OUR
HISTORY
BEHIND THE BRAND’S
FRENCH HERITAGE,
A VISIONARY AMERICAN
Rubber, innovation and an American founder: Aigle has some surprising beginnings.
AT THE START
WAS VULCANISATION
In Hiram Hutchinson’s days, rubber had already been developed, but showed little resistance to high temperatures. To make it less brittle (in the cold) and less sticky (in heat), the inventor discovered vulcanisation. Once heated in a pressurised atmosphere, rubber is resistant to all changes in temperature.
From as early as 1842, this vulcanisation process, which made the rubber elastic and waterproof, would revolutionise part of the industry and fascinate entrepreneur Hiram Hutchinson, founder of Aigle.
1853
Hiram Hutchinson purchased the rubber vulcanisation patent applied to the shoe and created the “Compagnie du caoutchouc souple”, to create waterproof city shoes.
1936
With the revolution brought about by paid leave in France, Aigle diversified its offer: sports and outdoor shoes enriched the range of rubber models.
1967
Aigle sets up its boot production plant in Ingrandes. The “Bison” model is the first to be produced by the master bootmakers in this factory.
1972
For the Olympic Games in Munich, Aigle creates the “Regatta”: the famed blue boot bearing two white stripes.
1989
Aigle opens its first store in Paris, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and offers ready-to-wear for the first time, in addition to its shoe collection.
1993
The Ethical Traveller’s Guide is published, so that tourism can be more virtuous and respectful of nature.
2007
The award-winning campaign “For the reintroduction of Man into Nature” is launched.
2013
Aigle celebrates 160 years of history with a Heritage collection.
2020
Aigle becomes a purpose driven company and creates collections that are ever more environmentally-friendly.
AIGLE TODAY
French know-how and pioneering spirit.
Our outdoor clothing and accessories are worn all over the world: Aigle owns several hundred stores across Europe, Asia and America.
Still today, Aigle brings together French know-how and the pioneering spirit. Our outdoor clothing and accessories are worn all over the world: Aigle owns several hundred stores across Europe, Asia and America.
