Tradition and innovation since 1923
Since 1923, LOWA has built a reputation for producing premium outdoor boots and shoes that combine superior quality and fit through innovative design and proprietary technology.
1923
A Bavarian shoemaker named Lorenz Wagner founded LOWA and began making heavy-duty brogues for his neighbors in the small village of Jetzendorf. He and his brother helped support the company through their side project, the Wagner Orchestra.
1930
LOWA outgrew its original shoemaker's shop and opened its first factory. They laid the foundation for success by developing alpine boots for mountain infantry as well as lace-up ski boots. Sepp Lederer started working as an apprentice in the company.
1933
Lorenz became the first mayor of Jezendorf, but was later replaced due to lack of loyalty to the Third Reich. During the subsequent war, factories were forced to produce footwear for the army, especially for mountain infantry.
1946
LOWA resumes manufacturing of consumer footwear and invests heavily in new machinery and personnel. Production of mountain boots, ski boots and casual shoes flourished.
1953
The first economic recession after World War II forced LOWA to declare bankruptcy. Lorenz Wagner dies.
1955
Lorenz's daughter Berti and her husband Sepp Lederer stepped in and saved the company. During the remainder of the decade, LOWA expanded its product range and began sponsoring mountain adventures.
1963
Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mount Everest, wore a pair of LOWA hiking boots.
1968
LOWA becomes the official equipment sponsor of the German ski team.
1970
LOWA pioneered breakthrough manufacturing processes (such as PU injection molding) and product innovations (such as the first vulcanized rubber sole).
1972
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, LOWA shocked the ski boot world with the introduction of the “Air” model, which featured an air-cushioned bootie. This completely changed the way ski boots fit and LOWA jumped to number one.
1982
LOWA launches the Trekker, setting a new standard for hiking boot fit and performance.
1988
Sepp Lederer handed over the reins of the company to his son Stefan.
1992
Werner Riethmann takes over as company leader.
the year 1995
LOWA introduces lightweight hiking boots that are pioneers in today's ATC category.
1997
The first Renegade GTX Mid was born, and the model remains one of the best-selling outdoor boots in the world.
2000
LOWA reaches a huge milestone, selling 1 million pairs of boots in one year. Davo Karnicar became the first person to complete a non-stop ski descent of Mount Everest wearing LOWA Struktura AT boots.
2001
LOWA athlete Ines Papert has won her first of four World Ice Climbing Championships.
Year 2003
LOWA celebrates its 80th anniversary. The company has become the largest employer in the Jetzendorf region, with more than 250 employees at its headquarters.
Year 2008
LOWA was awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 certification for its highest quality manufacturing processes and has been audited annually thereafter to maintain this status.
year 2010
LOWA crosses the next milestone, selling over 2 million pairs in one year.
year 2011
LOWA athlete Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner summited K2, becoming the first woman to summit all 14 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen or high-altitude porters.
2012
LOWA USA opens consumer demonstration centers at the Sierra Club's Clair Tappaan Lodge (California) and the Appalachian Mountain Club's Joe Dodge Lodge (New Hampshire).
year 2013
LOWA celebrates its 90th anniversary in Bavaria with the mountain festival Bergfest.
2015
The company's parking lot in Jetzendorf is equipped with a large photovoltaic system, which provides the company with approximately 16% of its electricity every year. The remaining electricity demand is met by 100% green hydropower.
2017
Werner Riethmann celebrates 25 years at the helm of LOWA Sportschuhe.
2018
The best-selling Renegade GTX Mid turns 20 and has been inducted into the Backpacker Magazine Hall of Fame.
2019
Alexander Nicolai, Head of Design and Development since 2014, is joint CEO of LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH together with Werner Riethmann.
LOWA acquires Italian footwear production company Riko Sport Sr. l., reaffirming its commitment to European manufacturing. Riko Sport is now a wholly owned subsidiary of LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH.
today
LOWA is the market leader in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, producing nearly 3 million pairs of shoes per year.