A Timeless Tradition of Shoemaking: The Story of Ed Meier

Eduard Meier GmbH, a renowned German shoemaking company, boasts a remarkable history dating back to 1596. Founded in Munich, it holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest continuously operating shoemaking company.

Originally established by Hans Mayr, the company has a long history of providing shoes to royal families, including the Saxon royal house, the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, and the Bavarian royal house. The company’s longstanding commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious “Hoflieferanten titel,” a designation bestowed upon businesses that serve royal or noble households. This honor reflects Eduard Meier GmbH’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.

t the start of the 20th century, Wilhelm Eduard Meier added ready-made shoes to the company’s offerings. After World War II, his son, Eduard Meier II, took over the business and rebuilt it from the ground up. To ensure the utmost accuracy in shoe fitting, Eduard Meier II employed a pedoscope, a device that allowed him to examine feet inside shoes. This innovation led to the development of his patented “Peduform” shoes, known for their exceptional fit and comfort.

Today, the company is led by siblings Peter Eduard Meier and Brigitte Meier, representing the 13th generation of the family. Eduard Meier GmbH continues to offer a wide range of footwear, including bespoke shoes, ready-to-wear footwear, sports and outdoor gear, classic-style clothing, and leather goods. One unique feature of the company is its horse-drawn carriage delivery service, reminiscent of its historical roots in Munich. This distinctive service adds a touch of old-world charm to the modern-day experience of purchasing Eduard Meier shoes.