Doucal’s was established in 1973 by Mario Giannini, founder and proprietor of the business that in several decades transformed itself from an artisanal enterprise into an industrial enterprise. The brand, known initially as Duca (meaning “duke”) to identify a product which was developed for an elite clientele, later became anglicized to portray his passion for English shoe manufacturing. Mario in fact trained in Britain several years in order to learn all the traditional techniques to create the most exquisite gentlemen’s shoes. Doucal’s shoes today are known to look English whilst incorporating the comfort of an Italian shoe, guaranteed by a sockliner in the insole with an activated carbon coating which guarantees the foot great comfort and freshness, combined with anti-bacterial action.