Mephisto Rainbow

Product Information

To those unfamiliar with this sturdy gem, it’s a big, brown mass of leather that sits somewhere between a hiking boot and a shoe. Designed in 1965 by a young German named Martin Michaeli, it’s usually sold in shops with names like ‘City Strollers’ and ‘Pedi-Comfort’ and is extremely popular with old, French men who weary chunky corduroy trousers and shirts with massive collars. It’s also been a mainstay of Oi Polloi since the early years. I pestered boss-man and Mephisto hoarder Nigel to find out why…

If you do buy insoles, do not try on any shoes without first trying on the shoes without the WITHOUT the insoles because the insoles change the fit. The Rainbow was also one of the most expensive shoes in the market. His attitude was ‘take it or leave it’, and yet sales grew because people could see the design and construction was second to none. Timeless Style and Versatility: Rainbow Shoes exude timeless elegance and versatility. Their classic designs effortlessly blend with various wardrobes, making them suitable for a range of occasions. From casual outings to more formal events, Rainbow Shoes offer a sophisticated touch that complements any ensemble. With a range of colors and finishes available, wearers can express their individual style while enjoying the enduring appeal of these iconic shoes.A Global Footwear Icon: Mephisto Rainbow Shoes have garnered a loyal following worldwide. From discerning individuals seeking unmatched comfort to those who appreciate timeless style, Rainbow Shoes have become a staple in the footwear collections of fashion-conscious individuals and comfort seekers alike. Mephisto's commitment to customer satisfaction and its unwavering dedication to excellence have solidified its position as a global icon in the footwear industry.

This article first appeared in our last issue of Pica~Post, but seeing as our Soho shop just got their first delivery of Mephistos, we thought we’d let virtual eyes see it too… My suggestion is if you like the shoes, just buy online and skip the potential drama from the store. THe shoes I ended up exchanging for - Mephisto Polo's - I got on sale (corporate offered me the sale price early - another big league move). They were a little bit like Paraboot at the time in the way they were always expensive. The need for it had always been there since the early 80s, there was always this country hiking sort of look, but the Mephisto wasn’t there with it at the time. Before starting Mephisto in 1965, Martin travelled to the USA to complete a degree course in Footwear Technology (only in America eh?). It was here he came up with the idea of using the best materials around and the best construction techniques to make the best shoe in the world. As you’ve probably guessed, this shoe became the Rainbow. There seemed to be a few brown, hippy shoes around that time. The Americans were onto it, the Germans were onto it and the Danish were onto it. It’s that outdoor lifestyle flavour. It’s not flower power, it’s that Yosemite thing — the great, spectacular outdoors — humans living amongst nature. I think that’s where the design came from. I know it’s such a purposeful design that it couldn’t have come from something so crazy, but I know the Polyveldt and the Desert Trek came from a similar place.” ponders Nigel.My advice is be careful, as this experience was my first where higher-end and great service were miles apart.

Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence: Mephisto's Rainbow Shoes continue to uphold the brand's legacy of excellence. With decades of experience and a commitment to continuous innovation, Mephisto has established itself as a leader in comfort footwear. Rainbow Shoes represent the pinnacle of this legacy, offering wearers the perfect combination of style, comfort, and uncompromising quality. Every Mephisto shoe is handmade by master shoemakers inside their factory in France; that's no wonder why this unique footwear brand won the award for the "Best Footwear Brand of France" 3 times in a row. You can expect a pleasant and cosy walking experience wearing the iconic Mephisto Rainbow shoes. The ideas were revolutionary then. There was extra padding in the most important places and the last design that allows the shoe to roll with the foot when walking, instead of the foot rolling with the shoe. All this came about because there was nothing like this in the market. It completely rewrote the rulebook of shoemaking then.Martin still owns the company, and his son and daughter also work at Mephisto. He is now about 80, lives in Zurich and is a billionaire — solely thanks to Mephisto shoes.”