Famolare
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear manufacturing |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Joe Famolare Jr. |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States, Switzerland, New Zealand |
| Products | Shock-absorbing footwear with patented "four-wave platform" soles |
Famolare is a shoe manufacturer established in 1969 by Joe Famolare Jr., distinguished for its groundbreaking shock-absorbing footwear technology. The brand achieved prominence in the United States market alongside luxury labels, with its main office located in New York City. Famolare became well-known for its exclusive patented soles, characterized by thick, undulating "four-wave platform" designs. Production took place in Florence, Italy, while the company maintained offices across the US, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
During the 1970s, Famolare attracted attention through bold advertising strategies, including campaigns that featured women wearing only their shoes. Transitioning into the 1980s, the company adopted a non-sexist approach to marketing, which led to receiving the Liberty Award from Ms. Magazine in 1981. By the decade of the 1990s, Famolare’s footwear was accessible through mail-order services.
Several of Famolare’s creations are part of the collection at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. These include the 1971 "Violin" shoe, clogs designed in 1973, and sandals from 1975.