State of Maine, New England (USA). Green expanses, flamboyant colors and steep shores. A grandiose setting that sealed the extraordinary destiny of three Americans: Daniel J. Wellehan Sr, William Beaudoin and Joseph Cordeau. Their idea?
To create all-terrain, ultra-resistant, versatile and hand-sewn shoes inspired by Native American footwear. The first "Beefroll Penny Loafer", the historic Cytisides model of the young Sebago Moc Company, was born. With its exceptional leather, sturdy stitching and rugged sole, it quickly became the most iconic best seller of its time.
Born in Maine, Sebago has become an international brand: your shoes are made in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, El Salvador and also by a few specialized producers in Southeast Asia. Sebago shoes have always been and will always be made by the expert hands of hand-picked artisans who meet our strict standards to ensure the highest quality footwear.
THE ORIGIN OF WATER
The word "sebago" has its roots among the Native American peoples and means "great waters".
In 1946, it was already the name of Sebago Lake, one of the largest lakes in the state of Maine.
« JOHN »
Soft and durable, the name of Sebago's first boat sneakers pays tribute to the inimitable elegance of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Sporty and pure lines where the modernity of a sneaker is mixed with the practicality of a boat shoe. Image caption: An avid supporter of the brand, the 35th President of the United States of America epitomizes Sebago chic: classic with an avant-garde twist.
1970
THE DOCKSIDES LEGEND
After revolutionizing the footwear world with its Penny Loafers, Sebago innovated with its first Docksides and the iconic Portland model. Designed to be as comfortable on land as at sea, their success is such that their name immediately becomes synonymous with all boat shoes. Comfortable, tireless and durable, they definitely established Sebago's reputation and propelled the brand among the world's leading shoe manufacturers.
1971
THE SEBAGO MOC COMPANY BECOMES SEBAGO
ICON OF PREPPY STYLE
Before it was a style, the "preppy" look was a term used to describe students at prep schools, the most renowned preparatory classes in the United States. In the 1950s, Sebago and its classic "Dan" moccasins flooded campuses and became the benchmark for casual elegance.
In 1980, Sebago was featured in the legendary "Official Preppy Handbook," a best-selling book that stayed at the top of the bestseller list for nearly 38 weeks, in which its authors humorously detailed the essential attributes of the modern college student.
A PENNY FOR DAN
The term "Penny Loafers" is now used to describe Sebago's classic "Dan" loafers, in reference to one of the most surprising habits in fashion history.
Because a two-cent coin was enough to make an emergency call from a phone booth in the 1930s, legend has it that American prep school students took to slipping it into the slot of their moccasins. A practice still in vogue among scholars.
Popular with boaters, sailors and ship owners for their timeless elegance and sure-footed grip, Sebago's Docksides are naturally associated with many of the world's great marine races. Throughout the 1980s, the famous rubber-soled shoes with corrosion-resistant brass eyelets sailed alongside Gary Jobson in the 1983 America's Cup, but also in the Celebrity Regatta, the Newport Bermuda Race and the O-Star. In the 1990s, Sebago confirmed its status as a leader in nautical footwear by becoming the official equipment supplier of the American sailing team.
1993
Sebago's current slogan, "Made with care, built to last", is created. It is still the company's signature.
2001
Moonwalks, somersaults and legendary performances. Sebago moccasins are regularly worn by Michael Jackson, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
HANDMADE
The human hand is a triumph of complex engineering. It's the perfect tool to create excellence.
DURABLE
We choose the best leathers and materials to create resistant and reliable quality goods.
CONTEMPORARY
Modern products that bind tradition with a true vocation for modernity.
ELEGANT
Only true icons can thrive within any dress code or fashion wave, and still remain a reference point for elegance.
TIMELESS
Only a few brands in the world can claim to make products that get better and better with time. Sebago is one of them.