In 1962, the decision was final. Botana would become the Czechoslovak leader in sports footwear production. 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 Botas logo. In 1963, Botasky received their iconic name and logo. And why Botas? Well, it’s a nod to BOTA Skuteč (or also BOTA Sportovní).
The brand’s first sports successes are here. Czechoslovak volleyball players win the silver medal in Tokyo—and, of course, they do so wearing Botasky. 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 iconic Classic model makes its debut, featuring the distinctive vertical serrated stripe and logo. Designed by Marcel Scheinpflug, these shoes, once worn by our parents and grandparents, are still proudly produced today.
Production is in full swing, and a new manufacturing facility is built in Skuteč, which also serves as the company’s administrative headquarters.
The Velvet Revolution opened the doors of the world to Botana. In 1990, the collaboration with Puma began, leading to the creation of over a hundred models of tennis, basketball, football, and athletic shoes in Skuteč. During prestigious events, global sports icons such as Merlene Ottey, Linford Christie, Heike Drechsler, Diego Maradona, Lothar Matthäus, and Hristo Stoichkov trusted these shoes. This was followed by partnerships with companies like JOFA, GRAF, CCM, ADIDAS, KOHO, BAUER, KARHU, JACKSON, RIEDELL, and many more.
Another collaboration in the series follows shortly after. 1992 marks the beginning of the partnership with Salomon and the launch of Skuteč production 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 time-tested Botas Classic. The project is taken on by students Jan Kloss and Jakub Korouš. Their work catches the attention of Botas, leading to a collaboration that brings their ideas to life.
A simple and timeless cut, enhanced by an original graphic design and an unconventional combination of colored leathers. This is the look of the Botas 66 Classic, the flagship of the newly launched Botas 66 label.
Botas continues its sports journey. As the main partner of the Czech Football Tennis Federation, it becomes the sponsor of the World Championship, the largest event in the history of football tennis. The Czech national team returns home with two gold medals and one silver, while Botas once again outfits the world champions.
A special anniversary calls for a special shoe. In a limited edition of 200 pairs, the BOTASKA 70 is created, designed for the brand’s most devoted fans.
A new label, BOTAS AUTHENTIC, is introduced to replace the successful BOTAS 66 collection. This time, the Botasky receive a fresh look from the Italian design studio VERTIGO and are produced in a limited quantity. The foundation remains handcrafting, with each model carrying its own unique story.
As part of the "Sale for Botas" campaign, thousands of people join in to help save the Czech shoemaking legend. In March, the brand is taken over by the Zlín-based company Vasky, founded by entrepreneur Václav Staněk, and Botas begins to write its next chapter. The brand is revived, and new collections start appearing on the metaphorical shelves. First, there are the Botas X Vasky, followed by the legendary Botas Classic model and the limited canvas edition, Botas Kanvasky. Under the leadership of the new brand director, Vít Staněk, Botas Iconic is created, followed by the Botas Authentic series, which showcases the authentic faces of Botas from among its loyal fans.
We’ve had our first great year, and we believe in the successful continuation of the story of the legendary Czech shoemaking tradition. However, we can’t live on past glory alone, so we’re tirelessly working on new innovations.
