Waldläufer
Lugina Schuhfabrik GmbH · Germany
Waldläufer is a German comfort footwear brand launched in 1966 by Lugina Schuhfabrik GmbH. It makes comfortable shoes in generous fittings, still made by hand in Europe.
| Brand launched | 1966 |
|---|---|
| Company | Lugina Schuhfabrik GmbH, founded 1960 |
| Country | Germany |
| Specialism | Comfort shoes in wide fittings |
| Production | Handmade in Europe |
| Website | waldlaeufer.com |
What is Waldläufer?
Waldläufer is a German shoe brand owned by Lugina Schuhfabrik GmbH. The company was founded in 1960, taking its name from Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland, and launched the Waldläufer brand in 1966.
History
The brand name and imagery were inspired by Gabriel Ferry's story of a North American trapper, and the trapper figure appears on every Waldläufer shoe. In 2016 the brand was relaunched with its current leaf logo. In 2010 the company invested €1.5 million in a 7,000 square metre photovoltaic installation, which it says saves around 350 tonnes of CO2 a year. The brand marks its 60th anniversary in 2026.
Products and positioning
Waldläufer focuses on comfort and innovation as core values. Its shoes are offered in generous fittings such as the H fitting, and are still made by hand in Europe. For its anniversary, the brand presented the Lana trainer in North American deerskin in four styles.
Why it matters
Waldläufer is one of the long-established names in the German comfort shoe sector, a segment built on fit, durability and loyal customers rather than fast-changing trends.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Waldläufer shoes?
Waldläufer shoes are made by Lugina Schuhfabrik GmbH, which launched the brand in 1966.
What does the Waldläufer logo show?
Shoes carry a trapper figure inspired by Gabriel Ferry's story of a North American trapper, and the brand has used a leaf logo since 2016.