MAGNUM HISTORY

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1974Hi-Tec Sports founded by Frank Van Wezel

Magnum Boots evolved out of Hi-Tec Sports, the footwear company founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel. It was Frank's love for sport that lead him to build an innovative, lightweight and instantly comfortable sports shoe. This lightweight technology could be transferred into uniform footwear.

1982 Magnum is born

The first Magnum boot was born in 1982 through a direct demand from the FBI training center, for lightweight, athletic and comfortable tactical boots.

1983Magnum tactical boots hit the market.

Once the FBI spread the word, the demand came to supply this product across the US, as more law enforcement and security personnel wanted comfort and super light performance.

1985Investment is made into Magnum R&D

As demand grew for this type of boot, we invested time in researching what the end user really wanted from Magnum boots. The end users told us that there was a need for several variations of the popular style in a mid cut, including the boot being available in full leather, waterproof and steel toe versions.

 

1990First complete global Magnum footwear collection is launched

Once Magnum was well established across the USA, the demand from around the world increased, which meant that the collection needed to appeal to different climates, tastes and approaches to uniform requirements. The first global Magnum footwear collection was created.

 

1998Magnum tactical advisory council is established

We set up our own dedicated Magnum Tactical Advisory Committee (MTAC), referring back to the end-user for valuable feedback and guidance. MTAC is comprised of members from various emergency services and Military forces who work alongside the Magnum Development Team, testing and advising on all new product development. This helps to ensure all Magnum footwear is truly ‘Fit for Purpose’ and continues to exceed end-user requirements.

 

2000 Magnum officially goes alone

Magnum officially separates from parent company Hi-Tec Sports. As the business grew, it became apparent that Magnum was ready to stand alone as a brand backed by a dedicated design, development, sales and marketing team.

 

2003 The Elite Force series becomes the first ever globally certified tactical footwear collection

For the highly trained officer demanding the very best in materials, features, comfort and performance. The Elite Force series is built to the highest technical and design standards. Gaining high praises from law enforcement personnel and gear reviewers alike, the Elite Series can easily be considered as the most progressive line of tactical footwear in the industry.

 

2006 Magnum Stealth Force No.1 selling uniform boot in the world.

Sold in 80 countries around the world. The first choice for Law Enforcement, Ambulance, Fire and Security Professionals. Lightweight Athletic comfort, yet built to suit a variety of users.

 

2010 Spider Collection; the species evolved

Pushing the boundaries of industry leading design innovation, the Elite Spider Urban collection was born. The highest performance boot for the highest performing special operators.

 

2011Magnum expands into Work & Industrial safety sector

Magnum brings its expertise to new sectors with the launch of an occupational collection. The Magnum Work Collection featured progressively styled, athletically inspired footwear designed for the service industry, construction and industrial occupations.

2012The Multicam makes a splash

Magnum wins the SATRA PPE Innovation Award for ‘Best Innovation in Safety Footwear’ for the Sidewinder Combat HPI Multicam at the Professional Clothing Awards.

Pictured from left to right: SATRA Managing Director, our founder Frank van Wezel, Magnum Global Brand Director Glen Richards, SATRA

2013Further expansion as Magnum launch Healthcare & Service collection

Magnum enters the Healthcare and Service markets with a fully certified collection designed specially to meet the needs of all care workers and catering staff world wide. The Armadillo went on to win the Professional Clothing Awards, Innovation in Safety Footwear Award 2014.

 

2014Awarded for Innovation

As well as winning the SATRA PPE Innovation Award for ‘Best Innovation in Safety Footwear’ our chairman, Frank van Wezel was awarded the lifetime achievement award for services to the footwear industry.

 

2015The next generation of heroes in fire services

The Magnum Vulcan fire collection is launched globally. This range is designed to withstand the toughest of conditions. Australian firefighters are amongst the first to embrace this product.

 

2016Continued innovation and pioneering technologies

Magnum has always had a pioneering spirit keeping us ahead of the competition. This continued innovation shines through in the launch of the Strike Force collection with exclusive Armourgel ankle protection technology and a cutting edge Michelin outsole.

 

TODAY

Today Magnum is sold in over 100 countries around the world. We are the first choice in footwear for Law Enforcement, Ambulance, Fire, Security, Healthcare and Service, Construction and Industrial professionals. We continue to innovate and create to deliver the best fit for purpose footwear.