Dansko

Dansko is a comfort footwear company based in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Dansko was founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot. Most well known for its clogs, Dansko also makes dress and casual shoes, sandals, and boots. The company is 100% employee owned.

On a trip to Denmark in the late 1980s, Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup came across clogs that worked well for their equestrian needs. The couple operated a farm where they worked as horse trainers and dressage instructors. After bringing back clogs for their farm staff on several trips to Denmark, Cabot and Kjellerup decided to establish Dansko in 1990. Dansko has since added several shoe styles, including sandals, boots, heels, flats, and more types of clogs.Inc. Magazine named Dansko in its list of 500 fastest-growing private companies in 1999 and 2000.

In 2012, 80% of Dansko's shoes were made in China; 20% in Italy. In early years, the company worked with a Danish partner and manufactured shoes in Europe (including Poland). Beginning in 1995, the company attempted to manufacture some product in the US but challenges related to lack of expertise in the labor force were deemed insurmountable and much manufacturing was shifted to China. In an effort to increase operational efficiency, Dansko opened a new, larger facility with 46 Kiva robots to assist with processing order fulfillment needs in November 2012. The new facility also lowered the distance which employees had to walk during their workday.

The Dansko Foundation, a non-profit run by employees, was founded in 2003. In 2005, Dansko launched its (ESOP), which fosters employee ownership. The company was able to buy back all previously-issued stock and operate as a completely employee owned company by 2012. In 2007, Dansko started selling beyond North America, with vendors in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. Dansko is sold at 2,500 retailers which include department stores, shoe stores, and online retailers.

In July 2014, Dansko clogs were featured in a photo displaying the Normcore fashion trend alongside Dolce & Gabbana.Today Style featured Dansko's Trista clog as one of the most comfy shoes. In September 2014, Dansko was recognized on B Corp's "Best for Workers" list.