For more than 50 years, STEPPER Eyewear has built its reputation around a simple idea: eyewear should fit beautifully, feel comfortable and, above all, perform its essential function of positioning prescription lenses correctly in front of the eyes.
From its beginnings in Germany in 1970, the company has developed into a global eyewear brand, combining optical expertise with innovative materials, thoughtful design and precision manufacturing.
Today, STEPPER is one of the most popular spectacle frame brands at optometry@cooroy, where its combination of quality, comfort and value for money has made it a favourite among customers and optical dispensers alike.
The Beginnings of STEPPER Eyewear
The story begins with Hans STEPPER, a German Master Optician born in 1935. His father operated an optical shop in Stuttgart, and Hans began his own career as a dispensing optician.
His interest in frame design took him to Helsinki in 1958, where he designed and crafted bespoke spectacles. After returning to Germany, he completed his professional training and graduated as a Master Optician in 1961.
Hans became particularly interested in the relationship between the human face and the spectacle frame. Rather than simply adapting conventional designs, he wanted to create frames that worked with the contours of the face.
In 1970, he established STEPPER in Germany in partnership with an expert in plastic moulding technology. The company’s early frames used injection moulding, an approach that allowed Hans to develop distinctive shapes designed around the wearer rather than relying on traditional flat acetate construction.
Designed for Comfort and the Perfect Fit
From the beginning, comfort was central to the brand. STEPPER’s original philosophy was that a frame is not merely a fashion accessory; it is an important part of the optical solution.
A well-designed frame needs to hold lenses in the correct position while remaining comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. This principle continues to underpin the company’s approach today.
It is this attention to fit that makes STEPPER frames particularly appealing to people who wear their spectacles throughout the day, whether at work, at home or out and about.
Innovation in Materials and Manufacturing
As the business evolved, so did its use of materials and manufacturing techniques.
Production initially centred on Stuttgart before moving to the UK and later to China around the turn of the century. The company expanded beyond its early plastic designs, introducing materials including titanium and Beta-Titanium alongside its TX5 material.
These developments enabled STEPPER to create lightweight, durable and refined frames while retaining its emphasis on fit.
A Family Business with a Lasting Philosophy
STEPPER has also remained a family business. Hans’ daughter, Saskia STEPPER, joined the company and became involved in collections, colours, design and customer relationships, helping carry the brand into its next generation.
Today, STEPPER Eyewear is sold internationally, with the company describing its frames as being worn by millions of people worldwide. Its range includes collections designed for adults and younger wearers, with the brand continuing to focus on fit, comfort, materials and optical performance.
More than five decades after Hans STEPPER created his first frame, the company’s philosophy remains remarkably consistent: understand the wearer, understand the face, and design the frame around both.
It is this combination of optical knowledge, engineering and understated style that has shaped the STEPPER story from 1970 to today.
Discover STEPPER Eyewear at optometry@cooroy
STEPPER Eyewear is one of our best-selling spectacle frame brands at optometry@cooroy, and for good reason.
The combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, long-lasting comfort and excellent value for money makes STEPPER a brand our optical dispensers are confident recommending.
We understand that choosing a spectacle frame is about more than appearance. Your glasses need to fit comfortably, suit your lifestyle and provide reliable everyday wear. STEPPER’s emphasis on fit and function makes it an excellent option for customers looking for a frame that feels as good as it looks.
If you would like to experience the comfort and quality of STEPPER Eyewear for yourself, visit optometry@cooroy at 62 Maple Street, Cooroy.
Our friendly team can help you explore our STEPPER range, find a frame that suits your face and personal style, and have it fitted with prescription lenses to meet your individual needs.
