SEBAGO'S HISTORY

It all began in Westbrook, Maine, among pine trees, rugged coastlines and endless blue skies. Here, Daniel J. Wellehan Sr., William Beaudoin and Joseph Cordeau founded the Sebago-Moc Company with a clear vision: create authentic, durable and versatile shoes, handcrafted following Native American traditions.

During a trip to Maine, Swiss entrepreneur Francisco Gaudier was impressed by the craftsmanship of Sebago's shoes. With his support, the brand was able to cross the Atlantic and land in Europe, kicking off its global expansion. Today, all while staying true to its roots, Sebago is present in over 90 countries and its shoes are still made to the most exacting standards of quality by expert craftsmen in selected workshops around the world.

After revolutionizing American footwear with its loafers, Sebago embarked on its next chapter with the first model from the Docksides® line, a boat shoe that would become synonymous with freedom and adventure. Designed for safe, easy movement on boats and dry land, the Docksides shoe took the nautical world and beyond by storm. Over time, its success cemented it as a lifestyle icon, symbolizing relaxed elegance and seafaring spirit.

In 1980, Sebago was featured in the iconic “Official Preppy Handbook,” where the Docksides and Penny Loafers were listed as must-have pairs for looks worn by American prep-school students. The “preppy look” became a global phenomenon and Sebago remains one of the trend's defining names, synonymous with tradition, comfort and relaxed elegance.

From coastal Maine to the decks of the world’s most prestigious regattas, Docksides boat shoes have been worn by some of sailing’s greatest names. In the 1980s, Sebago sailed alongside legend Gary Jobson in the 1983 America’s Cup and featured in iconic races such as the Celebrity Regatta, Newport–Bermuda Race and the O-Star. In the 1990s, Sebago became official supplier to the US national sailing team and, in 1993, coined its enduring motto: “Made with care, built to last.”

On July 31 2017, Sebago joined the Turin-based BasicNet Group. Bringing fresh creative energy, this acquisition relaunched the brand worldwide, all while maintaining its proud American heritage and philosophy centered on authenticity, quality and pursuing the finest materials. Sebago has expanded its own creative horizons by introducing a unisex clothing range that is inspired by timeless style and stays true to the brand's aesthetic codes.

Almost 80 years after it was founded, Sebago celebrates its history with the “Sebago Year Book”, an editorial project that pays loving tribute to the heart and soul of the brand. Issued annually, the book features interviews, anecdotes and true-life stories shared by those who, over the years, have transformed Sebago into not just a brand, but a lifestyle grounded in quality, authenticity and shared values.

Sebago celebrates eighty years of history, reaffirming its roots in Maine while looking toward the future without losing touch with its identity. From the Made in USA capsule collection to initiatives like the Sebago Boat Tour in major European cities, the brand marks this milestone by transforming tradition into a global experience.