Trippen

Berlin, 1991. 
Inspired to translate a new vision of responsible production into avant-garde shoes, Angela Spieth and Michael Oehler founded Trippen. Embodying the spirit of their reunited city, the designers forged a distinct style through an interplay of restraint and creativity. 
Rubber soles were pared down to a few carefully chosen styles, optimizing comfort, while the leather uppers provided limitless possibilities for expression and durability.

The signature design language that has since earned Trippen its international cult status emerged from this unique framework, to which the label remains true today—playfully referencing fashion’s shifts while transcending them with a timeless aesthetic. 

Thirty years later, Trippen became a family-run business, with Michael Oehler, Claudia Hoess, and their son Karl, shaping the brand through their expertise, enriched by the fresh perspectives of a new generation. A vital part of the team includes the dozens of shoemakers who make up the ethical, in-house production.

“Our most important values are design (we always wanted to make shoes that look different), ecology, social responsibility and our customer. Our goal is to negotiate between these four equally strong pillars of our brand to develop better shoes.” - M.Oehler

Founded during the sustainability movement of the early '90s, Trippen has since been dedicated to creating high-quality shoes with the lightest possible environmental footprint—a mission that continues to evolve. Embracing the principle, "choose well, buy less," Trippen emphasizes longevity, reflected not only in its timeless aesthetic but also in its environmental consciousness. Comfort and foot health have also been fundamental at Trippen since its inception, as M. Oehler came from an orthopedic footwear background.

For Trippen, designing for longevity means prioritizing durability and resilience. This involves using high-quality materials and carefully crafted patterns, allowing for easy disassembly and repair through a dedicated service at the Trippen workshop. From the beginning, vegetable-tanned leather has been, and remains, our first of choice. 

Social responsibility is also foundational to the Trippen universe. In 1998, the brand established its own production facility in a former GDR shoe production area in Zehdenick, Brandenburg. Manufacturing in-house allows fabrication to occur on demand, reducing waste while optimizing quality control and flexibility. It also allows Trippen to keep its pricing honest. Ensuring wages are equitable and working conditions fair is top priority, especially given Trippen’s commitment to reducing unemployment and promoting social integration in its local community.