Hi-Tec's Slogans & Taglines

Hi-Tec Sports, trading as Hi-Tec, is a premier international outdoor and athletic footwear brand that commands notable market equity as an absolute defining pioneer of lightweight hiking boots and high-performance sportswear. Founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel in Shoeburyness, England, the heritage enterprise permanently revolutionized the global activewear landscape by debuting the historic Sierra Sneaker in 1978—the world's first dedicated lightweight hiking boot—and the iconic Silver Shadow running trainer in 1981. Following a strategic corporate relocation of its global headquarters to Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2011, the brand was acquired in 2016 by brand licensing firm Apex Global Brands. The historic house entered a dynamic new operational chapter when Apex was successfully taken over in an all-cash merger by vertically integrated brand management powerhouse Galaxy Universal LLC. Moving through mid-2026, Hi-Tec mass-services outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and athletes across more than 85 countries, utilizing Galaxy's expansive international licensing networks and wholesale channels. By seamlessly blending its deep athletic heritage with modern technical outerwear innovations, the category veteran continuously dictates retail lifestyle standards worldwide.