Why Walter Steiger Was Relaunched as Tank Steiger

What ever happened to Walter Steiger? The Swiss luxury shoe brand famous for using ‘curves in all the right places’ was a favorite of the fashion elite for decades.

Their signature curved heel was spotted on the likes of Emma Roberts, Tyra Banks, and Ashley Tisdale before fading into an unexpected hiatus.

Actress Meta Golding in a floral-print Mario Dice Spring 2016 dress and Walter Steiger ‘Tinker Bell’ patent leather platform heels at the premiere of Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ at Microsoft Theater on November 16, 2015, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INFphoto)

Walter Steiger as we know it may no longer exist, but the Steiger family is still going strong with eye-catching designs under another name.

Tank Steiger is the relaunched version of Walter Steiger, a project pioneered by the founder’s granddaughter Laura.

Maria Sharapova flaunts her legs in a black Antonio Berardi Fall 2014 lace dress and Walter Steiger laser-cut suede pumps at the 2014 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 16, 2014, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Created to attract a new generation of women, Tank Steiger’s bold designs sit at the forefront of the contemporary luxury footwear market.

A Passion For Shoes Since 1932

Walter Steiger was one of the world’s most prestigious family-owned footwear brands.

Walter Steiger created the company in Geneva in 1932. He started out making high-quality made-to-measure shoes for men and women.

Toni Collette wears Walter Steiger platform sandals with a nude Robin Brouillette halter gown at the ‘A Long Way Down’ premiere during the 64th Berlinale International Film Festival at the Friedrichstadt-Palast on February 10, 2014, in Berlin, Germany (Credit: INFphoto)

The brand reached international acclaim in the 1960s thanks to Walter’s son of the same name.

Walter Junior expanded the business by opening boutiques in the world’s fashion capitals: Paris, Milan, London, and New York.

His avant-garde designs attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in fashion, such as London’s mod queen Mary Quant and the legendary photographer Helmut Newton.

Malin Akerman flaunts her legs in a Christian Siriano dress with Walter Steiger heels at the 2013 Environmental Media Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on October 19, 2013, in Burbank, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

The brand went on to collaborate with major design houses, including Azzedine Alaïa, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Sonia Rykiel, Nina Ricci, Ungaro, and Chloe.

Walter Steiger became the go-to luxury brand for fashionistas looking to make a statement with their shoes.

Malin Akerman shows off her curved Walter Steiger ankle boots (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

Their elegant styles were famous for their extravagant heels, vibrant colors and prints, and striking embellishments.

Walter’s lavish design elements were ideal for upscale events and haute couture runways, making the brand an instant celebrity favorite.

Shoes For A New Generation Of Women

At its core, Walter Steiger has always been a family business.

The Steigers have a deep passion for shoemaking and a dedication to tradition continually passed from generation to generation.

Joanne Froggatt flaunts her legs in Walter Steiger heels paired with a Hervé Léger Sheena color-blocked dress at the London Premiere of “Filth” at Odeon West End on September 30, 2013, in London, England (Credit: WENN)

Therefore, it was no surprise that Laura wanted to take the family business into its third generation.

What did shock the fashion industry was the reveal of Tank Steiger after the brand’s two-year hiatus.

Laura swapped the brand’s sky-high heels for chunky-soled combat boots and creepers.

Joanne Froggatt shows off her feet in gold metallic caged Walter Steiger heels (Credit: WENN)

The entire Tank Steiger line is centered around the thick platform sole as a way to make ‘solid headway’ in the shoe industry.

While Walter Steiger shoes exuded high octane glamor, Tank Steiger designs are practical and contemporary chic.

Laura has stated that this new venture is a celebration of modern, headstrong, independent women.

Actress Julianne Moore rocks a Jason Wu dress and shows off her feet in Walter Steiger sandals at the Broadcast Television Journalists Association Second Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 18, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)

She wants to carry on her family’s legacy of innovation and high-quality craftsmanship while creating shoes that transcend seasons, trends, and can be worn all day long by women of any age.

Actress Crystal Reed flaunts her legs in an Issa London Fall 2012 dress and Walter Steiger ankle boots at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on June 3, 2012, in Universal City, California (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)

Tank Steiger’s cool and comfortable platforms may be dramatically different from the creations of her father and grandfather, but they will undoubtedly resonate with the modern trendsetter.

We look forward to seeing what Laura will come up with next!

Scroll down to see celebrities wearing the best heels, boots, and shoes by Walter Steiger.