Ludwig Reiter
Austria's Last Welted Shoemanufactory
1. Identity & Presence
Ludwig Reiter, founded in 1885, is a 5th-generation Viennese family business. The company specializes in the production of high-end shoes and leather goods, with a presence that spans Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The brand's headquarters and main production site are located at the historic Gut Süßenbrunn Manor in Vienna's 22nd district. For inquiries, please visit www.ludwig-reiter.com or email webshop@ludwig-reiter.com. Ludwig Reiter stands as a leading example of traditional Austrian shoemaking and enduring craftsmanship.
Company Ludwig Reiter on Instagram
2. The Origin Story & Key Figures
The Ludwig Reiter story began in Vienna when Bohemian master shoemaker Ludwig Reiter I and his wife, Anna, opened a small workshop. His exceptional craftsmanship quickly earned him acclaim, and by 1887, he was already supplying boots and shoes to the imperial police. The company's future was shaped by Ludwig Reiter II, who, during his journeyman years in America, learned and imported the revolutionary Goodyear welted manufacturing method to Vienna, transforming the workshop into a small shoe factory in 1909.
In 1919, the company opened its first retail store on Wiedner Hauptstrasse, a significant step in transitioning from a workshop to a public brand. Following this growth, in 1950, Ludwig Reiter II made the strategic decision to specialize even further in high-quality, Goodyear welted shoes. At the same time, the company launched the new "Fox Medana" brand, which was distinguished by its elegant, breathable, and anatomically correct design.
Ludwig Reiter III took over in 1960 and, against a global trend, remained dedicated to the welted shoe.
3. The Core of the Craft
Ludwig Reiter's philosophy is encapsulated in the phrase "quality takes time." Each pair of shoes is a companion for life, meticulously crafted in a process that involves up to 300 manual steps. The company is now the only shoe factory in Austria that produces classic, Goodyear-welted shoes, which are handcrafted stitch by stitch. This unwavering dedication to authentic shoemaking ensures that each product is defined by durability and a perfect fit.
Their signature products range from the iconic "Maronibrater" and "Trainer" shoes to classic cordovan models, bags, and accessories. The brand also offers a Bespoke Service, an individually designed shoe where clients can select the model, last, upper leather, and sole according to their exact preferences. This is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing a truly personalized experience.
4. Enduring Legacy & Resilience
The ability of Ludwig Reiter to thrive for over a century lies in its unwavering commitment to tradition and quality. One hundred years after its founding, Ludwig Reiter was the only Viennese shoe factory to survive the crisis of the European shoe industry, a true testament to its resilience.
Throughout its history, the company has continuously adapted to a changing world, successfully expanding into new markets and diversifying its product range. This is exemplified by the acquisition of the Austrian C. Kitzmantel shoe factory and the renowned suitcase manufacturer Franz Schulz. Ludwig Reiter's ability to evolve and its selected partnerships with other like-minded traditional companies are a direct expression of its enduring quality standards and deep sense of tradition.
5. Vision for the Future
The company’s leitmotif is "The Future of Tradition." Honoring the past, the 5th generation of leadership is building a future defined by growth and contemporary relevance. The company has expanded its international presence through a global network of carefully selected high-end retailers. It continues to work with leading designers and like-minded traditional companies, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design to ensure its classic products remain relevant for new generationsHonoring the past, the 5th generation of leadership is building a future defined by growth and contemporary relevance. The company has expanded its international presence through a global network of carefully selected high-end retailers. It continues to work with leading designers and like-minded traditional companies, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design to ensure its classic products remain relevant for new generations.