It really quite surprising that it only took 14 years for Geox to become the second largest shoe manufacturer in the world. Only Clark’s in the UK is larger. Geox is based out of Italy and sold 23 million pairs of shoes in 2008. In an industry that has been hit by the world recession, this is quite a, well, “feat.”
When jogging in the desert in Nevada, Mario Moretti Polegato cut holes in his shoes because his feet were sweating. His family was in Reno attending a wine convention and when they returned to Montebelluna, he contacted people at a local university to see if they could design a material for footwear that was inertly breathable, but also strong and durable. They developed a microporous membrane that acts like a second skin. Polegato patented the idea and tried to sell it to the world’s largest shoe manufacturers, but no one was interested.
Polegato and a few friends decided to manufacture the shoes by themselves. With a €500,000 bank loan, they set to design children’s shoes at first. They were a smashing success locally and it wasn’t long before the mother’s wanted a line of these shoes themselves. Then the men wanted them as well. The main office of the company is still in Monetbelluna.
Today, Geox is in 68 countries, with 34 stores in the United States and 400 in the UK. Polegato is not quite satisfied, however. He wants to break into the casual and sport arena of footwear as well. This is undoubtedly the largest part of the shoe industry and he’s working to develop a line of shoes that breathes, is durable, and stylish for athletes and others. Given the past history of the company, Geox will undoubtedly make that jump quite easily.
If you want a fantastic pair of boots that have a style somewhat reminiscent of Timberland, then it’s time to stop and browse through some of the latest styles. You are sure to find your next favorite pair.
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