Weekly Feature: Romika

The ROMIKA brand was first established in 1922 when Mr. Hans Rollman, Mr. Karl Michael, and Mr. Karl Kaufman decided to start a business using the first two letters of their surnames to  create a brand name RO MI KA. This name “became a synonym for high quality premium footwear products worldwide” (ROMIKA, 2006). When it all began, not even the founders would have imagined that ROMIKA would become one of the most popular brand names in worldwide shoe history. However, due to incredible political and economic issues in Germany, the company trademark was later transferred to Mr. Hellmuth Lemm. In 1936, Lemm established the new ROMIKA GmbH, starting production with only 50 employees.

Initially, ROMIKA produced footwear soles as well as bicycle inner tubes, hot water bottles, and rubber boots. It was the first manufacturer to begin working with heated presses. As the 1950s approached, “more and more improved products were launched into the market and ‘Made in Germany’ became synonymous with quality” (ROMIKA, 2006).

The 1960s allowed ROMIKA a wider field of expansion. The company began to develop new sports shoes for tennis, basketball, football, hiking, and climbing. This permitted new factories to be opened across Europe – each establishment practising innovative production techniques. Since that time, the demand for fitness, leisure, and fashion footwear has caused ROMIKA to respond with a variety of sporty, casual shoes.

Over the years, many changes have been made to the existing company, but the desire to maintain comfortable, quality footwear has been maintained. When the Josef Seibel Group took over management of ROMIKA in 2005, production was kept close to home. Today, 70% of production lies in Eastern Europe, 5% is produced in the West (including some production facilities in Germany), and 25% has been placed in Asia.

Today, there are a number of techniques and materials used to bring you top-quality footwear. ROMIKA uses a RomiTex® Membrane on all their Top Dry Boots. Not only does this allow your footwear to be windproof and waterproof, but it also permits your feet to breathe, maintaining a comfortable foot climate (even with extreme weather conditions). Amaretta, which can also be referred to as “man-made leather” or “micro fibre,” is another material ROMIKA uses to create its footwear. Amaretta not only keeps its shape, appearance, and comfortable feel after numerous washes, it is also durable, breathable, and can absorb moisture among many other qualities. ROMIKA also uses cotton fibres because it is extremely resistant to mechanical as well as chemical influences. Cotton is strong, durable, washable, which makes it easy to clean and excellent for colouring.

Visit us in-store to see our selection of ROMIKA footwear. We’ll be happy to help you find the style that fits your feet.