Dansko

On a trip to Denmark in the late 1980s, Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup came across clogs that worked well for their equestrian needs.{{cite web | url=http://www.aesf.org/dansko-interesting-facts-about-the-popular-shoe-company/ | title=Dansko – Interesting Facts About The Popular Shoe Company | publisher=Aesf | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} 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.{{cite web | url=http://www.inc.com/profile/dansko | title=Dansko | publisher=Inc. | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://magazine.nd.edu/news/29474-some-serious-footwear/ | title=Some Serious Footwear | publisher=Notre Dame Magazine | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}

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.{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldextra.com/business/national-and-international/u-s--based-dansko-struggles-to-produce-shoes-at/article_8a78a71d-5f92-5c32-9959-d877e71dd0ef.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170211195647/http://www.heraldextra.com/business/national-and-international/u-s--based-dansko-struggles-to-produce-shoes-at/article_8a78a71d-5f92-5c32-9959-d877e71dd0ef.html| archive-date = 2017-02-11| title = U.S.-based Dansko struggles to produce shoes at home {{!}} National and International Business {{!}} heraldextra.com}}

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. Also, at the new facility, distance walked by employees during a workday decreased.

The Dansko Foundation, a non-profit run by employees, was founded in 2003.{{cite web | url=http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/orgs/profile/562306394?popup=1 | title=Dansko Foundation | publisher=National Center for Charitable Statistics | accessdate=March 29, 2014 | archive-date=March 30, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330034449/http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/orgs/profile/562306394?popup=1 | url-status=dead }} In 2005, Dansko launched its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (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.{{cite web | url=http://www.walkingonacloud.com/CompanyInfo/18-Dansko-Shoes.aspx | title=Dansko | publisher=Walking on a Cloud | accessdate=March 29, 2014 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051715/http://www.walkingonacloud.com/CompanyInfo/18-Dansko-Shoes.aspx | archivedate=March 30, 2014 }}

In July 2014, Dansko clogs were featured in a photo displaying the Normcore fashion trend alongside Dolce & Gabbana.{{cite web | url = http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/2014/07/normcore-fashion-craig-mcdean/photos/slide/4 | title = Banal Plus | publisher = W Magazine | date = 14 July 2014 | accessdate = 25 September 2014 | archive-date = 17 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140717205108/http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/2014/07/normcore-fashion-craig-mcdean/photos/slide/4 | url-status = dead }} Today Style featured Dansko's Trista clog as one of the most comfy shoes.{{cite web | url = http://www.today.com/style/cute-comfortable-shoes-sandals-heels-pumps-clogs-1D79887274 | title = Cute shoes that won't kill your feet? We found 12 super-comfy styles | publisher = Today Style | date = 10 July 2014 | accessdate = 25 September 2014 | author = Anderson, Kate}} In September 2014, Dansko was recognized on B Corp's "Best for Workers" list.{{cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/eshachhabra/2014/09/16/b-corps-best-places-to-work-for-a-paycheck-with-a-higher-purpose/ | title = B Corp's Best Places To Work For A Paycheck With A Higher Purpose | work = Forbes | date = 16 September 2014 | accessdate = 25 September 2014 | author = Chhabra, Esha}}

Dansko clogs feature anatomically contoured arch support, a rocker-bottom sole and a slightly raised heel.{{cite web | url=http://shoes.about.com/od/comfortable_shoe_brands/a/Dansko-Pro-Xp-Clogs.htm | title=Dansko Pro XP | publisher=About | accessdate=March 29, 2014 | archive-date=March 30, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330064335/http://shoes.about.com/od/comfortable_shoe_brands/a/Dansko-Pro-Xp-Clogs.htm | url-status=dead }} These features are meant to offer increased shock absorbency, extra stability and ease leg and back muscles of wearers who stand or walk for many hours a day. Dansko shoes are particularly popular with occupational professionals who spend most of the day on their feet, like teachers, chefs, and those in the medical field, but are also worn by others for comfort and support. Most Dansko shoes have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and many styles are slip-resistant.{{cite web | url=http://www.apma.org/Search/CategorizedSearchResults.cfm?keywords=Dansko&x=0&y=0 | title=Dansko | publisher=American Podiatric Medical Association | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/dansko-clogs_n_4556051.html | title=Why Dansko Clogs Are Pretty Much The Best Shoes In Existence | date=7 January 2014 | publisher=Huffington Post | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} Footwear Plus Magazine has awarded Dansko with the "Plus Award" in the Women's Comfort category eight times.{{cite web | url=http://www.footwearplusmagazine.com/articles/feature/2011/03/winners | title=Winners | date=4 March 2011 | publisher=Footwear Plus Magazine | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.footwearplusmagazine.com/articles/feature/2013/02/plus-awards | title=The Plus Awards | publisher=Footwear Plus Magazine | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}

The Dansko Foundation is a nonprofit corporation founded in 2003 to benefit philanthropy, voluntarism, and grant making foundations.{{cite web | url=http://www.wanderingeducators.com/marketplace/apparel/dansko-shoes-review.html | title=Dansko Shoes Review | date=5 January 2010 | publisher=Wandering Educators | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} The Dansko Foundation is staffed by Dansko employees, who are given 20 hours of paid time off a year with which to volunteer.{{cite web | url=http://www.chestercounty.com/2013/12/12/dansko-co-founder-receives-award | title=Dansko co-founder receives award | publisher=Chester County Press | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} Dansko also makes a charitable donation equal to the employee's salary for hours an employee volunteered.{{cite web | url=http://shoesonsolano.com/the-season-of-giving-is-every-day-in-the-shoe-business/ | title=The Complete Sole | publisher=Shoes on Solano | accessdate=March 29, 2014 | archive-date=March 30, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051822/http://shoesonsolano.com/the-season-of-giving-is-every-day-in-the-shoe-business/ | url-status=dead }}

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council and the American Sustainable Business Council have recognized Dansko's environmental efforts. Both Dansko's headquarters and distribution center are LEED certified buildings.{{cite web | url=http://www.usgbc.org/projects/dansko | title=Dansko | publisher=U.S. Green Building Council | accessdate=March 29, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.usgbc.org/projects/dansko-796-warehouse | title=Dansko 796 Warehouse | publisher=U.S. Green Building Council | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} Dansko has been a B-Corporation certified company since December 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35874:emmy-s-organics-shares-their-green-impact-from-sri-lanka&catid=311:virtual-press-office&Itemid=448 |title=Emmy's Organics Shares Their Green Impact from Sri Lanka |publisher=International Business & News |accessdate=March 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330052146/http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35874%3Aemmy-s-organics-shares-their-green-impact-from-sri-lanka&catid=311%3Avirtual-press-office&Itemid=448 |archivedate=March 30, 2014 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.bcorporation.net/community/dansko | title=Dansko | publisher=B Corporation | accessdate=March 29, 2014}} The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded many Dansko shoe styles its Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that promote quality foot health.{{cite web | url=http://www.apma.org/learn/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1108&navItemNumber=542 | title=Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program | publisher=American Podiatric Medical Association | accessdate=March 29, 2014 | archive-date=April 15, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415152405/http://www.apma.org/learn/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1108&navItemNumber=542 | url-status=dead }}

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Category:Shoe companies of the United States

Category:Clogs (shoes)

Category:Clothing companies established in 1990

Category:1990 establishments in Pennsylvania

Category:Companies based in Chester County, Pennsylvania