Lloyd
Arklyz · Germany
Lloyd is a German premium shoe brand founded in Bremen in 1888 by Hermann Friedrich Meyer and today based in Sulingen, Lower Saxony. It is best known for classic men's leather shoes and has belonged to the Swiss group Arklyz since 2024. Lloyd is one of the oldest established footwear brands in Germany.
| Founded | 1888, Bremen |
|---|---|
| Founder | Hermann Friedrich Meyer |
| Owner | Arklyz (since 2024) |
| Headquarters | Sulingen, Lower Saxony |
| Production | Romania and India |
| Segment | Premium footwear |
| Website | lloyd.com |
What is Lloyd?
Lloyd Shoes GmbH is a German maker of premium shoes and accessories, historically focused on men's leather footwear and now also offering women's shoes. Its range extends to bags, wallets, attaché cases, leather clothing, shirts and socks. Lloyd is part of Arklyz, a Swiss growth platform for sport, footwear and lifestyle brands that also owns Gabor.
History
The company was founded on 13 February 1888 in Bremen by Hermann Friedrich Meyer as the H. F. Meyer Schuhfabrik. The Lloyd name later became the brand under which the business was known, and production moved to Sulingen. The Meyer family ran the company for generations. In 1997 Lloyd was acquired by the shoe group Ara of Langenfeld. Ara announced a sale in 2023, and Arklyz took full ownership, with the transaction expected to close in March 2024. Shoe production in Sulingen ended in 2020, apart from sample making.
Products and positioning
Lloyd sits in the premium segment and is associated with traditional craftsmanship and understated design. Its range includes:
- Men's business and casual leather shoes
- Sneakers and boots for men and women
- Bags, briefcases and wallets
- Leather clothing, shirts and accessories
Business model and distribution
According to German Wikipedia, Lloyd has 13 subsidiaries across Europe, 28 concept stores and 12 factory outlets, and sells through around 3,350 points of sale in more than 56 countries. Its shoes are now produced in Romania and India. The brand also operates its own online shop with a store finder linking digital and physical retail.
Why it matters
Lloyd represents the traditional German premium men's shoe and has a strong network among specialist retailers. Its acquisition by Arklyz, followed by the purchase of Gabor in 2025, shows how a new owner is assembling several heritage German footwear brands into one group with shared retail and distribution capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Lloyd shoes?
Lloyd is owned by Arklyz, a Swiss group that acquired the company from Ara, with the takeover expected to close in March 2024. Arklyz also owns the women's shoe brand Gabor.
Where are Lloyd shoes made?
Lloyd ended shoe production at its Sulingen headquarters in 2020, apart from samples. Its shoes are now made in Romania and India.