Inspired by
Tradition.
When one of our shoes carries the name 1886, it stands for our heritage, our tradition and the values that have set us apart since our establishment. We talked to designer Philipp Seibel about why the 1886 embodies the future of JOSEF SEIBEL unlike any other shoe.
“As a designer, being able to create a shoe without any restrictions, must-haves or obstacles is the greatest job one can have!”
Philipp, you designed the 1886 – a shoe designed to embody both the tradition and future of JOSEF SEIBEL. How did you approach this project?
We basically did what we would for any new project: We want to produce the best shoe possible, using the best material, the best techniques and creating the best fit. These are the values that have guided our work since the very beginning – and also define our way into the future. Today, “the best” also means true sustainability at Josef Seibel. We use sustainable materials, environmentally friendly production processes and our manufacturing center here in Hauenstein to avoid unnecessary CO₂ emissions due to transport. This shoe just makes sense in today’s world.
And why did it become a classic sneaker?
First, the classic running shoe is still very much in style today. And it’s just my personal preference: I’m a fan of everything retro and old school in my private life, and even restore old cars and motorcycles. When it came to the shoe, I was able to start from the very beginning. As a designer, being able to create a shoe without any restrictions, must-haves or obstacles is the greatest job one can have!
Customers can personalize their own 1886 at the shoe factory or online. What was the idea behind it?
Visitors at the shoe factory often say: “That’s a cool pair of shoes – I wish I could have it in that color...” And we want to produce shoes that are perfect for the way people walk. To me, this means that the shoes should look exactly how I want them to. It’s the way I walk – in shoes that are all my own: The JOSEF SEIBEL brand gets to the heart of it. For 130 years, we have always made the best shoes possible. Today, this is the 1886.
Your own 1886.
Inspired? Design your own 1866 shoes using our configurator online or in person at our shoe factory in Hauenstein.
Let your creativity run free – your own way, with your own shoes.