History

Tradition and innovation are the key characteristics of the HUDORA company. High quality, innovative products, and constant adaptation of the range in response to market requirements, these are the company’s assets leading to success.

Founded in 1919, the company had its breakthrough on the market in 1926, producing the first “ice skate in one piece”. Until well into the 1990s, HUDORA celebrated triumph after triumph at international contests like World and European Championships and Olympic Games as the outfitter of German top skaters. Specialized in anything that rolls or skates, HUDORA has developed along with ever-changing trends. In the 1950s, roller skates became the fashion, and in the 1980s, it was the roller skate and skateboard boom. As early as 1990, the first inline skates by HUDORA were available, and just in time for the subsequent scooter boom HUDORA developed a scooter that was declared test winner in 2001 by the consumer organization “Stiftung Warentest”.

Since 1999, HUDORA systematically has been expanding its range with regard to sports, games, and fun. Today, the available range of various brands covers a wide selection of leisure time products that encourage people to make active use of their leisure time and make them enjoy being “on the move”.

Complete History

1919

Hugo Dornseif founds the company on August 4th. His business idea: the production of ice skates. He names the young firm after himself: HUgo DOrnseif, RAdevormwald, becomes HUDORA.

1926

The passionate inventor has his breakthrough with a manufacturing revolution, the ice skate in one piece. Professional athletes are enthusiastic about the new runners. HUDORA becomes the outfitter of international top athletes, world champions und gold medallists, for instance skating stars like Herber/Baier, Kilius/Bäumler, Dagmar Lurz, Norbert Schramm, Rudi Cerne, and Katharina Witt.

After WWII

HUDORA takes to a new path. Roller skates have become highly popular and well sought after. Through improved footgear, new materials, but also innovative technology, in the course of time this long runner is continuously updated.

1980

The roller skate boom is there – with HUDORA disco skates and their colourful boots permanently mounted on a manoeuvrable chassis and big soft wheels. Whoever doesn’t skate rides a skateboard. Made from plastic or laminated wood in bold shapes with colourful, cylindrical and huge wheels.

1990

Ten years later, the wheels have to be “in line”. HUDORA is one of the first to provide inline skates in Germany. The company soon covers 20 % of the market.

1997

HUDORA restructures its distribution plan. The product range is enlarged by the HUDORA children’s/toys segment. The brands HORNET and OUTBREAKE round off the selection.

1999

HUDORA celebrates its 80th anniversary! In the jubilee year, the family-owned company moves to its new premises at Remscheid with large show rooms and a strategically convenient position within easy reach of the A1 motorway.

2000

The scooter boom spreads like wildfire throughout Germany. In cooperation with the University of Wuppertal, HUDORA develops a patented folding mechanism. The product range of aluminium scooters becomes a sales hit.

2001

“HUDORA Big Wheel” beats them all! In the 04/2001 issue of the “Stiftung Warentest” magazine, the successful scooter is named as “best product” and awarded the rating “good” (2.2). It is by far the best value for money.

2002

“Biomechanical Protectors” are a further step towards a skater’s safety. In the 05/2002 issue of “Stiftung Warentest”, the HUDORA protectors receive the rating “good” (2.5). The HUDORA skates “SF Slicks II” are assessed as “satisfactory” (2.6). Again, both products are by far the best value among those tested.