The Makers
Masters at Work
The masterpiece that is a Hackner shoe is, in essence, a collective achievement. Countless steps and skilled techniques must come together in perfect sequence. Without our highly qualified and experienced team, a Vitallo, VitalloFlex, or Runnertune could never achieve its exceptional level of craftsmanship. Creating shoes of such high quality requires years of experience and true mastery. The same is true for our distinctive accessories – crafted with the same dedication and precision.
Every model passes through many different stages during its creation. Each is overseen by a specialist, playing a crucial role in the final result and influencing every step that follows. From cutting and preparation to stitching, assembly, and sole construction – like one gear engaging the next, our “manufacture artisans” work hand in hand to transform each unique piece – from shoe to leather jacket – into a true work of art.
Friedrich Hackner
Innovator
A passion for fine footwear runs in his blood. As the son of company founder Fritz Hackner, he was born into the craft of shoemaking. A true master of his trade, he developed groundbreaking manufacturing techniques and entire footwear systems – including innovative footbed technologies. As a visionary thinker, he combined classic shoemaking methods with forward-thinking ideas. One result of his work is the distinctive TroisCoutures sole construction, used in the classic men’s shoes of the Vitallo Kontorline. No other line bears his signature quite like this one: timeless design, unmatched comfort, and a relentless pursuit of handcrafted perfection.
Enthusiast
Friedrich Hackner’s second great passion is horses – which is why his repertoire also includes exceptional riding and polo boots. Even the German Reining Team of the Olympic Equestrian Committee competed in Hackner boots at the World Equestrian Games. Each pair crafted by his hands carries his unmistakable signature: style and understatement.
Michael Hackner
Athlete and Shoe Developer
A passion for shoes and sports has accompanied Michael Hackner from an early age. It was only natural that after earning his degree in footwear technology, he would focus on athletic footwear. As an automotive enthusiast, he didn’t just want to create another driver’s shoe – he set out to develop the ultimate driving shoe. This vision became reality with the Vitallo Monoposto, a project he pursued with utmost dedication. The design of his creations reflects the streamlined form and dynamic energy of the vehicles in which his shoes later see action.
Minimalist
A self-declared minimalist, he consistently follows his guiding principle when designing new models: less is more. This credo runs like a red thread through his work – from high-performance running shoes and luxurious accessories to distinctive golf models. Each one is perfectly tailored to its intended purpose and combined with unmistakable design à la Michael Hackner.
Stefan Hackner
Style Consultant
Stefan Hackner brings the ideal qualifications to serve as a link between customer and product. As a trained orth. shoemaker, he possesses extensive know-how in the craft and knows each product down to the last detail. But he’s also a trusted partner when it comes to matters of style and is always happy to offer personal guidance. He has a unique talent for conveying one of the core Vitallo philosophies to his clients: BYOD – Be Your Own Designer. This concept allows each customer to configure their shoes individually and create a personal one-of-a-kind piece.
Fitting Specialist
Thanks to his deep anatomical knowledge, he is also the perfect contact when it comes to Master Fitting – the custom tailoring of the Climatocork footbed, the heart of every Hackner shoe. Alongside his passion for beautiful and fast automobiles, he is an avid golfer, making him the go-to expert for golf shoes and their performance optimization.
