Mephisto Rainbow

Product Information

It’s the closest shoe to an Audi All-Road. It’s a shoe of all roads. In the city they look good, and in the country they look good. They’re probably the most worn shoes I’ve ever had.” do NOT leave the store without making sure you try on the specific shoes they are selling (mine came from another store and didn't fit - but i found out on the way to the seahawks game and had no other shoes) Although the Rainbow had been around since the mid-60s, it took until the early-90s for it to be noticed outside the realm of rich European gentlemen. The Mephisto Rainbow — an Oi Polloi Champion Oi Polloi The Mephisto Rainbow — an Oi Polloi Champion

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.They’re middle class, luxury shoes. It’s a comfortable, casual old git shoe — but for us it’s a menacing shoe. For people in Europe they’re seen as stiffo shoes. People in France do not understand what we’re doing with that shoe in our shop. They do not get it — hence it’s one of our favourite things — it’s out of context.

Mephisto dealer Peter Ashton has a slightly firmer explanation. “The Rainbow was the first design by Martin Machaeli, the founder of Mephisto shoes. He started making them in his kitchen — the same location is now a factory that 50 years later is making 20,000 pairs per day.”

194.99€

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.

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. 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. 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. I remember having a pair on and going into Scott Sports in Altrincham and there was a lad in there flipping about them, shouting, ‘Where did you get them from?’ A few years later me and a mate saw a pair in London and we imagined how good it would be to have a shop in Manchester that sold them. And then I met Steve and we opened the shop and started selling comfort shoes.” 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…My advice is be careful, as this experience was my first where higher-end and great service were miles apart. 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.