The history of MEPHISTO

In 1965 Martin Michaeli founded MEPHISTO with the sole intention and his deep rooted ambition to create the world’s best shoes.

1965

With his savings from the time he spent in the USA, Martin MICHAELI sets up his company MEPHISTO in France and creates the MEPHISTO shoe. The moccasin becomes the spearhead of MEPHISTO. Its distribution starts in Germany, Austria, Belgium as well as in Switzerland and spreads from there over the whole of Europe.

The first company building when it was founded in 1965.

1973

Martin MICHAELI applies for his first patent with respect to a special and unique footwear manufacturing method.

1975

MEPHISTO becomes a world-famous brand. Sport and leisure becoming a strong trend in wide sections of the population give birth to a revolutionary concept of casual shoes for outdoor activities and also for the city : the “ORIGINALS” lead to a worldwide success.

1984

The first MEPHISTO-SHOP open their doors. The very first exclusive MEPHISTO shop opens in Aix-la-Chapel / Germany.

1985

The company exports 80 %  of its production. Martin MICHAELI receives from the French state the “Oscar de l’Exportation” for the outstanding dynamism of his export business.

1987

MEPHISTO captures the American market. The company becomes more firmly established in the USA by setting up a subsidiary in California.

First "Oscar de l'exportation"

1989

A subsidiary opens in Canada. The strong orientation towards nature, comfort and quality has set excellent standards for the success of the MEPHISTO brand in this country. 

1994

Martin MICHAELI receives for the second time the “Oscar de l’Exportation” for the excellent performances of his company in the foreign trade.

1995

Opening of the 150th MEPHISTO-SHOP. France’s President François Mitterrand decorates Martin MICHAELI with the “National Order of Merit”.

Martin Michaeli is awarded "Chevalier de l'Ordre National du
Mérite"

1998

MEPHISTO offers a variety of 600 models, and this through 18.000 points of sale –  among them 350 MEPHISTO-STORES – in 50 countries of the world. Launch of MOBILS by MEPHISTO, the extreme-comfort brand for the specialized shoe- and orthopaedic retail.

1999

Martin MICHAELI is elected “Entrepreneur of the Year” among more than 5000 French companies. The French shoe retailers elect MEPHISTO “Best Footwear Brand of France”. The first MEPHISTO-STORES open in Russia and China. 

Martin Michaeli becomes Chavalier of the Legion d'Honneur

2000

Martin MICHAELI receives from President Jacques Chirac the highest decoration which France can grant : he is promoted “Chevalier of the Legion of Honour”.  MEPHISTO becomes for the second time “Best Footwear brand of France”.

2001

The American magazine “Footwear Plus” gives MEPHISTO the “PLUS Award 2001” for outstanding design in the domain of men’s comfort shoes.

2002

Martin MICHAELI launches a new outdoor lifestyle brand :  “ALLROUNDER by MEPHISTO”. The shoes, following the urban hiking trend, are immediately loved and adopted by young and old alike.

ALLROUNDER NIRO

2003

MEPHISTO presents its first sportswear collection which, together with the accessories, leather goods, care products,socks, etc., makes MEPHISTO a lifestyle brand.

2004

MEPHISTO is awarded for the third time “Best Footwear Brand of France”.

2005

More than 660 MCS worldwide. Sales in 62 countries. The company MEPHISTO, one of the most important shoe factories of Europe, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Privately owned by the Chairman of the Bord, Martin MICHAELI, and his children, it employs worldwide 2800 people for the production and the distribution.

2006

The SOFT-AIR TECHNOLOGY is being integrated in all MEPHISTO shoes and vigorously communicated globally.

2008

Launch of the new brand SANO : fitness- and wellness shoes with the 2-zones technology (Power Stimulator and Multi Vibration System). The international SANO advertising campaign  make these shoes bestsellers.

SANO STARDUST

2009

Martin MICHAELI writes his biography under the title:“Where my shoes carried me”.

2010

The opening of the 75th Mephisto-Shop in China brings the number of Mephisto-Shops worldwide to more than 800.

2015

MEPHISTO celebrates 50 years