About us

The Cordewener family business

Feet in focus – for more than 100 years and across four generations.

To help people worldwide live healthier, more comfortable and more active lives.

Across four generations we have passed on one craft: orthopedic shoemaking. What remains is the standard we set – every foot deserves its own solution.

Even our name carries the craft in it: it goes back to the 'Cordwainer', the shoemaker who worked with fine leather, and further to 'Córdoba' and 'Cordován', the noble leather from Spain.

The name Cordewener

The name Cordewener has deep roots in the art of shoemaking. It derives from:

  • “Cordwainer” (English) – a traditional shoemaker who works with the finest leather.
  • “Córdoba” (Spanish city) – known for its long tradition of leather production.
  • “Cordován” – a noble, exclusive leather used for high-quality shoes.

This connection shows: craftsmanship and quality are anchored in our DNA.

From the workshop to foot health.

  1. 1914

    The beginnings

    It all starts in classic shoemaking – with leather, tools and the belief that a shoe has to fit the person.

  2. 1984

    The move into orthopedics

    The family specializes in orthopedics: insoles, custom shoes and fittings that make movement possible again.

  3. 2008 – today

    Growth & innovation

    Seven branches in Germany, China since 2018 – and Switzerland since 2025. State-of-the-art analysis technology meets a craft that has grown over generations.

Zurich – close to our hearts

Marc and Dave Cordewener love Zurich – not only for its breathtaking nature and high quality of life, but also for the dynamic, health-conscious and sporty people who fit perfectly with Cordewener.

That includes their long-time friend Constantin, who moved the center of his life from splitting his time between the Hawaiian island of Maui and the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport in Magglingen to Zurich, to make their shared dream a reality.

“Zurich is far more than just a location for us – it's the city where we can share our knowledge and our passion for foot health with people who value movement, well-being and quality.”

Marc Cordewener, certified master orthopedic shoemaker