Our Story

In 1892 Florsheim Shoes started in a small factory in Chicago, Illinois. We’ve grown quite a bit since then and have gained a reputation for being at the forefront of the newest trends, while staying true to our legacy of classic styling and quality workmanship. From material selection to stitching, we pay attention to the smallest details because we know you care just as much as we do.

1892

Milton Florsheim starts The Florsheim Shoe Company in Chicago. The first Florsheim retail store opens shortly after. As the shoes gain popularity, they are featured in magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post and The Cosmopolitan.

1896

In an early example of brand-building years ahead of its time, the Florsheim name is added onto the pullstrap and inside of every shoe to let consumers know that they are purchasing a "genuine Florsheim."

1900

Florsheim introduces the Flor-Scope to its retail stores. In the early 1900s, it was common to use a fluoroscope to x-ray a customer's foot to ensure a proper fit.

1917

Florsheim becomes one of the principal manufacturers and suppliers of boots to American soldiers fighting in World War I.

1926

Florsheim launches a new trend to appeal to an ever more style-conscious consumer and the nation’s first square- toed shoe appears in magazines.

1941

America enters World War II. Eager to do their part, Florsheim begins producing shoes for our troops. In fact, before long, half of all the shoes Florsheim makes go toward the US war effort.

1949

The Florsheim Shoe Company unveils a gleaming new, state-of-the-art factory in downtown Chicago.

1949

Florsheim retail stores revolutionize the industry by bringing shoes out of the back rooms and into stores for customers to browse freely. This novel practice soon becomes the norm in shoe stores all across the country.

1966

By 1966, a pair of Florsheim shoes is sold every 4 seconds.

1984

The Florsheim Express Shop is introduced to all Florsheim retail stores. The first of its kind in the world, this innovative computer kiosk allows customers to order any shoe from the entire Florsheim line, rather than rely on what the physical store has in stock.

2002

In May of 2002, the Florsheim trademark returns to its roots when purchased by Weyco Group. The senior officers of the company are fifth generation Florsheim and proud to carry on the family tradition that Milton started. They are committed to creating shoes that embrace Florsheim's heritage of quality, craftsmanship and timeless styling.

2010

Florsheim introduces Florsheim by Duckie Brown, a partnership between Florsheim and the fashion-forward menswear designer, and Florsheim Limited, a premium collection that features modern reinterpretations of timeless classics.

2015

Florsheim partners with George Esquivel, a shoe designer and craftsman, to design a collection of extraordinary men’s and women’s shoes handcrafted in California.

2017

To honor Florsheim's 125th anniversary, they created a limited edition collection of shoes to pay tribute to the Florsheim vintage styles that started it all. This collection honors Florsheim's humble beginning, and celebrates how far the brand has come through the re-imagination of five classic silhouettes.