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The History of Aigle: Crafting Legacy and Innovation

Aigle’s journey began in 1853 in Montargis, France, under the visionary leadership of American entrepreneur Hiram Hutchinson. Hutchinson, recognizing the transformative potential of vulcanized rubber, acquired the patent from Charles Goodyear. This revolutionary process made rubber more resilient to temperature changes, ensuring it remained elastic and waterproof, and thus perfect for creating durable footwear.

Hutchinson’s new venture, “A L’Aigle,” named in honor of the American Eagle, quickly set the standard for quality rubber products. The brand’s early focus was on producing waterproof city shoes, laying the foundation for what would become a global icon in footwear.

As leisure activities became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, Aigle expanded its offerings to include premium canvas and rubber shoes designed for sports and outdoor activities. By 1967, Aigle had established a boot production plant in Ingrandes, where the iconic “Bison” model was first crafted by master bootmakers.

Aigle made a splash in 1972 with the launch of the “Regatta,” a distinctive blue boot with two white stripes, created to celebrate the Munich Olympic Games. This design marked a significant step in Aigle’s journey, blending functionality with style.

The brand's momentum continued to build, and in 1989, Aigle opened its first store in the chic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. This move introduced a ready-to-wear collection, expanding beyond footwear and solidifying Aigle’s reputation for quality and style. By the 1990s, Aigle was a global presence, with stores in over 70 countries and an annual production of 900,000 handmade rubber Wellington boots, all crafted in France.

In 2016, Aigle celebrated two decades of its renowned Parcours Anti-Fatigue Wellington boot, a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and comfort. The Parcours 2, featuring Anti-Fatigue technology, allows wearers to walk further with less effort, embodying Aigle’s dedication to enhancing outdoor experiences.

Today, Aigle’s legacy of French craftsmanship and pioneering spirit continues to thrive. The brand embraces environmental sustainability, launching eco-friendly collections and driving initiatives like the Ethical Traveller’s Guide and the “For the reintroduction of Man into Nature” campaign. Celebrating over 160 years of heritage, Aigle remains a beacon of quality, innovation, and respect for nature, with hundreds of stores worldwide catering to outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers alike.

The History of Aigle: Crafting Legacy and Innovation

Aigle’s journey began in 1853 in Montargis, France, under the visionary leadership of American entrepreneur Hiram Hutchinson. Hutchinson, recognizing the transformative potential of vulcanized rubber, acquired the patent from Charles Goodyear. This revolutionary process made rubber more resilient to temperature changes, ensuring it remained elastic and waterproof, and thus perfect for creating durable footwear.

Hutchinson’s new venture, “A L’Aigle,” named in honor of the American Eagle, quickly set the standard for quality rubber products. The brand’s early focus was on producing waterproof city shoes, laying the foundation for what would become a global icon in footwear.

As leisure activities became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, Aigle expanded its offerings to include premium canvas and rubber shoes designed for sports and outdoor activities. By 1967, Aigle had established a boot production plant in Ingrandes, where the iconic “Bison” model was first crafted by master bootmakers.

Aigle made a splash in 1972 with the launch of the “Regatta,” a distinctive blue boot with two white stripes, created to celebrate the Munich Olympic Games. This design marked a significant step in Aigle’s journey, blending functionality with style.

The brand's momentum continued to build, and in 1989, Aigle opened its first store in the chic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. This move introduced a ready-to-wear collection, expanding beyond footwear and solidifying Aigle’s reputation for quality and style. By the 1990s, Aigle was a global presence, with stores in over 70 countries and an annual production of 900,000 handmade rubber Wellington boots, all crafted in France.

In 2016, Aigle celebrated two decades of its renowned Parcours Anti-Fatigue Wellington boot, a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and comfort. The Parcours 2, featuring Anti-Fatigue technology, allows wearers to walk further with less effort, embodying Aigle’s dedication to enhancing outdoor experiences.

Today, Aigle’s legacy of French craftsmanship and pioneering spirit continues to thrive. The brand embraces environmental sustainability, launching eco-friendly collections and driving initiatives like the Ethical Traveller’s Guide and the “For the reintroduction of Man into Nature” campaign. Celebrating over 160 years of heritage, Aigle remains a beacon of quality, innovation, and respect for nature, with hundreds of stores worldwide catering to outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers alike.