Zeha Berlin

Zeha Berlin is a German footwear brand that revives the leather sports shoes of a Thuringian maker founded in 1897 by Carl Häßner. It makes retro sneakers, football-inspired shoes, leather shoes and accessories.

What is Zeha Berlin?

Zeha Berlin is a German shoe brand that continues the heritage of a historic sports shoe maker from Thuringia. Its retro leather sneakers, recognisable by their double stripes, draw directly on the company's archive.

History

The company was founded by Carl Häßner in Weida, Thuringia, initially making house slippers; the brand dates its origin to 1897. In 1905 it moved to handmade leather shoes, and in 1935 Häßner's son, also called Carl, took over. Production later moved to Hohenleuben, and from 1954 the company concentrated on sports and football shoes. From 1960 it was the official outfitter of GDR teams at the Olympic Games and World and European Championships, and in 1962 it released a 100 gram racing shoe.

German reunification ended this era. In 2002 Alexander Barré rediscovered the shoes of his youth and began a revival, and in 2006 the retro Weltmeister collection paid tribute to the founder.

Products and positioning

• Retro leather sports shoes and sneakers
• Football-inspired styles
• Classic leather shoes
• Leather accessories such as wallets
• The Favorit cycling shoe with a 1950s design

Distribution

Zeha Berlin sells through its own shops and website, and its leather sports shoes are carried by retailers such as Manufactum.

Why it matters

Zeha Berlin is a notable case of an East German heritage brand revived as a contemporary label, using archive design as its main asset.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Zeha Berlin come from?

Zeha traces its roots to a shoemaker founded by Carl Häßner in Weida, Thuringia, dating its origin to 1897; the brand was revived as Zeha Berlin from 2002.

Who revived Zeha Berlin?

Alexander Barré began reviving the brand in 2002 and launched the retro Weltmeister collection in 2006.

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