Wolky is a true family business
The Wolky story begins with the Diks brothers. From a young age, they could be found among the shoes in their grandfather’s shops – and together, they built the business into six thriving stores under the name Diks Modeschoenen.
A unique take on comfort
Cork sandals? Too alternative...
Back in the eighties, well-fitting shoes were still quite a novelty. The Diks brothers focused their shops on proper footwear – something not many were doing at the time. Sandals with a cork footbed were innovative, but people often saw them as a bit too alternative. Still, once tried, many were convinced. Customers only found the footbed a little too hard. By truly listening, Kees and Jan developed their own idea of comfort. When they couldn’t find a shoe that ticked all the boxes, they decided to start making them themselves. And so, in 1982, Wolky was born.
How Wolky’s very first sandal was born
Not long after, Kees introduced Wolky’s first-ever sandal: the Alto. It was wide and flat, with a footbed that moulded to the shape of the foot and felt wonderfully soft thanks to an extra layer of memory foam. With three Velcro straps, the sandal could be adjusted to fit almost any foot perfectly.
90% handmade
From the Netherlands to Portugal
It wasn’t long before there was a desire to create a closed shoe as well. The first one – the Nature – turned out to be a success, and demand for Wolky shoes began to grow. As the collection expanded, production in the Netherlands couldn’t keep up. In Portugal, we found skilled craftsmen and workshops that suited each shoe type and our self-developed soles. They’re not really factories as you’d expect – around 90% of every Wolky shoe is still made by hand. True craftsmanship, through and through.
Wolky’s big breakthrough
The breakthrough came in 1989, when Wolky began working with designer Charles Bergmans. That’s when model 600 Paris was launched – a colourful sandal with a soft footbed and Velcro straps for a perfect fit. The magazine Elsevier praised its innovative design and adjustability – and that’s when things really took off. Women were literally lining up. The collection grew rapidly, and the collaboration with Bergmans lasted for over 25 years.
A shop with nothing but Wolkys?
In 1995, the very first Wolkyshop opened its doors in the heart of Utrecht. A shop full of Wolkys – and a great success, as it’s still going strong today. Under the leadership of Tom van Geemen, more shops quickly followed. He was also ahead of his time online: in 1997, he launched the webshop – at a time when buying shoes online was anything but common. That early step laid the foundation for Wolky’s online success today.
From father to son
Meanwhile – it’s 1998 – and it turns out Kees’ son Anthony has caught the shoe bug too. Father and son work side by side for many years, until Anthony eventually takes over the reins. In the years that follow, Wolky wins several awards. And people take notice: Wolky opens distribution centres in the US and Germany and continues to grow in name and reputation.
Wolky heads to America
Made in Holland… uh, Mexico
As demand for Wolky shoes grew in the United States, we wanted to keep production as close as possible. So, we went looking for skilled factories in Mexico. Not an easy task – so in 1999, we simply started our own. We called it ‘Holland’ – clever, right? After all, Americans love Dutch Design. We even stamped Made in Holland on the shoes, since they were designed in the Netherlands. But US customs didn’t quite agree: the first shipment of Roll Mocs was sent straight back. Oops. ☺
A Wolky for every foot
Since 2000, we’ve been expanding our collection with ‘Specials’ – shoes for feet that need just a bit of extra care, or for women who are simply after something different. Over the years, the range has grown to include all sorts of Specials: from shoes for hallux valgus and fuller feet to models for diabetics, uneven feet, vegan styles and even custom-made boots.
A word from a Wolky fan
40+ years of loyal fans
Over the past forty years, Wolky has built up a loyal following. Women who find a favourite model often come back for another pair – and we’re happy to keep delivering. We give classic lines a fresh twist now and then, with new colours, updated materials, and the occasional new style within the range. That way, the comfort stays familiar, but you still step out in something new.
Meanwhile, we never stop improving – if there’s something we can make better, we do. Curious which styles have stood the test of time? Discover our all-time bestsellers: tried-and-tested comfort shoes our customers rely on, year after year.
Designed for walking – let’s go!
For over forty years, it’s been our mission to help women walk more – and walk better. And we’re not stopping anytime soon. Our shoes are made to move you forward every day: comfortable, supportive and crafted with care.
So, what do you say? Ready for a stroll?
Discover our new arrivals
We never stop innovating! Discover fresh designs and experience next-level comfort with our latest models – all created to support your feet, every step of the way.
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Step by step, we get moving
We’re here to encourage women to walk more – one step at a time. Join us on the journey.
I'm in. Let's go!
Find a shop near you
Wolky shoes are sold in 16 countries and over 2,000 shops worldwide – including 150+ in the Netherlands, and several in the UK.
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These shoes are of excellent quality. With proper care, they'll stay beautiful for a long time – sustainable for the planet and smart for your wallet. Our maintenance tips: