This article first appeared in our last issue of Pica~Post, but seeing as our Soho shop just got their first delivery of Mephistos, we thought we’d let virtual eyes see it too… 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. 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. 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.

My suggestion is if you like the shoes, just buy online and skip the potential drama from the store. THe shoes I ended up exchanging for - Mephisto Polo's - I got on sale (corporate offered me the sale price early - another big league move). The Rainbow was also one of the most expensive shoes in the market. His attitude was ‘take it or leave it’, and yet sales grew because people could see the design and construction was second to none. They were a little bit like Paraboot at the time in the way they were always expensive. The need for it had always been there since the early 80s, there was always this country hiking sort of look, but the Mephisto wasn’t there with it at the time. 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. Martin still owns the company, and his son and daughter also work at Mephisto. He is now about 80, lives in Zurich and is a billionaire — solely thanks to Mephisto 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. My advice is be careful, as this experience was my first where higher-end and great service were miles apart.

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. It’s a big shoe, yet it always appears quite sharp and sleek. It’s a bit hard to explain why it looks right — in the same way it’s hard to explain why a Golf GTI looks right. It’s one of those things that doesn’t really make sense, but it just works.” Mephisto Rainbow Shoes epitomize the perfect blend of unmatched comfort and timeless style. With a rich heritage spanning decades, Mephisto has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship and innovative footwear. Rainbow Shoes, a beloved line within the Mephisto collection, offer discerning individuals unparalleled comfort, superior support, and enduring style that transcends seasons and trends.

As a shoe engineer in Germany in the 1950s, Martin Michaeli first travelled to the US where he was a footwear designer and footwear factory manager. In 1965 Michaeli moved to France where he assembled a small team and set up Mephisto, with the aim of creating some of the world’s most comfortable and highest quality footwear. Mephisto developed its iconic moccasin shoe which remains popular to this day, and patented a unique manufacturing method to create incredibly comfortable footwear. 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.”