Ecco shoes opened its doors for business in 1963. The founder, a Danish manufacturer by the name of Karl Toosbuy, focused on developing wearable shoes for the mass market. What started out as a small operation in Denmark expanded to a worldwide phenomenon. Today, Ecco puts out more than 12 million pairs of shoes per year, as well as a variety of apparel lines, and the company maintains 3,000 retail outlets around the world.

Ecco is particularly known for its environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. The company maintains facilities across Europe and Asia and uses a unique scanning process to minimize environmental disruption. Ecco shoes are marketed as 'wearable.' Although these shoes are slightly more expensive than the typical mass market produced footwear, they are also more durable and stylish than the average footwear fare.

For example, the outsole of most Ecco shoes is usually made of a substance called Rubber Tech. This is a very high-performance material which can absorb shocks and forces with remarkable alacrity. The outsole also grips firmly to practically any surface. Ecco also uses a technology called the PU midsole, which supplements the Rubber Tech protection.

On top of these special wear resistant rubbers, Ecco infuses its shoes with GORE-TEX membranes. These membranes create excellent breathability through shoes. Moisture can flow through these membranes to keep your feet dry. Although Ecco shoes aren't completely waterproof, they function very well in rough weather conditions, and they are easy to wash and clean.