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Hi-Tec
Hi-Tec
Hi-Tec
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Hi-Tec Sports, trading as Hi-Tec,[2] is a privately held[3] producer and distributor of sportswear and accessories, headquartered in the Netherlands.[1]

Key Information

A Hi-Tec brand shoe

History

[edit]

Hi-Tec Sports was founded in 1974,[4] in Shoeburyness, Essex, England,[5] by Frank Van Wezel. The company moved its headquarters to Southend-on-Sea,[6] before relocating its head office to Amsterdam.

Hi-Tec Sports USA was started in Modesto, CA in 1978 by Duke and Kathy Jones. They developed the first lightweight hiking boot. This became the main success of Hi-Tec Sports USA. They also developed and named the "Magnum" boot. Duke and Kathy Jones sold Hi-Tec Sports USA to Frank Van Wezel in 1990.

In 1988, the company was floated on the London Stock Exchange.[3] Frank van Wezel bought the company back in 2000. It was privately held through 2013.[3]

Production was in China until 2005, when Hi-Tec acquired the Falcon shoe factory in Lewiston, Maine, enabling them to offer made-in-usa branded products and compete for US Federal government contracts.[7]

In 2013, Hi-Tec founder and chairman Frank van Wezel, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration by Anglia Ruskin University.[8]

In 2016, it was acquired by Cherokee Inc., later known as Apex Global Brands.[9]

Awards

[edit]

In 2012, Hi-Tec's V-Lite Altitude Ultra Luxe boot received a Which? Best Buy Walking Boot award.[10]

Hi-Tec's ZUUK trainer shoe was awarded Footwear Product of the Year 2013 at The Great Outdoors Awards.[11]

The UK based Hi-Tec office was announced Sports Footwear Brand of the Year 2014[12] and Outdoor Footwear Company of the Year 2013 at the Footwear Industry Awards.[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hi-Tec

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hi-Tec Sports, trading as Hi-Tec, is a global producer and distributor of outdoor, sports, and , apparel, and accessories. Founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel in , , the company began with innovative squash shoes and quickly expanded into and running . The gained prominence in 1978 with the introduction of the Sierra Sneaker, recognized as the world's first lightweight , revolutionizing outdoor by emphasizing comfort, support, and reduced weight. Subsequent milestones include the 1981 Silver Shadow running , which captured 23% of the London Marathon market, and the 1989 BW Infinity, a hybrid trail-road designed for extreme events like the . In 1996, Hi-Tec launched its Series for multi-terrain hybrid shoes, and by 2007, it introduced V-LITE technology for high-performance lightweight designs. Headquartered in , the , Hi-Tec is a owned by Apex Global Brands, a privately held subsidiary of Galaxy Universal LLC (a portfolio company of Gainline Capital Partners), as of 2025. The company distributes products worldwide, including hiking boots, walking shoes, waterproof sandals, and casual for men, women, and children, with a focus on the Outdoor Crossover category through lines like the 2016 Wild-Life Collection and the 2017 HTS74 premium series. In 2024, Hi-Tec celebrated its 50th anniversary, continuing to innovate in sustainable and versatile active lifestyle products.

History

Founding and early development

Hi-Tec Sports was founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel, a Dutch entrepreneur with a deep passion for sports, in the town of , , . Motivated by the need for more innovative footwear in racket sports, particularly squash, van Wezel established the company to address the limitations of existing heavy and uncomfortable shoes available at the time. The firm's initial operations were modest, focusing on design and production in a small facility aptly located in a coastal area known for its recreational activities. The company's first product was a groundbreaking lightweight squash shoe, designed with an emphasis on superior comfort, flexibility, and performance to enhance players' agility on the court. This innovation quickly gained traction among squash enthusiasts in the UK, setting the foundation for Hi-Tec's reputation in sports footwear by prioritizing athlete feedback and practical testing during development. These early efforts in the 1970s and 1980s solidified Hi-Tec's position as a UK-based innovator in affordable, high-functionality footwear. In 1982, Hi-Tec formally introduced its brand name and , transitioning from a generic manufacturer of sports shoes to a recognizable branded entity with ambitions for wider market presence. This rebranding coincided with growing interest in emerging outdoor activities, prompting the company to develop initial offerings like lightweight and trail shoes that extended its expertise in performance-oriented design beyond indoor racket sports.

Global expansion and ownership changes

In 1988, Hi-Tec Sports was floated on the London Stock Exchange to raise capital for international expansion and growth initiatives. This public listing enabled the company to invest in broader market penetration beyond its base, supporting product diversification and entry into new regions. By 2000, founder Frank van Wezel repurchased the company, taking it private to maintain greater control over strategic direction. Hi-Tec established its U.S. operations in 1978 through Hi-Tec Sports USA, founded in , initially by Duke and Kathy Jones, which laid the groundwork for North American market entry. In 1990, Frank van Wezel acquired Hi-Tec Sports USA, integrating it fully under the company's global umbrella and strengthening its presence in the competitive American footwear sector. This move facilitated localized distribution and adaptation of Hi-Tec's lightweight outdoor products to U.S. consumers. To streamline European operations amid growing international demands, Hi-Tec relocated its global headquarters from , , to , , in 2011 under the leadership of Ed van Wezel, son of the founder and then-CEO. The shift to Amsterdam provided access to specialized talent in and , enhanced proximity to key European supply chains, and supported the company's focus on innovation in outdoor and crossover footwear categories, while retaining UK-based functions like sales and warehousing. A significant ownership transition occurred in 2016 when Cherokee Global Brands (subsequently rebranded as Apex Global Brands) acquired Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings B.V. for $95.8 million in cash. This deal, which included licensing arrangements for wholesale operations, marked a new phase of brand licensing and global distribution under Cherokee's portfolio. Due to Frank van Wezel's longstanding personal and professional connections to the region, he separately repurchased the South African subsidiary, Hi-Tec Sports South Africa, securing a license and distribution agreement to preserve its independent operation. The acquisition contributed approximately $19 million in initial licensing revenue to Cherokee and positioned Hi-Tec for expanded partnerships in apparel and accessories worldwide. In 2021, Apex Global Brands was acquired by Galaxy Universal LLC. In 2024, Hi-Tec celebrated its 50th anniversary, continuing to innovate in sustainable and versatile active lifestyle products.

Products

Footwear offerings

Hi-Tec's footwear offerings originated in 1974 with the launch of the world's first dedicated squash shoe, a lightweight design emphasizing comfort and mobility for indoor court sports. This innovation quickly expanded into other sports-specific lines, including squash court shoes like the Viper and Infinity Flare models, which feature durable outsoles for quick lateral movements and breathable uppers for extended play. Multi-sport sneakers, such as the Silver Shadow running shoe introduced in 1981, further diversified the portfolio, becoming Britain's top-selling running shoe and adopted by 23% of participants that year. The brand's core strength lies in outdoor and , particularly waterproof models designed for rugged terrains. The Hi-Tec Ravus Mid WP, for instance, incorporates a Dri-Tec waterproof to keep feet dry in wet conditions, paired with a synthetic and upper for and flexibility, along with an M-D Traction rubber outsole for superior grip and a cushioned EVA midsole for impact absorption. Building on the 1978 Sierra Sneaker—the industry's first —subsequent innovations like the 1990 AirBall Concept (ABC) midsole provided enhanced cushioning, while the 2007 V-LITE technology reduced weight without compromising durability, enabling all-day comfort on trails. Trail running shoes represent another key category, blending hiking stability with running agility. The 1996 Adventure Racing Series introduced hybrid designs for obstacle races and ultra-events, exemplified by models like the 1989 BW Infinity, a trail-road hybrid tailored for extreme distances such as the Badwater ultramarathon. Modern offerings, including the Avalon Trail Running Shoes, continue this legacy with lightweight construction, breathable mesh panels, and responsive cushioning to support varied paces on uneven surfaces. In the , Hi-Tec evolved its lineup to include casual , integrating performance technologies like V-LITE into everyday wear. The 2017 HTS74 collection reimagined original silhouettes, such as the squash shoe, with modern breathable materials and cushioned soles for urban versatility, while the 2016 Wild-Life Collection emphasized outdoor crossover styles that transition seamlessly from trails to daily activities.

Apparel and accessories

Hi-Tec offers a range of designed for outdoor activities, including jackets, pants, and base layers that prioritize durability and weather resistance. These items, such as the water-resistant 5-Pocket Tech Pants made from fast-drying, stretch-woven fabric, support and trail pursuits by providing protection against elements while allowing freedom of movement. Base layers feature moisture-wicking properties to keep wearers dry and comfortable during extended outdoor exposure. Jackets, including full-zip models, incorporate functional designs for layering in variable conditions. The brand's accessories complement its outdoor focus, encompassing socks, bags, and hats often assembled into complete kits for activities like hiking. Specialist walking socks include ventilation systems to prevent overheating and offer protection against abrasions. Bags such as the Pioneer 25L Daypack provide practical storage for day trips, while hats like the adjustable 6 Panel Curved Brim Snapback ensure sun protection and style. These items are frequently bundled with other gear to create cohesive outdoor ensembles. In the 2010s, Hi-Tec expanded into lifestyle apparel, launching the Hi-Tec Lifestyle line around 2014 as a modern homage to its sportswear heritage. This collection includes casual t-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with the Hi-Tec logo, blending everyday wear with the brand's outdoor ethos; the line officially debuted in in 2019. The 2020 Venture Series further advanced this shift, introducing performance pieces like shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets with integrated face masks for functional versatility. In 2025, the HTS74 line launched its first apparel collection, inspired by the brand's 1980s and 1990s series. Featuring reversible garments with minimalist exteriors and interior artworks referencing racing moments, the collection combines versatility and function for outdoor and contemporary use, available on the HTS74 website. Hi-Tec employs a licensing and distribution model for its apparel and accessories, partnering with entities like Tharanco Lifestyles as the official North American licensee to handle production and market rollout. This approach, evident in collaborations dating back to at least the late through brand expansions, enables targeted private-label adaptations for regional markets while maintaining quality standards.

Marketing

Key advertising campaigns

In the 2000s, Hi-Tec introduced the "Comfortable Anywhere" , which became a core element of their branding to emphasize the versatility of their across diverse terrains and activities. This underscored the brand's philosophy of reliable comfort in any environment, from urban walks to rugged trails, and was prominently featured in and promotional materials. The 2010 "Liquid " viral video campaign marked a pivotal shift toward digital innovation, presenting a mockumentary-style where athletes appeared to run across water surfaces using water-repellent Hi-Tec shoes. Created by the Amsterdam-based agency CCCP, the three-minute video sparked widespread debate and media coverage before Hi-Tec revealed it as an advertisement, generating over 15 million views and enhancing brand buzz without traditional media spend. Throughout the 2010s, Hi-Tec expanded its digital and presence with targeted pushes, including collaborations with outdoor influencers to showcase real-world adventures in their footwear. These partnerships, such as those with adventure bloggers and explorers in 2019, involved and sponsored content on platforms like and , promoting Hi-Tec products during hikes, trail runs, and expeditions to broaden appeal among younger, digitally savvy audiences.

Sponsorships and partnerships

Hi-Tec has engaged in various sponsorships and partnerships to promote its footwear in sports and outdoor activities. In the 1980s and 1990s, the brand established strong ties to squash through its sponsorship of major tournaments. Hi-Tec also supported squash development. For tennis, Hi-Tec became the official shoe supplier to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships starting in 1995, providing footwear for players and aligning the brand with one of the sport's premier events. In the licensing space, Hi-Tec collaborated with SeaLand Gear in 2020 to develop a new line of outdoor trail shoes, extending the brand's reach into adventure-focused apparel and accessories through this partnership with the marine-inspired lifestyle company. More recently, Hi-Tec entered a three-year sponsorship of the Run Catalina event series beginning in 2022, supporting races such as the , 50K/50M Benefit Run, and Marathon on Catalina Island, California, while introducing a Triple Crown award for participants completing all three events. The company also partnered with program in 2019 as the recommended kit supplier for expedition walking boots, providing waterproof footwear to support youth participants in outdoor challenges and expeditions across various award levels.

Awards and recognition

Industry footwear awards

Hi-Tec has garnered notable recognition in the UK footwear industry for its outdoor and sports products, with awards highlighting innovation, brand strength, and product quality during the and . In 2005, Hi-Tec received the Outdoor Footwear of the Year award at the UK Outdoor Industries Awards, acknowledging the excellence of its and footwear designs at the held in . The company achieved further success in 2013 at the Industry Awards, winning Outdoor of the Year for its contributions to the outdoor sector. Hi-Tec also secured Outdoor of the Year in the same event, reflecting its overall impact in the outdoor footwear market. Building on this momentum, Hi-Tec was named Sports Footwear Brand of the Year in 2014 at the Footwear Industry Awards, a prestigious honor celebrating its leadership in sports-oriented . During the same awards, the company earned a "highly commended" recognition in the Footwear Brand of the Year category, underscoring its in the broader industry throughout the . In 2016, Hi-Tec's Big-Fit System, a feature in children's that extends sizing and lifespan, won Gear of the Year from The Authority, recognizing its innovative approach to sustainable and adaptable outdoor gear.

Creative and marketing awards

In 2011, Hi-Tec's "Liquid Mountaineering" campaign, a promoting the brand's waterproof , earned a Bronze Lion at the Lions International Festival of Creativity in the Cyber category, recognizing its innovative digital storytelling and online engagement. The campaign, which depicted athletes running across water surfaces using a fictional "new sport," amassed over 15 million views on and generated widespread media buzz, highlighting Hi-Tec's creative use of hoax-style content to revive brand interest. The same campaign received a Bronze Pencil from The One Club for Creativity at The One Show 2011, awarded in the Interactive category for Online Films and Video (Long Form - Single), underscoring its impact as a benchmark for viral online advertising in the outdoor sector. This accolade emphasized the video's role in blending mockumentary elements with product demonstration, achieving 10 points in total judging metrics and contributing to Hi-Tec's repositioning among younger audiences. Further recognition came from the Advertising Age Viral Video Awards in 2011, where "Liquid " was named Best Viral , celebrating its deceptive yet engaging format that sparked global conversations without traditional ad spend. Outdoor and sports media outlets, including Sports Insight and , praised the effort throughout the for pioneering in the adventure gear industry, noting its role in driving organic shares and media coverage across , , and European broadcasters. In 2025, Hi-Tec's "Run Through Time" digital campaign won two Silver awards at the IAB Bookmark Awards in the Campaign / Microsites and Craft / Interface Design categories, highlighting its creative for the brand's 50th anniversary.

Corporate structure

Ownership history

Hi-Tec Sports was founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel, who maintained sole ownership of the company until 1988. In 1988, the company went public with a listing on the London Stock Exchange, marking a shift from private to public ownership. By 2000, van Wezel repurchased the company through his investment vehicle, Sunningdale Corporation Limited, effectively delisting it from the exchange and returning it to private ownership after acquiring a controlling 60% stake. Sunningdale retained ownership until December 2016, when (later rebranded as Apex Global Brands) acquired Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings B.V. for $95.8 million in cash, establishing full control over the brand's global operations excluding , where van Wezel separately purchased the local entity. In June 2019, Cherokee Global Brands officially rebranded to Apex Global Brands. In March 2021, Galaxy Universal LLC acquired Apex Global Brands, including Hi-Tec, for approximately $1.1 million in an all-cash transaction. Hi-Tec has continued to operate as a within Galaxy's portfolio of active lifestyle brands.

Operations and headquarters

Hi-Tec Sports maintains its global headquarters in , the , which oversees European design, marketing, and distribution activities. The company relocated its headquarters there in 2011 to support international expansion and innovation. In the United States, operations are managed through Hi-Tec Sports USA Inc., based in , responsible for North American sales and distribution. Hi-Tec's manufacturing and supply chain are primarily located in , with key production facilities and suppliers in countries such as . The brand distributes its products through networks spanning over 100 countries worldwide. As a , Hi-Tec operates under the ownership of Universal LLC, emphasizing licensing agreements and to extend its portfolio across lifestyle and outdoor categories.

References

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  3. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gainline-capital-partners-announces-acquisition-of-galaxy-universal-llc-301285903.html
  4. https://www.internationalbg.com/about
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  11. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/11/28/893244/0/en/Cherokee-Global-Brands-Announces-Intent-to-Acquire-Hi-Tec-Sports-International.html
  12. https://sgbonline.com/hi-tec-agrees-to-be-sold-to-cherokee-global-brands/
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  50. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNYMtBQJsky/
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  53. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/06/26/1874757/36470/en/Cherokee-Global-Brands-Becomes-APEX-Global-Brands.html
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  58. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0102411D:US
  59. https://corporate.authentic.com/press-releases/authentic-galaxy-universal-and-batra-group-reebok
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