What Tretorn is known for
Swedish rubber brand founded 1891 in Helsingborg, first making galoshes from patented Dunker Gummi; launched the Nylite tennis sneaker in 1967, and remains linked to Sweden's wellington-boot tradition.
Tretorn was established in Helsingborg, Sweden in 1891, initially manufacturing rubber galoshes for farmers dealing with harsh weather and inadequate footwear. Henry Dunker, son of the founding owner, joined as the company's first salesman and pushed for functional rubber shoes made from a patented rubber compound, Dunker Gummi; the company produced almost 250,000 pairs in its first two years and one million pairs by 1896. It added canvas shoes with rubber soles, along with tennis balls, hoses and bike pedals, by 1902. Tretorn released its Nylite tennis shoe in 1967, later described as the world's first luxury tennis sneaker and worn by professional players as well as becoming a preppy style staple. While the US market associates Tretorn chiefly with tennis, in Europe and the UK the brand is equally known for rubber boots and wellingtons.
Best for — Tennis sneakers, canvas; Swedish boots, heritage; Boots
Asia; Sweden
Where next
- Moreau — Paris
- Stepney Workers Club — London
- L/Uniform — Paris
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