The Man Behind The Brand
The grandson of a shoemaker, William Mathias Scholl dedicated his life to revolutionary research on the “science of foot relief.” His desire to create shoes that fit better, alleviate foot pain, and treat foot problems led him to groundbreaking research from which that we still benefit from today.
Scholl was born June 22, 1882, during a time when foot pain was virtually inevitable. Scholl became all too familiar with this problem early in life. Working first as an apprentice shoe repairer and later as a shoe sales clerk, he was reminded daily of the incredible need for better shoes.
After earning an MD from Illinois Medical College, now known as Loyola University, Dr. Scholl launched his own business as a manufacturer of orthopedic foot products.
The Original Dr. Scholl’s® Exercise Sandal was launched in 1968 with a remarkable impact. By the end of 1972, national sales had reached one million pairs.
Designed with a raised toe crest to encourage a gripping action and shapely legs, this simple sandal’s most outstanding feature is its wooden sole. It was this sole that influenced the chunky shoes and clogs so prevalent during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
Dr. Scholl’s® Signature Shoe
The Original Dr. Scholl’s® Exercise Sandal from the 1960s and ‘70s returned to fashion again in the ‘90s, appearing on runways and in Vogue magazine. The design remained authentic then, as it is today, and continues as a fashion staple. Its sleek, architectural design complements all types of clothing and has been seen on HBO’s “Sex and the City” as well as in the pages of many fashion and news magazines.
