History
77 Years of Hackner
“Shoemaking was laid in our cradle” – this is how the youngest generation of our family business describes the passion with which they design and craft shoes. Michael and Stefan Hackner represent the third generation of shoemakers in the family. Hackner Shoes was founded back in 1948, when master shoemaker Fritz Hackner established his manufacture in Hilpoltstein and from then on focused on the production of double-stitched footwear. His son Friedrich Hackner took over the company in 1977, created the VitalloFlex brand in 1986, and launched his Vitallo brand in 1988, which would soon become a synonym for the most exclusive footwear.
Another milestone was the development of the innovative Climatocork technology: a unique footbed system made of natural cork that provides optimal climate control, breathability, and outstanding comfort inside the shoe. Throughout his journey, he was actively supported by his wife Brigitta Hackner, who also comes from a long-established family of shoemakers. Since 2006, sons Michael and Stefan Hackner have contributed their creative energy to the family business. They expanded the Vitallo collection with new, dynamic design lines in the sports and lifestyle segment as well as accessories, and extended the portfolio to include handcrafted running shoes, luxurious sneakers, and exclusive golf models.
1948 – The Beginning
Starting from Scratch
After returning from the war, Fritz Hackner completed his training and passed the master shoemaker examination in war-torn Nuremberg. With four journeymen, he focused on producing double-stitched work shoes that were in high demand for reconstruction in post-war Germany.
Hilpoltstein
Together with his wife Karolina, Fritz Hackner launched the “Hilpoltstein” project. He purchased the large sandstone house at Zwingerstrasse 5, laying the foundation for the future shoe manufacture. He personally renovated the more than 500-year-old historic building, creating space for both the production and sale of his handmade shoes.
Expansion through Branches
The 1950s brought an unexpected economic upswing, which Fritz Hackner used to grow his still young company. He began expanding Hackner Shoes beyond the borders of Hilpoltstein by opening new locations across Middle Franconia and Upper Bavaria. Over the years, retail outlets followed in Allersberg, Roth, Greding, and Nuremberg.
1977 – The 2nd Generation
In the Best Hands
Friedrich Hackner Jr.
1977 was a milestone year for Hackner Shoes. The business was entrusted to Friedrich Hackner Jr. Like his father, he, too, is a master of his craft. As a senior employee at a successful orthopedic company in Baden, he gained valuable experience for his future work as an independent entrepreneur. It was there that he met his future wife Brigitta – the daughter of the company’s owner and herself from a long-established family of shoemakers.
A New Chapter
After taking over the company, Friedrich Hackner Jr. went all in. Together with his wife, he initiated the second major renovation of the company’s headquarters in Hilpoltstein. The spaces were to be modernized and significantly expanded to provide room for storage and to grow the production area. With visionary thinking, Friedrich Hackner repeatedly turned new footwear-related ideas into reality. One of the most significant innovations would soon follow …
1982 – The First Major Breakthrough
The Starting Point of a Global Success
In the summer of 1982, Friedrich Hackner was approached by a representative of a Finnish men’s shoe brand for his opinion on a new footwear concept. He took the opportunity to present his own vision of an innovative shoe system in Finland. It was a system featuring a removable footbed and two interchangeable footbed types – one for comfort and one based on reflex zones.
A true innovation at the time, as no shoe had previously featured a removable, full-length footbed. The Finns were thrilled, and from then on, in addition to running his own company, Friedrich Hackner also served as Head of Development for FinnComfort.
Rise and Fall
Initial success came quickly, and the business became increasingly international. More and more retailers across Europe showed interest in the new concept, and sales figures rose sharply. But as is often the case, success was soon followed by challenges.
Mismanagement by the appointed commercial director eventually led the German FinnComfort branch into financial difficulties. It would become a very nerve-racking time for Friedrich Hackner and his family.
1986 – Setting Sail for New Horizons
Creative and Full of Drive
The World of Footwear Needs New Brands
After the FinnComfort episode, Friedrich Hackner focused all his experience and creativity on developing a new brand – an improvement in every respect: VitalloFlex was born! This development culminated in 1988 with the Vitallo shoe system, which has since stood within the Hackner company for top-tier quality and the finest craftsmanship – Made in Germany. Today, bespoke Vitallo models have won over a dedicated fan base around the globe.
Feet Breathe Too
From the very beginning, Friedrich Hackner was driven by the pursuit of optimal wearing comfort in footwear. Time and again, he encountered limitations in the market, where cork-latex footbeds were standard – and hardly capable of absorbing moisture. Motivated by the idea of a breathable shoe interior based on natural materials, he began working on what would become his greatest achievement. After years of meticulous development, the time had come in 1994: Climatocork was born.
2003 – Official Outfitter of the DOKR
An Honorable Role
Friedrich Hackner has been a passionate equestrian since his youth – and eventually turned his hobby into a profession. The result: Vitallo Boots. These boots achieved cult status among riders and were of such exceptional quality that, in 2003, Hackner was appointed official outfitter of the German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports (DOKR) Reining team. The team’s boots were recognizable by their black, red, and gold leather stripes.
Always 100 Percent
When we do something, we do it right. In equestrian sports – and just as much in motorsport, running, or golf. It's no coincidence that top athletes rely on our shoes. Our Vitallo Monoposto driving shoes have already been used in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) and in endurance races at the Nürburgring and in Daytona. Motorsport legend Walter Röhrl relies on Vitallo driving shoes for his daily tests, trial drives, and rally events.
2006 – The 3rd Generation
Concentrated Manpower
Michael and Stefan Hackner
Since 2006, brothers Michael and Stefan Hackner have been strengthening the company as part of the third generation. They enrich the brand and model lines with fresh ideas and open up interesting markets by appealing to a new target audience. With the Monoposto driving shoe, a new era began at Hackner Shoes – because from that moment on, bespoke footwear was not only beautiful, stylish, and refined, but also had that distinct coolness factor. A style that is clearly reflected in the Novum- and Playersline models.
Driven by Sport
As sports enthusiasts, the brothers have focused especially on the development and marketing of performance footwear. From an early age, they were fascinated by these types of shoes. And so in 2014, the time had come: the first athletic shoe brand from the Hackner company was born – Runnertune! Outstanding performance-to-weight ratio, perfect fit, and top-level quality were the goals – the result impresses runners around the world.
2024 – PLUS X AWARD
Award-Winning Running Shoes
The PLUS X AWARD is the world’s largest innovation prize for technology, sports, and lifestyle. It honors brands for their lead in quality and innovation. We are proud that our Runnertune Pace Original was able to impress the expert jury in no fewer than four categories. Editors, designers, and industry professionals awarded our running shoe in the areas of High Quality, Design, Ease of Use, and Functionality.
Excerpt from the jury’s statement:
“The jury was particularly impressed by the high-quality workmanship and first-class materials, which ensure durability and reliability. This shoe not only offers a visually appealing design, but also an ergonomic fit and innovative features that enhance comfort and performance. With its combination of style, comfort, and functionality, the Pace Original sets new standards in the field of running shoes – and convinces both recreational and professional athletes alike.”
