Seven Steps 

Thanks to the pioneering spirit of seven generations, Scheer Shoes has been able to continually evolve.  

After my ancestors founded Scheer Shoes in 1816 and, within two generations, brought it to the European courts and thus to the world elite, the foundation for an extraordinary story was laid. 

I am often asked how this all feels. The answer is simple: I consider myself privileged and deeply fortunate to be in this role. 

Under Rudolf Scheer’s ownership, not only the emperors of Austria and Germany, the kings of Greece and Serbia, and the grand duchies of Luxembourg and Liechtenstein were counted among the clientele, but also large parts of the European nobility, the bourgeoisie, and important personalities of art and culture. 

It is thanks to the pioneering spirit of generations that Scheer has been able to continually evolve. Alongside the realisation that shoes must fit perfectly and represent one’s personality, the importance of orthopaedics was added in the fourth generation, and with the fifth generation — my grandfather, Carl Ferdinand — came the significance of design in the form of creative shoe models, such as the famous Scheer middle stitch. 

Throughout the years, my family has remained faithful and unwavering in upholding the core principles of the company: maintaining the highest level of craftsmanship through pure handwork; ensuring utmost individuality through bespoke customisation; and establishing deep, lasting relationships with our customers, who often became friends. 

I always describe this part of our history with great respect. Maintaining the passion and values of the family over such a long time with its ups and downs is a remarkable achievement. 

When I joined the company in the early 1990s, I naturally had very little understanding of the complexity that awaited me. My grandfather, himself a master craftsman, taught me the three cornerstones from scratch: orthopaedics, craftsmanship, and individualism. 

It took 10 years before my grandfather called me a Scheer-master. From then on, I became aware that the philosophy of our company is built not on growth, but on intensity and depth, and that our limitations guarantee our quality. 

Still, annually, only 300 pairs of custom-made shoes for men and women — crafted over 40 hours per pair — leave our house. New customers are asked to join a waiting list until a master can dedicate themselves fully to them. 

About 10 years ago, I had the idea to add other crafts to the company. I wanted to be able to offer wallets, belts, bags, and suitcases at the same high quality as our shoes — I succeeded. 

Building and expanding a young team of craftsmen and specialists who carry on the family’s passion with heart and mind, evolving the ideology with passion and curiosity, is my vision for the coming years. 

If I succeed, the foundation for a successful future will be laid. May future generations discover and continue the value of craftsmanship as a meaningful part of humanity. And may Scheer always pioneer in this endeavour. 

Markus Scheer is the seventh-generation owner of Scheer Shoes in Vienna.