In 1962, it was officially decided. Botana would become Czechoslovakia's leader in the production of sports footwear. Just four years later, sports shoes made up more than half of the production, and by 1988, they accounted for the vast majority.
Three stars and the name Botas. In 1963, the Botasky shoes received their iconic name and logo. And why Botas? Because of BOTA Skuteč (or also BOTA Sporting).
The first sporting successes of the brand are here. Czechoslovak volleyball players win the silver medal in Tokyo – and, of course, with Botasky on their feet. Shoes from Skuteč are now also worn by other top athletes, such as Jiří Raška, Eva and Pavel Roman, Karol Divín, Hana Mašková, Ondrej Nepela, Pavel Kantorek, Stanislav Henych, and many more.
The November Revolution opened the doors to the world for Botana. In 1990, a collaboration with the brand PUMA began, resulting in more than a hundred models of tennis, basketball, football, and athletic shoes produced in Skuteč. During prestigious competitions, global sports icons such as Merlene Ottey, Linford Christie, H. Drechsler, Diego Maradona, Lothar Matthäus, and Hristo Stoichkov rely on them. This was followed by collaborations with companies such as JOFA, GRAF, CCM, ADIDAS, KOHO, BAUER, KARHU, JACKSON, RIEDELL, and many others.
Another collaboration in the series follows shortly after. The year 1992 marks the beginning of the partnership with SALOMON and the start of production in Skuteč of the most technologically advanced footwear for snowboarding, trekking, and cross-country skiing.
What started as a school project by graphic design students evolves into a new version of the tried-and-tested Botas Classic. The project is taken on by students Jan Kloss and Jakub Korouš. At Botas, they like their work, and thus a collaboration is born, turning their ideas into reality.
A simple and timeless cut enhanced by an original graphic design and an unexpected combination of colored leathers. This is what the Botas 66 Classic looks like, the flagship of the newly created Botas 66 label.
Botas continues its sporting legacy. As the main partner of the Czech Footnet Federation, it is proud to sponsor the World Championship—the biggest event in footnet history. The Czech national team takes home two gold and one silver medal, while Botas once again laces up the world champions.
A special anniversary calls for a special shoe. The limited edition of 200 pairs brings BOTASKA 70, designed for the brand’s most dedicated fans.
Introducing the new label, BOTAS AUTHENTIC, set to replace the successful BOTAS 66 collection. This time, Botas sneakers get a fresh look from the Italian design studio VERTIGO and are produced in limited quantities. Handcrafted quality and the unique story of each model remain at the heart of the brand.
As part of the campaign, thousands of people are joining the effort to save the Czech footwear legend. In March, the brand is taken over by Zlín-based Vasky, led by entrepreneur Václav Staněk, and Botas begins a new chapter. The brand comes back to life, and new collections appear on the figurative shelves. First, there’s the Botas X Vasky collaboration, followed by the legendary Botas Classic model and the limited edition Botas Kanvasky. Under the leadership of the new brand director, Vít Staněk, Botas Iconic is born, followed by the Botas Authentic collection, which showcases the authentic faces of Botas from its loyal supporters.
We've had an amazing first year and believe in the bright future of our legendary Czech shoemaking story. But we can't rely on history alone—that's why we're relentlessly working on new innovations.
