Hummel sports apparel and footwear

Founded in 1923, Hummel is one of the oldest sportswear brands in the world. The company was originally established in Hamburg, Germany, by Albert Messmer and Lukas Messmer, who developed some of the first football cleats. Its name 'Hummel' is derived from the German word for bumblebee, reflected in its iconic logo. During World War II, the brand faced significant challenges but was eventually revitalized and relocated to Denmark.

Today, Hummel is widely recognized for its chevron patterns and its significant presence in football and handball. The brand has transitioned from its German roots to become a quintessentially Danish company. While the corporate headquarters and design teams are based in Denmark, manufacturing is outsourced to a global network of partners, primarily in Asia and Europe, to maintain large-scale production for international markets.

Ownership of the brand has changed hands over the decades, notably coming under the control of the Thornico Group in the early 2000s. Under this ownership, the brand has emphasized 'Company Karma,' a philosophy dedicated to doing good through sport. This has led to high-profile sponsorships of both professional clubs and national teams across the globe.