Wolky is a true family business
Our story began with the Diks brothers, who grew up surrounded by shoes in their grandfather’s store. Even at a young age, they rolled up their sleeves and helped out, eventually building the business into six thriving stores under the name Diks Modeschoenen.
A Fresh Take on Comfort
Cork sandals? Too out there—at first
Back in the 1980s, the Diks brothers were on a mission: to offer well-fitting shoes in their stores, something still considered niche at the time. Cork footbeds were new and innovative, but to many, they seemed a bit too “alternative.” Still, once customers tried them, most were instantly sold—except for one thing: the footbeds felt a little too hard.
Listening closely to their customers, Kees and Jan developed their own vision of comfort. And when they couldn’t find a shoe that checked all the boxes, they simply decided to make one themselves. In 1982, Wolky was born.
The Birth of a Wolky Classic
Not long after, Kees introduced Wolky’s very first sandal: the Alto. Wide and flat, with a cushioned footbed that shaped to the foot thanks to a layer of memory foam, the Alto felt like nothing else on the market. Add in three adjustable Velcro straps, and suddenly it was a sandal that fit nearly every foot like a glove.
90% Handcrafted
From the Netherlands to Portugal
Soon after, the team dreamed bigger. They wanted to create closed-toe shoes as well. The first design—called the Nature—was a hit. Demand soared. With the collection growing, production in the Netherlands could no longer keep up. That’s when they discovered Portugal.
In Portugal, they found experienced artisans and small workshops that understood craftsmanship and could handle Wolky’s custom-designed soles. Factory-made? Not really. To this day, about 90% of every Wolky shoe is still handmade. That’s real craftsmanship.
The Big Breakthrough
Wolky’s big breakthrough came in 1989, when the brand partnered with designer Charles Bergmans. Together, they launched the Model 600 Paris—a bold, colorful sandal with a soft footbed and fully adjustable Velcro straps. Dutch magazine Elsevier praised its innovative design and “adjustability”—and from there, things took off. Women lined up for it. The collection grew rapidly, and the partnership with Bergmans lasted more than 25 years.
A Store Just for Wolky?
In 1995, the very first Wolkyshop opened its doors in the heart of Utrecht, the Netherlands. A store filled entirely with Wolky shoes—pretty bold at the time, but it worked. In fact, that original location is still going strong.
Under the leadership of Tom van Geemen, more stores quickly followed. And in 1997, Tom took a leap that was ahead of its time: he launched an online shop. Back then, buying shoes online was almost unheard of—but that early move laid the foundation for Wolky’s digital success today.
From Father to Son
By 1998, it was clear—Kees’ son Anthony had caught the shoe bug too. Father and son worked side by side for years until Anthony eventually took over the reins. In the years that followed, Wolky received multiple awards and recognitions. And word got out: the brand expanded with distribution centers in the United States and Germany, gaining momentum and growing its name around the world.
Wolky Comes to America
Made in Holland... well, kinda Mexico
As demand for Wolkys grew in the U.S., we wanted to keep production as close as possible to our American customers. So we went searching for high-quality factories in Mexico. That wasn’t as easy as we hoped—so in 1999, we just started our own factory. We named it “Holland.” Smart move, right? Americans love Dutch design. And since the shoes were designed in the Netherlands, we proudly labeled them “Made in Holland.” U.S. Customs, however, saw things a little differently. Our very first shipment of Roll Mocs? Sent straight back. Oops. ☺
A Wolky for Every Foot
Starting in the early 2000s, we expanded our collection with what we call “Specials”—shoes designed for feet that need a little extra care, or for women who simply want something different. Today, our Specials range has grown to include styles for hallux valgus, wider feet, diabetic-friendly options, mismatched feet, vegan shoes, and even custom-made boots. Because no two feet are the same—and that’s exactly why we do what we do.
From one Wolky fan to another
40+ Years of Loyal Fans
Over the past forty years, Wolky has built a devoted fanbase. Once women fall in love with a certain line, they keep coming back for more. And we make sure their favorites stay fresh—by introducing new colors, materials, and the occasional new twist on a trusted style. The comfort stays familiar, but you’ll still step out in something new. Meanwhile, we never stop improving. If there’s a way to make a shoe better, we’ll find it.
Designed for Walking — Let’s Go!
For over forty years, our mission has been to help women walk better — and walk more. And we’re still going strong, with shoes that support you every step of the way. Comfortable, supportive, and crafted with care. So, what do you say? Ready to take a walk?
Find a store
Wolkys are sold in over 2,000 stores across 16 countries — with more than 150 in the Netherlands alone, including dedicated Wolkyshops that carry the full range.
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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: