After returning to his home country of Italy, Polegato began working in his family’s footwear workshop to develop his new invention: a rubber sole with a unique membrane that allows water vapor to escape but prevents water from entering. This breakthrough led him to patent the technology and, when major manufacturers showed no interest, he launched Geox, combining "Geo" (earth) with "x" to symbolize science and innovation.

What started as a side project with just five employees from his local village of Biadene di Montebelluna grew into a global enterprise. Today, Geox employs over 30,000 people worldwide and operates 1,300 stores globally. Remarkably, the first five employees still work for the company.

Geox became known as the inventor of the “breathing shoe,” expanding its patented technology to include collections for men, women, and children. This innovation set a new standard in footwear comfort and performance.

Staying true to its roots of innovation, Geox invests 2% of its annual revenues into research and development, consistently improving its products to offer the best solutions to its customers. This commitment ensures Geox remains a leader in footwear and clothing technology.