Founded in 2014 by former Notre Dame decathlete Justin Schneider, Wolf and Shepherd emerged from a desire to reinvent traditionally uncomfortable men’s dress shoes. After hearing a friend’s complaints about the pain of commuting in dress shoes, Schneider began experimenting with cushioning technologies, culminating in Wolf and Shepherd’s signature integration of running shoe features like HDEVA and memory foam with dress shoe mainstays like leather and a stability arch.

Before launching his brand, Schneider gained valuable footwear industry experience at performance labels like Adidas, Reebok, and New Balance, helping design shoes and technologies. This background likely helped him secure $25K as the grand prize winner of Notre Dame’s McCloskey Business Plan Competition, providing a boost as an entrepreneur.

Initially, Jacksonville, Florida-based Wolf and Shepherd relocated their headquarters to Los Angeles in early 2017. Their lace-ups, loafers, and boots are hand-sewn in Porto from fine Italian calfskin, Parisian waxes, and advanced athletic shoe technology for optimal comfort and quality.

The innovative ethos has earned attention and acclaim. Schneider competed in Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank’s 2016 Cupid’s Cup contest in Baltimore. That same year, Juris Silenieks wore Wolf and Shepherds to set the record for the fastest half marathon completed in dress shoes. And Schneider landed an honorable mention on Forbes 2017 30 Under 30 for achievements in retail and e-commerce.

Blending formal and athletic worlds through expert craft and technology, Wolf and Shepherd are committed to elevating comfort, performance, and style in men’s dress shoes.