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Focus On ECCO
In recent years, the premium comfort shoe brand "ECCO" has been slowly gaining attention in the sneaker scene. Based in Scandinavia, Denmark, what is the philosophy behind ECCO's shoe-making? And what is the reason for their rapidly growing presence? We will take a look into the world of "ECCO" from all angles.
This is the headquarters of Echo, located in the rural town of Bredebro in southern Denmark. It is not only the hub of the global company, but also the place where the company was founded in 1963, when it began manufacturing its first shoes.
Located on the grounds of the headquarters, this is the museum building named "UPSTAIRS," a new facility built in November 2015. In addition to employees and media representatives, the general public is welcome to tour the facility by appointment.
The museum is filled with the history of "Echo" from its establishment in 1963 to the present. Let's take a quick look back at the history of the company by reviewing its representative works of the past.
First of all, here it is. These women's pumps were manufactured in 1965, two years after the company was founded. It may seem a bit surprising, but Echo began its history by manufacturing women's shoes.
Leather clog sandals manufactured in 1972. They were made in pursuit of a more natural and comfortable fit. This is where the germination of the later comfort shoes can be seen.
The Echo Soft leather comfort shoe was created in 1981. This model was an explosive hit and was later made into a series of standard models representing the brand, and its successors remain highly popular to this day.
These leather slip-ons were provided to the Danish delegation to the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Incidentally, "Echo" is not only a national brand that local Danish people are familiar with, but is also known as the brand that was purveyed to the Danish Royal Family.
Echo's first golf shoes, released in 1996. These shoes are also made of leather. The company's golf shoes are still supported by a wide range of golfers today.
The "Echo Biom" running shoe was introduced in 2009. Developed in collaboration with the Cologne Sport University in Germany, the shoes attracted many runners at the time. Nylon mesh is a common material for the upper of running shoes, but leather is also used for these shoes.
Why does Echo care so much about leather? The following items will reveal the reasons.
This is a small town in the southern part of the Netherlands called Donchen. Here is the factory of Echo Leather, a subsidiary of Echo, which manufactures leather products.
Echo handles everything from tanning to shoe manufacturing in its own factories. This is a major difference from other shoe brands and a strength unique to Echo.
What is surprising is that Echo Leather supplies leather not only to Echo, but also to other brands. The ratio of leather supplied to the company and to other companies is approximately 50-50. The company supplies to a wide range of brands, including the world's most prestigious luxury brands, as well as bag brands and sports brands. Among the suppliers, there is even the name of Apple Inc! Echo Leather's leather is actually used for the leather cases of iPhones and iPads.
How is it possible to produce leather of such high quality that even Apple approves of? We went into the factory to find out the secret.
Established in 2000, the factory employs 250 people and produces 2.5 million head of leather annually. The raw hides are tanned through multiple processes, dyed and processed, and then sorted by grade for shipment. What impressed me was how clean the factory was. Every inch of the factory was thoroughly cleaned and organized. The leather tanning process uses a lot of water, and Echo Leather has a plant on the premises to clean the water before draining it.
While Echo Leather uses this traditional manufacturing process to produce high quality leather, there is one thing that sets it apart from other general leather manufacturers. Echo Leather has an in-house research and development department and a design department, and continues to take on the challenge of developing new materials by making full use of the latest technology.
Echo has introduced a number of innovative leathers, such as the transparent leather "Aparicion," the indigo-dyed leather "True Indigo" with denim-like shading and fading, and "Chromataffer," which changes color in response to heat. Today, Echo Leather's designers continue to research and develop new leathers and innovations in the leather industry.
Once again, we are in a different place, this time in Portugal. This is Echo Portugal, the shoe factory of Echo, located on the outskirts of the World Heritage city of Porto. Echo is known as a brand of comfort shoes, but why are Echo's shoes so comfortable? We will explore the secret behind the comfort of Echo shoes.
Echo currently has shoe factories in six locations around the world, but Echo Portugal is the oldest of the current Echo shoe factories, having been established in 1984. All important products, such as new shoe samples, limited editions, and top-ranked golf shoes, are made at this factory.
It should be noted that the company manufactures everything from wooden patterns to molds in-house. While many shoe manufacturers outsource these processes, "Echo Portugal" insists on manufacturing them in-house.
The company manages everything in-house, from procurement of raw hides, tanning, and dyeing, to production of wooden molds and molding, and shoe production. This is extremely rare in today's manufacturing industry, where the division of labor is progressing. The comfort of ECHO's shoes, which become addictive once worn, may be born from such a unique manufacturing style.
How do the people "inside" Echo perceive their brand and how do they wear their shoes? Here are some style samples of Echo Leather's designers and staff.
Echo Leather Assistant Designer
About the shoes worn.
I like that it's a classic model, but it fits in with today's athletic style. It's a classic model, but I like that it fits in with today's athletic style.
I like this part of the echo!
Echo is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to leather and shoes. I think Echo is a company that values innovation while at the same time carrying on tradition.
Echo Leather Videographer
About the shoes worn.
I like the color of this 'biome. It's hard to match shiny things with clothes if the shine is too strong, but I like that the shine is subdued.
I like this part of the echo!
The environment is creative, free, and allows you to take on any challenge! And the staff is friendly.
Echo Leather Event Manager
About the shoes worn.
The "Echo Soft 8" is a classic sneaker. It is a collaboration model with the Danish brand Last Conspiracy. I like the thin lining and the fact that they are light and easy to wear.
I like this part of the echo!
Echo is like a family, even though it is a big company. That's what I think makes Echo so appealing.
Echo Leather Design Coordinator
About the shoes worn.
The Echo Crepe Tray has a crepe sole. The leather upper is a new material that will be available next year.
I like this part of the echo!
I like that it has a family feel, yet remains innovative."
Echo Leather Customer Service Manager
About the shoes worn.
Samples of new leather shoes. We are actually wearing and testing them. The leather has a wonderful texture and is very comfortable."
I like this part of the echo!
I think they are a manufacturer that makes shoes that people of all ages will enjoy. They are also very comfortable!"
Echo Leather Sales Manager
About the shoes worn.
We are testing a new model called 'Vitolas. This model is made of soft leather, which is rare for formal shoes.
I like this part of the echo!
I think it's great that they are always positive and open to new ideas."
Phone: 0120-974-010
jp.ecco.com
