At the heart of ECCO lies a profound respect for heritage, craftsmanship, and the philosophy that form must follow function. Founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy in the small town of Bredebro, Denmark, the company was born from a dream to own a shoe factory and run a business based on the principle that 'the shoe must follow the foot.' This guiding mantra has steered ECCO for over six decades, fostering a culture where comfort and quality are never compromised. As a family-owned business, ECCO cherishes its independence, allowing it to take a long-term view on development and to remain true to its core values of passion, excellence, and dedication to care.
What truly sets ECCO apart in the global footwear industry is its unique control over its entire value chain. Unlike most competitors, ECCO owns and operates its own tanneries and shoe factories, ensuring meticulous quality control from the raw hide to the finished product. This vertical integration empowers the company to innovate constantly, such as with its pioneering Direct Injection Production (DIP) technology, which creates a durable, watertight bond without glue or stitching. Today, ECCO is a global family of over 21,000 employees across 101 countries, united by a commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and the creation of premium leather goods and footwear that stand the test of time.