About Us

Masterpiece has tradition

As early as 1898, the master haberdasher Emil Otto Sr. founded a textile craft business in Goslar. Emil Otto, great-grandfather of the current managing director, quickly made a name for himself as a producer of high-quality cords and trimmings. Even then, our customers valued the natural materials and precise craftsmanship in the best handcraft tradition.

Shortly thereafter, the family business began producing high-quality socks from premium yarns. It was in exactly these socks that Emil Otto stepped outside the ski lodge during a ski vacation in Austria after a snack. Naturally, the snow immediately soaked his socks. This travel experience inspired Emil to equip the socks made of felted virgin wool with a sturdy leather sole. The result was not only dry and warm feet but also an innovative product.

As a result, the success story of the cabin slipper began in 1955. Soon, the next slippers were created in our family business, but at that time they had not yet reached customers' feet under the Haflinger name. The company produced exclusively for well-known manufacturers who marketed the slippers under their own brands. These slippers secured a firm place in the homes and hearts of slipper wearers worldwide.

This was followed by expansions, innovations, and repeatedly new creations, marking the first step towards the Haflinger brand.

Founding of the Haflinger brand

Due to the increasing demand for the products and the penetration of specialist retailers, the Haflinger brand was founded in 1988. Thanks to the high quality standards and timeless design, the Haflinger brand quickly made a name for itself. The brand was first registered in Germany, later in Europe, and is now known and protected in many countries around the world.

Today, Haflinger stands as a symbol and term for lovingly crafted house and leisure shoes made from natural materials.

The creator of the brand itself was Gerd Otto Senior, father of the current managing director, who created the name Haflinger with his children, derived from the Haflinger horse. What do our shoes have in common with our namesake, the mountain horse Haflinger? On the one hand, grace and aesthetics combined with powerful endurance and durability. On the other hand, the original naturalness, surefootedness, and good, loyal character.

Anyone who knows Haflinger understands what friendship and trust mean.

The main headquarters of our traditional company is still located in Goslar, in the heart of the original landscape of the Northwest Harz. Inspired by this backdrop and raised with unique natural experiences, the need for naturalness and quality is closely linked to our family and our employees.

The long-standing textile tradition is now combined with the expertise of shoe production. This has resulted in the unique Haflinger shoe collection worldwide. The guiding principle is to combine natural foot and last shapes with natural raw materials and design – with the highest demand for the best craftsmanship.