ZEHA History

October 2025

Relaunch – New Collection, New Era

In October 2025, the relaunch: ZEHA Berlin presents a completely redesigned collection – and for the first time, its own fashion and sports collection. T-shirts, tracksuits and accessories from Italy, bags made from our own leather, balls from certified partners. Everything designed in Berlin, manufactured in Europe, with the highest quality standards. ZEHA remains what it has always been: a brand with history, attitude and craftsmanship. But now also with the quality that has carried the name since 1897.

Early 2025

Back to the Roots – Restarting once again

Early 2025 marks the beginning of reconstruction. ZEHA returns to its roots: part of the production is relocated to Italy, new partnerships are established in Portugal – producers that share the same philosophy of craftsmanship and quality. The standard: even better quality, even more high-end, even more sustainability. There is experimentation, rejection, rethinking. The range is deliberately reduced to sharpen the focus: fewer models, but each one a statement for longevity and design.

End of 2024

Production Crisis – The Decision

At the same time, production errors accumulate at the end of 2024. Shoes cannot be delivered, quality no longer meets the ZEHA standards that customers have trusted for decades. The company faces an existential question: Give up or start over? For Alexander Barré and his team, there is only one answer: Continue – but radically different. No more compromises on quality and craftsmanship.

2024

Taking a Stand – An Art Campaign idea develops

At the end of 2024, ZEHA faces an unexpected challenge: political developments in the USA and Elon Musk's authoritarian statements make it impossible to continue driving the company Teslas in good conscience. Alexander Barré wants to take a stand. A mutual friend from Leipzig introduces him to artist Michael Fischer-Art – the beginning of an extraordinary collaboration. The Teslas become rolling art objects, ZEHA Basketballers become hand-painted unique pieces. The campaign combines art, attitude and social commitment – and shows that a company can take a position without betraying its values.

2019

Just in!

Supplementary cutting lines, new types of leather and innovative sole design: the Marathon launches with a new look. The Carl Häßner collection expands with the models Finalist, WM66 and Liverpool. And without the double stripes for the first time: the Binz beach shoe - a tribute to the 50s.

2014

At long last – the desired models come to the market

The Zeha portfolio expands with the Fechter (fencer) and Marathon models. The Carl Häßner Libero and football boot Derby arrive in 2015. The Trainer, with crepe soles, based on the special training shoes of the 60s, is released in 2016. Accessories like purses, belts and socks are also available.

2009

First ZEHA Store in Berlin

The first Zeha store opens in Prenzlauer Berg and others soon follow. Each Zeha store tells its own story with an individual concept: a gym with old sports equipment, an authentic shoemaker's workshop or a retro living room ambience. The online shop is launched in 2011.

2006

Football World Cup in Germany - Carl Hässner Revival

Zeha designs a Carl Häßner collection in honour of its founding father. The 50s retro style World Cup collection is hugely popular. It still remains one of the top-sellers with the Liga and Club models. The high-quality processed Urban Classics arrive in 2007 - with a bag collection as well.

2002

The Comeback in Berlin

Alexander Barré accidentally rediscovers the shoes of his youth at a friend's home. Together they find old shoes, leather shafts and product catalogues in the Hohenleuben Museum of Local History. The dream of a sports shoe revival is born. The first Zeha Berlin shoes are sold around Christmas 2003.

1989

The turning point and the end of a success story

The company remains the East German supplier to the Olympic, World and European Championship teams. The focus is on new and further developments. A year after the Berlin Wall falls, the Treuhand (German Privatization Agency) takes over the business. Production finally ends in early 1992.

1972

Nationalization

Shortly after Zeha’s 75th anniversary, the company is expropriated and the operation becomes fully nationalized. The company becomes “VEB Spezialsportschuhe Hohenleuben.” The internationally protected Zeha trademark with two double stripes remains. But the patent rights are transferred to VEB.

1960

Sports shoes for top athletes

Zeha is the East German sports shoe brand. The Carl Häßner shoe factory becomes the official supplier to the East German Olympic team. East German athletes from around 60 disciplines wear Zeha. Specializing in innovative sports shoes for different disciplines leads to international recognition.

1954

Birth of the sports shoe with two double stripes

Carl Jr. risks a new start and specializes in sports shoes. In 1955, the shoes with two double stripes are registered as a trademark in East and West Germany. Exports to West Germany, Belgium, Holland and Singapore begin in 1956. The double stripes become the distinguishing feature.

1947

Hohenleuben

Production increases. A new factory is built in Hohenleuben. Carl Junior's son, Karl, becomes an equal partner. In addition to manufacturing outdoor shoes, the company specializes in sports and football boots, as both father and son are enthusiastic football players.

1935

World War II and the time of upheval

Zeha’s founder dies and his son, Carl Jr., takes over the company. Due to delivery bottlenecks and employees entering the military, the company’s end looks certain. 30 Zeha employees now produces alternative footwear made of fabric and synthetic leather, work shoes and hand-stitched sports shoes.

1922

25th Anniversary – Dance on the Volcano, Coffeehaus Culture, and Variety Nights

Production temporarily ceases during World War I. In 1919, 25 employees start producing 100 shoes per day. The shoes are distributed by train and bicycle. Due to their quality and refinement, the shoes are especially popular with artists and big city bohemians in Berlin.

1897

Founding the Carl Hässner shoe factory

Carl Häßner establishes his first shoe factory in Weida, Thuringia at the age of 34. He makes slippers and felt shoes by hand. After modernizing the factory in 1905, he concentrates on handmade leather shoes. Tanneries in the area offer great opportunities for partnerships.