The world of shoes has changed since it first became a large scale organized business in the nineteenth century. Previously most production was small scale with the wealthier probably having a favorite shoe maker but no one made large volume.
The Industrial Revolution changed that with many manufacturers basing themselves in advantageous places with ease of distribution both raw material into the factory and finished product out. Leather had been the standard material used but the utilization of rubber and manmade materials allowed for a cheaper mass produced product.
Several countries in Europe became famous for shoe making, often with production limited to specific pockets in that country. It was slow in coming but the emergence of areas in the world with a cheaper labor force saw those traditional companies faced with the problem of switching manufacture away from the original headquarters, spreading production to take some advantage of cheaper labor markets or defy the trend and hope that quality and name could win the day.
The man in rieker shoes who was used to walk along the streets of a German city could be convinced to stick with the tried and tested while spreading the name elsewhere for production could get the best of both worlds these were the dilemmas facing the shoe manufacturer.
Different companies took different positions with some moving away from manufacture completely though still using the traditional name and marketing shoes bought from Far East factories. This change happened when fashion was placing different demands on the industry. The use of a wider range of materials led to color and design improvements and shoes quickly took a giant leap into the fashion scene, having previously been a conservative product with the function of protection, warmth and comfort.
Since time began and for many centuries footwear were very basic, protecting against rough terrain initially then gradually little more. Warmth in colder conditions, hardy against dangerous environments but generally very basic, footwear was not a great priority within the overall wardrobe. The years from the mid fifties gradually saw that style coming into the situation which was followed by color. Comfort was certainly not ignored and a good deal of research was undertaken so that the foot was encased in a supportive shoe comfortable yet able to help in the more active lives that leisure time brought to the young.
Fashion dictates many aspects in life like the latest dress, the designer clothes and rieker shoes. There were many occasions when society is conscious of its appearance and hoping to impress. There is one requirement of fashion that is consistent till now and that is the demand for quality because only high quality can identify the status of someone, can provide the feel good factor which is so important in motivation and success.