Berlin, 1991. 
Inspired to translate a new vision of responsible production into avant-garde shoes, Angela Spieth and Michael Oehler founded Trippen. Embodying the spirit of their reunited city, the designers forged a distinct style through an interplay of restraint and creativity. 
Rubber soles were pared down to a few carefully chosen styles, optimizing comfort, while the leather uppers provided limitless possibilities for expression and durability.

The signature design language that has since earned Trippen its international cult status emerged from this unique framework, to which the label remains true today—playfully referencing fashion’s shifts while transcending them with a timeless aesthetic. 

Thirty years later, Trippen became a family-run business, with Michael Oehler, Claudia Hoess, and their son Karl, shaping the brand through their expertise, enriched by the fresh perspectives of a new generation. A vital part of the team includes the dozens of shoemakers who make up the ethical, in-house production.

 

“Our most important values are design (we always wanted to make shoes that look different), ecology, social responsibility and our customer. Our goal is to negotiate between these four equally strong pillars of our brand to develop better shoes.” - M.Oehler

Founded during the sustainability movement of the early '90s, Trippen has since been dedicated to creating high-quality shoes with the lightest possible environmental footprint—a mission that continues to evolve. Embracing the principle, "choose well, buy less," Trippen emphasizes longevity, reflected not only in its timeless aesthetic but also in its environmental consciousness. Comfort and foot health have also been fundamental at Trippen since its inception, as M. Oehler came from an orthopedic footwear background.
For Trippen, designing for longevity means prioritizing durability and resilience. This involves using high-quality materials and carefully crafted patterns, allowing for easy disassembly and repair through a dedicated service (link repair service page) at the Trippen workshop. From the beginning, vegetable-tanned leather has been, and remains, our first of choice. 
Social responsibility is also foundational to the Trippen universe. In 1998, the brand established its own production facility in a former GDR shoe production area in Zehdenick, Brandenburg. Manufacturing in-house allows fabrication to occur on demand, reducing waste while optimizing quality control and flexibility. It also allows Trippen to keep its pricing honest. Ensuring wages are equitable and working conditions fair is top priority, especially given Trippen’s commitment to reducing unemployment and promoting social integration in its local community.

Green Product Award
January 27th 2024 brought us a great satisfaction: our t-project was named the winner of the Green Product Award Fashion 2024 in the Shoes category at Neonyt in Düsseldorf. 

Brandenburg Integration Award
During the ‘90s, migrants who had fled the Balkan Wars were welcomed into the workforce. Later we extended our efforts to migrants from Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria and Ucraine. This was recognized by the Brandenburg Integration Award in 2018.

German Design Awards 
The “Splitt” collection is awarded a Special Mention in the prestigious German Design Awards hosted by the German Design Council in 2015.

Good Design Awards
Won in 2013, 2009, 2004 and 2001 respectively for the “Splitt” and “Sport” collections, the “Box” and “Happy” collections, the “Penna” collection and finally for the “Cup” collection in Japan and USA.

iF product design award
Won twice for  the “Splitt” collection in 2014 and for the “x + os” collection in 2007.

German Shoe and Leather Goods Prize
Won for the “x + os” collection in 2007.

Red Dot Award
Won for the “Cup” collection for product design in 2001.

Trippen believes in the power of encounters, celebrating the complex and intriguing voices that shape the world of fashion. Our collaborations with both emerging designers and established labels offer a unique opportunity to explore Trippen’s takes on fashion while also sharing our expertise.

These collaborative projects are an integral part of our work, running alongside our regular collections and initiatives. We are also proud to support emerging creative minds and students by providing our products for their creative endeavors—whether for editorial projects, fashion shows, or other forms of artistic expressions.

Discover our editorial features
Learn more about our collaborations

If you're interested in featuring Trippen in your creative project, please contact us at: press@trippen.com