Künzli remains in Swiss ownership and continues business operations

"Such a traditional Swiss company must not be lost. Künzli was part of my youth. My sneakers and my football boots were from Künzli and were my favorites. I could not stand by and watch this Swiss icon disappear. I will ensure that the company is preserved for customers, partners and especially employees. I am looking forward to driving Künzli forward together with a committed team." Owner Barbara Artmann is satisfied and grateful: "Künzli and the achievements of almost 100 years of Swiss shoe history live on, the team can stay on and continue the exciting task. Künzli now has the opportunity to take steps towards a successful future. Continuity and progress are assured. I am convinced that the best possible successor has been found in Mr. Martullo."

Soon to be 100 years of tradition and innovation

Künzli SwissSchuh AG has a long tradition: in 1927, Werner Künzli founded a company to manufacture sports shoes. In 1955, his son Kurt Künzli took over the business and developed Künzli into the epitome of Swiss sports shoes. One of his key inventions in the 1950s was the patented 5-strip lacing, which not only gave the foot special support, but also quickly became the trademark of Künzli shoes with its distinctive 5 stripes. In the 1970s, the stability shoe with the lateral stabilizers was developed, and Künzli Ortho shoes were constantly refined with innovative new features in design, functionality and fit.

From 2005, the Künzli sneaker line was created, iconic leather sneakers with the famous 5 Künzli stripes - born from the equipment of the Swiss Olympic team 2004 - 2012. In 2012, Künzli lost its very own trademark due to an attack by the US company K-Swiss, which emerged from Künzli. In 2020, the famous five stripes returned to the sneakers and the line is once again successful.

Structure remains intact

Künzli Ortho shoes are an indispensable part of modern therapy, especially for Achilles tendons and ankle and ligament injuries. Künzli Protect shoes are used for various foot and gait problems, prevent ankle sprains and provide security for unstable gait. Both lines are recognized as medical aids. The elegant and iconic sneakers, colored and made of the highest quality leather with the typical 5 Künzli stripes, are enjoying increasing popularity, whether online, in the factory store or in selected specialist stores.

At the headquarters in Windisch, a motivated team handles development, raw material purchasing, marketing and sales. The company's own production facility in Albania manufactures the special, sophisticated shoes.

Künzli looks to the future

Roberto Martullo will take over Künzli as owner on January 1, 2025 and will initially manage the business personally. The transfer of expertise is guaranteed, with Barbara Artmann providing support until mid-2025 or as long as required. This ensures that production and order processing will continue.

The employees at the head office have already been offered the opportunity to cancel the redundancies by mutual agreement. The company's own factory in Albania with its well-established team under the leadership of the experienced director will continue production without interruption. 

A dream comes true

Owner Barbara Artmann would like to thank all partners, fans and interested parties. Her decision to retire from the business after almost 21 years was clear. Going public was also linked to a secret dream that a way could still be found to preserve the Swiss gem that she had put her heart and soul into over the years. She has succeeded. Now Künzli will continue to take on the challenges of customers in the future and fulfill their wishes with special shoes.

Source: www.kuenzli-schuhe.ch