The original Acopa factory was founded in Guadalajara, Mexico by Ernesto Vazquez and Dario Piana, two Mexican climbers in April, 1997 and two years later you could find thier shoes in the US. In 2003, legendary climber John Bachar joined Acopa and became an Acopa USA founding partner.

In 2006, 2007, and 2009 tragedy hit and there was only one suviving USA partner left. In 2010 the Acopa factory closed and the company shut down. But now the brand is back in action, still with Acopa's original Master Shoemaker, Ernesto Vazquez.

You can read the full story on Acopa's website.