In 1962, the final decision was made. Botana would become the Czechoslovak leader in the production of sports shoes. Just four years later, sports shoes accounted for more than half of production, and in 1988, the absolute majority.
Three stars and the inscription Botas. In 1963, Botasky received its iconic name and logo. And why Botas? Well, BOTA Skuteč (or also BOTA Sportovní).
The brand's first sporting successes are here. Czechoslovak volleyball players win a silver medal in Tokyo - and how could they not do so with Botaski on their feet. Skutč shoes are already worn by other top athletes, such as Jiří Raška, Eva and Pavel Romanov, Karol Divín, Hana Mašková, Ondrej Nepela, Pavel Kantorek, Stanislav Henych and many others.
The iconic Classic model with its signature vertical serrated strap and logo is now on the scene. Designed by Marcel Scheinpflug, the shoes worn by our parents and grandparents are still proudly produced today.
Production is going on a large scale and a new production plant is being built in Skutča, which also serves as the company's administrative headquarters.
The November Revolution opened Botana's doors to the world. In 1990, cooperation with the PUMA brand began, within which more than a hundred models of tennis, basketball, football and athletic shoes were created in Skutča. During prestigious competitions, such icons of world sports as Merlene Ottey, Linford Christie, H. Drechsler, Diego Maradona, Lothar Matthäus and Hristo Stoichkov relied on them. This was followed by cooperation with companies such as JOFA, GRAF, CCM, ADIDAS, KOHO, BAUER, KARHU, JACKSON, RIEDELL and many others.
Another in a series of collaborations was not long in coming. The year 1992 marked the beginning of a partnership with SALOMON and the start of actual production of the most technologically demanding footwear for snowboarding, trekking and cross-country skiing.
Originally a school project by graphic design students, the design of a new version of the time-tested Botas Classic is born. Students Jan Kloss and Jakub Korouš embark on it. Botas likes their work, and a collaboration is born that turns their ideas into practice.
A simple and timeless cut embellished with an original graphic concept and a fresh combination of colored leathers. This is what Botas 66 Classic looks like, the flagship of the newly established Botas 66 label.
Botas continues its sports campaign. As the main partner of the Czech Netball Association, it becomes a sponsor of the World Championship, the biggest event in the history of netball. The Czech national team takes home two gold and one silver medals, and Botas once again shoes the world champions.
A special anniversary calls for a special shoe. The BOTASKA 70 is a limited edition of 200 pairs, designed for die-hard fans of the brand.
There is a new label, BOTAS AUTHENTIC, which is to replace the successful BOTAS 66 collection. This time, the sneakers get a new look from the Italian design studio VERTIGO and are produced in limited quantities. The basis remains hand-made and the original story of each model.
As part of the Sale for Botas event, thousands of people are joining in the rescue of the Czech footwear legend. In March, the brand is taken over by Vasky from Zlín, owned by entrepreneur Václav Stanek, and Botas begins to write its next chapter. The brand is coming back to life and new collections are appearing on imaginary shelves. First, there are Botas X Vasky, followed by the legendary Botas Classic model and the limited edition Botas Kanvasky canvas. Under the leadership of the new brand director Vít Stanek, Botas Iconic is created, followed by the Botas Authentic line, which represents the authentic faces of Botas from among its supporters.
We have had a great first year and we believe in the successful continuation of the story of legendary Czech shoemaking. However, we cannot live only on our glorious history, which is why we are tirelessly working on new products.
