Dutch Footwear Icon Jan Jansen Passes Away at the Age of 85
13 June 2026It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Jan Jansen. With his death, the Netherlands loses one of its most influential and innovative footwear designers. For more than sixty years, Jan Jansen continuously pushed the boundaries of shoe design. His bold creations, innovative use of materials, and unique vision earned him international recognition as an icon in the fashion and footwear industry.
For Hooijer Footwear Group, this loss means more than saying goodbye to a renowned designer. Jan was an inspiration, a visionary, and above all, a remarkable person. His creativity, craftsmanship, and distinctive approach to design have inspired generations of designers, retailers, and fashion enthusiasts.
In recent years, Hooijer Footwear Group worked closely with Jan Jansen on the further development of his brand. Until the very end, Jan remained actively involved in new projects. The Hooijer family collaborated with Jan on a film about his life and career, based on his memoirs. In addition, they worked intensively together on the relaunch of the iconic Bruno sneaker, one of his most beloved designs.
The relaunch of the Bruno was the final project Jan worked on together with Hooijer Footwear Group. As a tribute to his exceptional contribution to the Dutch footwear industry, Hooijer Footwear Group will dedicate this model to Jan Jansen. Originally introduced in 1981, the Bruno sneaker will be relaunched 45 years later, serving as a lasting reminder of his creativity, craftsmanship, and visionary approach to design.
His legacy lives on through his designs, his stories, and the enduring impact he has had on both the Dutch and international footwear industries.
"Jan showed the world that shoes can be so much more than functional objects. He transformed footwear into art, storytelling, and personality. His creativity will continue to inspire us. We are grateful for the trust that Jan and his loved ones placed in us and look back with great pride on our special collaboration. Our thoughts are with his wife and muse, Tonny, his family, friends, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him," said Kristel Hooijer.
Source: Hooijer Footwear Group
