LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH makes boots and shoes for the hiking, outdoor and travel segments. The company’s headquarters are located in Jetzendorf, a Bavarian town near Munich. What began in 1923 as a small start-up producing traditional handmade Bavarian Haferl shoes has evolved over the years into a highly respected global brand. The traditional boot and shoe maker prides itself on its commitment to quality and fit. It is one of the leading brands in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for hiking and outdoor footwear. The company became part of the Italian Tecnica Group in 1993. All footwear is made in Europe.

The first two letters of the first and last name of the company’s founder, Lorenz Wagner (1893–1953), form the name of the company, LOWA. The company started off making traditional Bavarian Haferl shoes. The high-quality and hence popularity of the double-stitched shoes made entirely by hand required this fledgling company to expand for the first time at the end of the 1920s.

Once production levels began to “burst at the seams”, two new production facilities were opened in 1977. In 1988, Josef Lederer handed over the management of the company to his son Stefan Lederer who ran the business until 1991. In 1992, Werner Riethmann took over. One year later, the Bavarian tradi¬tional boot and shoe maker was acquired by the Italian Tecnica Group.

In 2019, Alexander Nicolai joined the management team and has led the company with Werner Riethmann since then.

In addition to classic mountaineering boots, LOWA continues to expand its segment and uses innovations to make its mark in the widest range of categories. LOWA’s product range also includes a children’s collection and sport and leisure-time shoes. The hiking boot specialist also continues to set the standard when it comes to moun-taineering boots. To ensure that all shoes function exactly as they should, LOWA works closely with leading mountaineers all around the world.