French shoe brand Kleman has a legacy that spans more than 75 years. During WW2, shoemaker René Cléon joined the front lines and was taken prisoner in 1940 during the Battle of France. Cléon spent 5 years in captivity, continuing to perfect his craft by making small leather shoes. His dream of starting his own company eventually came to fruition post-war in his hometown, and in 1988, the Kleman label (contraction of Cléon Manufacture) officially launched. Kleman shoes have thrived in the world of fashion by offering a raw and authentic unisex style, specifically tailored for those who seek a certain efficiency in a pure and uncompromising workwear style.