Gola

Gola is a British sports footwear brand with roots in Leicester in 1905. Its headquarters are in Rawtenstall, England, and it belongs to the Jacobson Group, which also owns Lotus and Ravel.

Products

• Retro trainers and sneakers for men, women and kids
• Football and running heritage styles
• Sports and leisure clothing and accessories

Ownership

In January 2026 the Japanese trading group Marubeni acquired the Jacobson Group through its US unit, so the European brand now has a non-European parent. Management stays in the UK.

History

The brand began as Joseph Leeson & Sons in Leicester in 1905. The Jacobson Group acquired Gola in 1996. Founder Harvey Jacobson is retiring after the sale, and the existing management continues to run the business. The group also holds licences for the Dunlop and Lonsdale names. The brand is run from the UK, and the flag on this page marks its non-European owner.