# Koio

> Koio is a New York footwear company selling minimalist leather sneakers, boots, loafers and accessories directly to consumers. Its core sneakers combine Italian manufacturing with prices below traditional designer footwear; regenerative-leather and vegan-material projects extend its interest in materials. After restructuring, the founders sold the business in August 2025 and retained shareholdings.

- **Founded:** 2014
- **Headquarters:** New York, United States
- **Founders:** Chris Wichert (Co-founder; former co-CEO; retained shareholder after sale), Johannes Quodt (Co-founder; former co-CEO; retained shareholder after sale)
- **Products:** Capri, Portofino, Capri Regenerative, Mello, Pale Blue Dot
- **Notable:** Established an Italian manufacturing partnership after visiting 34 factories, according to Koio., Introduced a regenerative-leather Capri in 2022., Launched Mello and Pale Blue Dot in 2023.

## Products & services

- **Capri** — Minimalist low-top leather sneaker; Triple White listed at $265 when researched, with standard and wide fits.
- **Portofino** — Leather and suede low-top sneakers.
- **Capri Regenerative** — Sneaker using leather from regenerative farms in Switzerland; introduced in 2022.
- **Mello** — Regenerative-leather sneaker marketed as 99% biodegradable, with Lactae Hevea soles and plant-based insole components.
- **Pale Blue Dot** — Vegan-material footwear line launched at a $165 price point; made in Portugal.
- **Boots, loafers and shoe care** — Additional footwear categories and cleaning, protection and care accessories.

## Achievements

- Established an Italian manufacturing partnership after visiting 34 factories, according to Koio.
- Introduced a regenerative-leather Capri in 2022.
- Launched Mello and Pale Blue Dot in 2023.
- Reached break-even within 12-18 months of restructuring, according to Wichert.
- Sale completed in August 2025, according to Wichert’s April 2026 interview.

## Latest updates

- **2025-04** — La Marzocco collaboration launched April 18.
- **2025-08** — Business sold to an acquirer, as subsequently reported by Wichert; founders retained shares.
- **2026-04** — Wichert publicly discussed restructuring and the sale in Ecommerce Conversations.
- **2026-10** — Current website lists Capri Triple White at $265 and offers wide-fit styles.

## Links

- Website: https://www.koio.co/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koio-collective/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/koiocollective
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@koionewyork
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Koio
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@koio

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/koio
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-05