1879
The beginning of a legend
In 1879, Heinrich Dinkelacker opened the doors of his shoe factory in the Swabian town of Sindelfingen. His goal was to create exclusive and durable shoes that stood out for their outstanding craftsmanship and finest materials. What started as a small workshop quickly developed into a brand known for exceptional quality and timeless elegance. Within a few years, his shoes became highly popular nationwide, especially among businessmen and wealthy citizens who had the highest demands for their footwear.
Even back then, Dinkelacker relied on handcrafted shoes with uncompromising fit and excellent craftsmanship - a philosophy that still forms the foundation of our brand today. Every stitch, every cut, and every choice of material was influenced by a deep understanding of the shoemaking craft. With meticulous precision and passion, he dedicated himself to the production of each pair, creating shoes that not only impress visually, but also convince with their exceptional durability.
Twenty. Century
Growth and stability
Especially in the first half of the 20th century, the shoe industry came under increasing pressure: industrialization and economic change led many companies to switch to cheaper mass production. But Dinkelacker remained true to its values. Instead of cost-saving mass production, the company continued to focus on hand-sewn shoes, made from the best materials. This kept Heinrich Dinkelacker an exclusive brand for connoisseurs and lovers of traditional shoemaking.
After World War II, the company experienced a renewed boom as the demand for high-quality, durable shoes grew once again. In the 1950s and 1960s, the brand expanded significantly and became synonymous with exclusive Budapest shoes, which became famous for their elaborate braided frame seams.
2004
A new era begins
When the family-run company could not find a successor, three passionate shoe lovers took over in 2004 - including Wendelin Wiedeking, the former CEO of Porsche. Their goal was to continue the exclusivity of the brand and establish it internationally. Without compromising on production, they consciously chose to continue to reject mass production - a decision that still makes the brand unique today.
2020
The future of shoemaking
The pandemic presented us with a new challenge: In order to preserve the quality and heritage of the brand, Heinrich Dinkelacker moved its production to Almansa, Spain - a city with over 300 years of shoemaking tradition. There, our historical know-how combines with the expertise of Spanish master shoemakers to continue crafting shoes that meet the highest standards.
Today
A brand with a distinctive character.
More than 140 years after its founding, Heinrich Dinkelacker stands for luxurious, handcrafted shoes that stand out from the crowd. Our models are timeless classics - worn by connoisseurs who appreciate the highest quality and excellent fit.
The story of Heinrich Dinkelacker is the story of a brand that is not swayed by trends, but represents steadfastness, elegance, and excellence with every stitch.
