1965: Mephisto is established in Sarrebourg, France. The son of a German retailer, Martin Michaeli, creates the first line of Mephisto shoes with the intention of marketing the best footwear money and technology can produce. The company’s manufacturing facility is located in this small, central area, well-known for its skilled, bilingual workforce. Here the first Mephisto moccasin is born.

1973: Martin Michaeli applies for his first patent with respect to a special and unique shoe manufacturing method. Mephisto becomes an international brand anticipating the sport and leisure trends of the future, and eager to offer high quality comfort shoes, he creates a new concept of quality and design for walking shoes, ranging from sport and outdoor to leisure and city styles. This revolutionary concept will become THE worldwide reference: the ORIGINAL MEPHISTO LINE is born.

1984: Opening of the first Mephisto Concept Store. The first retail store to sell only Mephisto products in Aachen, Germany.

1985: Mephisto is awarded the Oscar for export by the French government. Mephisto comes to Japan: the company’s first subsidiary in a foreign country is headquartered in Tokyo.

1987: Mephisto enters the U.S. Market. The world’s finest comfort shoes come to America with the establishment of its U.S. headquarters in California.

1989: Mephisto steps into Canada. The ingredients of comfort, technology and natural materials create the ideal shoe environment for the Canadian consumer.

1994: Mephisto captures its second French Oscar for export. This prestigious award signifies the company’s emergence as an international player and leader in the comfort market.

1995: Mephisto opens its 150th Concept Store. Martin Michaeli becomes “Chevailer de l’Ordre National du Merite”.

1998: Mephisto features over 600 styles for men and women. Now in 50 countries, the Mephisto brand is in 18,000 stores including over 350 concept locations.

1999: Mephisto is elected by the French retailers “Best shoe brand of France”. Martin Michaeli, Founder and Chairman, becomes “Entrepreneur of the Year”. The first MCS openings in China and Russia.

2000: Mephisto for the second time “Best shoe brand in France”. Martin Michseli receives the high national decoration, “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur”.