In the 1970s, iconic figures in football such as Emlyn Hughes, Sir Alf Ramsay, Bill Shankly, and Stan Bowles revered anything crafted by the British label Gola as top-tier. This sentiment extended to rock personalities like the Gallagher brothers and Paul Weller from The Jam. Fast forward to 2024, and Gola trainers were lauded by the fashion authority Vogue as one of the most sought-after footwear items.
The brand’s legacy even reached Hollywood, with Christopher Reeve, famous for portraying Superman, sporting a Gola sweatshirt during the controversial 1987 It’s a Royal Knockout event at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire. However, the chapter of 120 years of British ownership closed as Gola transitioned ownership from a third-generation family proprietor to the Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation.
Discussing this shift, Dr. Naomi Braithwaite, an associate professor specializing in fashion and material culture at Nottingham School of Art and Design, expressed a sense of loss at the brand’s deep-rooted British identity. She acknowledged Gola’s rich history and the remarkable achievement of sustaining a business for over a century in the fiercely competitive global footwear market.
Established in 1905 as Joseph Leeson & Sons in Leicester, Gola initially gained prominence as a British sports brand renowned for its handmade leather football boots. The brand’s Harrier shoes, introduced in the 1960s and now available in over 500 color variations as trainers, solidified Gola’s reputation. The launch of Gola bags in the 1970s triggered a frenzy among consumers, leading to substantial popularity that endures to this day.
Over the years, notable personalities like sprinter Anita Neal, boxer Vernon Sollas, and footballer Steve Perryman showcased Gola products, underscoring its widespread appeal. Even on the big screen, Gola found a place in popular culture, as seen in the Harry Potter films worn by Emma Watson’s character, Hermione Granger.
Despite the challenging landscape for British footwear manufacturing, Gola managed to maintain its British essence amid industry transformations. The sale to Marubeni Corporation, with assurances of retaining operations and jobs in the UK, signals a new chapter for the brand. Dr. Braithwaite highlighted the potential for Gola to explore new market opportunities while preserving its heritage.
As part of the Jacobson Group sale, encompassing brands like Ravel and Lotus shoes, the acquisition aims to drive growth in international markets. While uncertainties loom over the future of British fashion and footwear industry, the transition presents opportunities for Gola to evolve and thrive. Dr. Braithwaite emphasized the need for adaptability in a dynamic industry landscape, where conglomerates like Marubeni can offer stability and growth prospects.