Tradition meets innovation: Diamant shoe manufacture in Bad Soden am Taunus
A groundbreaking move
When the professional dancers on German TV show “Let’s Dance” glide across the dance floor, when the traditional “Garde” dancers take to the stage during carnival or when amateur dancers take their first steps at dance class – did you know that most of them are wearing dance shoes made in Bad Soden am Taunus? For more than 65 years, the Diamant shoe manufacture has been producing high-quality dance shoes here for customers around the world. The family-run business combines traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation in a unique way.
The Diamant shoe manufacture settled in Bad Soden in 1956, following a courageous decision. At the time, the family-run company could already look back on an 80-year history; however, its factory in Frankfurt had been destroyed during the war and the then 21-year-old head of the company was looking for a new location. He had a clear vision: He wanted to move away from mass production of outdoor footwear and specialize in high-quality dance shoes instead. Bad Soden offered ideal conditions: Perfect transport connections to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden and the nearby airport, affordable commercial space and a high quality of life for employees.
Specialization: a recipe for success
What began as a bold realignment has since become a true success story. Today, the Diamant shoe manufacture is the oldest owner-managed shoe factory in Germany and a leading European manufacturer of dance shoes. Around 40 employees work here to produce shoes that meet the highest quality standards. Remarkably, the average period of employment is 17 years, while many employees have been with company for more than 25 years!
Innovation as a driver of development
As with many companies, the COVID pandemic proved to be a trying time for Diamant. But rather than sitting back and waiting for it to pass, the shoe manufacturer decided to use this time to innovate. The result was their revolutionary Vario Spin sole – the world’s first sole that automatically adapts to different surfaces. “Whether parquet, concrete or PVC flooring – the sole always offers the best grip for dancers,” General Partner Thomas Müller explains. This innovation paved the way for new products: Today, Diamant also produces boots for the traditional “Garde” dancers at carnival and is developing its own sneaker line for dancers.
The infrastructure, the quality of life and not least the people in Bad Soden – together, they form the perfect basis for our continued success.
Ideal location
The company’s plans for the future are ambitious: Diamant will be focusing on expanding its retail division, developing new product lines, and continuous innovation. There is no question as to where these developments will be happening, as Thomas Müller explains: “Bad Soden offers us everything we need,” he says. “The infrastructure, the quality of life and, last but not least, the people – the perfect foundation for our continued success.”
Promising future
The company’s plans for the future are ambitious: Diamant will be focusing on expanding its retail division, developing new product lines, and continuous innovation. There is no question as to where these developments will be happening, as Thomas Müller explains: “Bad Soden offers us everything we need,” he says. “The infrastructure, the quality of life and, last but not least, the people – the perfect foundation for our continued success.”
When it comes to Bad Soden as a business location, shoe manufacturer Diamant is an impressive example of the harmonious relationship that can come to pass when traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation. It is a success story that highlights the courage to change, systematic specialization, and the power of innovation – a story that has many more chapters to come.
