Tradition meets future - our brand history
The history of our company dates back more than 100 years. With the corresponding expertise and experience, our experts produce premium shoes that are more than just an accessory. They make a statement in terms of style, character, and quality.
Where artisanship has its roots and premium quality begins
The company’s story began in 1921 with a shoemaking workshop in Mattsee. To this day, we are still producing shoes in this Austrian town and combining traditional production methods with state-of-the-art technology.
Our roots are in artisanship. However, our gaze is fixed on the future. What guides us? A clear commitment to values that endure – sustainable thinking and action as well as comfort without compromise.
Here at Paul Green, tradition doesn’t mean standing still, it means having a deep understanding of where we come from and what we stand for.
Brand launch "Elizabeth"
The women’s shoe brand “Elizabeth” was launched – named after Queen Elizabeth II., who was crowned in the same year. “Elizabeth” represented elegance, composure, and timeless femininity – values that Paul Green has also always embodied. The shoes were produced in Mattsee itself. This was an important criterion for the development of our premium brand.
Today we can look back on those early years with pride and carry on the legacy of “Elizabeth” with every single pair of shoes we make.
The ‘80s – a decade of awakening
The year 1980 marked a turning point in the company’s history. The Haselberger family handed over the production facility in Mattsee to the German entrepreneur Hermann Wittfeld and, in doing so, paved the way for a new era.
Just eight years later, a further milestone was reached. The Paul Green brand was officially established in 1988. With the launch came a clear repositioning with the goal of making our premium shoes known across national borders.
Traditional artisanship met entrepreneurial vision. The connection to Mattsee remained. But this time with a new, international claim. A courageous step that turned Paul Green into the brand we are today –
regionally rooted, globally minded.
The 2000s – a new chapter with clear vision
In 2003, four long-standing leaders took over the helm at Paul Green. Following the management buyout by Gerhard Feger, Thomas Seiler, Guido Strebel and Gerald Huber, a new chapter began.
In 2009, construction was completed on the new headquarters in Mattsee – a modern corporate HQ with offices and production under one roof. This is the beating heart of Paul Green. Here, design, development and production come together seamlessly.
When the company changed its name to Paul Green GmbH, the brand identity was further refined and made future-proof.
Growth with vision – our production facility in Prelog, Croatia
In 2013, our new production facility in Prelog, Croatia, opened its doors. This was a significant step in growing our capacity while also ensuring exceptional production quality. Just like our headquarters in Mattsee, Prelog stands for real artisanship, the latest standards and “Made in Europe” quality.
It was clear from the start that this expansion was not about relocation but growth. Thanks to the new location, we have created room for more growth and made a conscious decision to observe fair working conditions, regional responsibility, and mutual respect. Experienced shoemakers from Mattsee shared their expertise with the team in Prelog and thus trained up a new generation of specialists.
Heute arbeiten unsere Teams in Mattsee und Prelog Hand in Hand, verbunden durch ein gemeinsames Ziel: Schuhe zu fertigen, die Komfort und Stil vereinen.
2022 – a new management team for the future
In 2022, a new management team was appointed to Paul Green. An experienced team comprising Barbara Aichinger, Jürgen Posch, Torsten Tesche and Peter Wastl took on the responsibility for the future of the company.
This generational change introduces fresh perspectives without losing sight of the values for which Paul Green has always been known – quality, style and sustainability. The new management team is shaping the next chapters of Paul Green’ history with determination and passion.
2025 – Heading into a new era with tenhaag
2025 marks another milestone in the history of Paul Green GmbH. The brand launch of tenhaag is the answer to profound changes in the market. Increasing casualization in fashion, the rising demand for high-quality sneakers, and the pressure on the classic women’s shoe segment require a rethink on the part of industry and commerce.
We have recognized the potential of this development and made the decision to develop a new brand that adapts to the change and creates new perspectives. We are combining our many years of experience with modern design standards and presenting a sporty, urban sneaker. With tenhaag, we are expanding our brand portfolio in a targeted way and showing once again that we not only embrace tradition, but also shape innovation.
