example of how wholesale-led brands can support independent shops online.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Gabor shoes?
Gabor has been owned by Arklyz, a Swiss group for sport, lifestyle and fashion businesses, since December 2025. Arklyz also owns the German shoe brand Lloyd.
Where are Gabor shoes made?
Gabor produces mainly in its own factories in Portugal and Slovakia, with some production in Germany and Asia. The company is headquartered in Rosenheim, Germany.