About HKS

Four generations of German safety shoe craftsmanship

114+
Years of Expertise
1910
Founded
200+
Product Models
50+
Countries
HKS History
1910
Founded in Nettetal, Germany

Our History

Founded in 1910 by Heinrich Klumpen, HKS has grown from a small shoemaker in Nettetal, Germany into one of Europe's leading safety footwear manufacturers. Now in its fourth generation as a family business, we remain committed to the values that built our reputation: quality, innovation, and care for the worker.

1910
Founded by Heinrich Klumpen
1950
2nd generation — production expansion
1985
3rd generation — modern technology integration
2010
4th generation — centenary & innovation focus
2024
ENERGY-Plugin & BOA® Fit system launch

Our Values

Quality First

Every shoe is crafted to exceed EN ISO 20345 standards.

Continuous Innovation

Constant R&D to develop next-generation protective technologies.

Family Values

Four generations of dedication to craftsmanship and customer care.

Sustainability

OEKO-TEX certified, recyclable components, and green manufacturing.

Manufacturing

Our production facilities in Nettetal and Brüggen, Germany are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. Every pair of HKS shoes is crafted with precision and undergoes rigorous quality control before leaving our factory.

📍 Nettetal📍 Brüggen📍 Germany
HKS Manufacturing
HKS Sustainability
Fit for Future

Sustainability

We believe in building a better future — for workers and for the planet. Our 'Fit for Future' initiative focuses on sustainable materials, reduced waste, and lower carbon footprint across our entire production chain.

OEKO-TEX
Certified Materials
100%
Recyclable Components
CO₂
Reduced Carbon Footprint
🌿
Green Manufacturing

Our Values

Nine foundational principles that define how we lead, create, and collaborate — at HKS, values are not words on a wall but the daily practice of every team member.

🤝

Teamgeist & Leidenschaft

Takım Ruhu & Tutku

Collaboration and shared passion drive every innovation and product we create.

Maximale Effizienz

Maksimum Verimlilik

Lean processes, smart workflows, and continuous improvement across every department.

🌱

Nachhaltige Produktion

Sürdürülebilir Üretim

OEKO-TEX certified, recyclable soles, solar-powered facilities, electric vehicle fleet.

🇩🇪

Made in Germany

Made in Germany

Every HKS shoe is manufactured in Ruppichteroth, Germany — 114 years of uncompromised craftsmanship.

🎨

Modernes Design

Modern Tasarım

Athletic aesthetics meet industrial function — safety shoes people actually want to wear.

🤲

Partnerschaftlichkeit

Ortaklık

Long-term relationships with distributors, suppliers and customers built on trust and transparency.

Höchste Qualität

En Yüksek Kalite

EN ISO 20345 certified. Every component tested. Every pair quality-controlled before leaving our factory.

💡

Kreativität & Innovation

Yaratıcılık & İnovasyon

Proprietary technologies like ENERGY-Plugin and AVALON GECKO TPU keep HKS ahead of the industry.

🌍

Internationalität

Uluslararasılık

Trusted in 50+ countries — local expertise, global standard.

Fit for Future

Sustainability at HKS

HKS is committed to becoming a climate-neutral manufacturer. Sustainability is not a marketing claim — it is embedded in our materials, production, and packaging.

🔄

OEKO-TEX® Certified Materials

All upper materials and footbeds carry OEKO-TEX® certification, ensuring freedom from harmful substances.

♻️

Recyclable Soles

TPU soles contain up to 10% recycled material. PU intermediate soles are upcycled through partner programmes.

☀️

Solar Energy

Photovoltaic installations at production facilities reduce reliance on grid power.

📦

Sustainable Packaging

100% recycled Kraft paper with PEFC certification. Packaging redesigned to minimise waste.

🚗

Green Fleet

Company vehicles transitioning to electric. Charging stations installed at all facilities.

💧

Water-Based Production

Conversion from solvent-based to water-based lubricants and adhesives across all manufacturing lines.

Join the HKS Family

About HKS | 114 Years of German Safety Footwear Manufacturing | HKS Safety Shoes