Daniel J. Wellehan, owner of five shoe stores in the area, decided to open his own factory. He partnered with two local shoemakers, William Beaudoin and Joseph Cordeau, and Sebago-Moc was born.
The name, which means "long-shaped water basin" in the native Abenaki language, was inspired by the nearby Lake Sebago. The brand's first moccasin, the "penny loafer" sewn in accordance with local traditions, was designed in the same year and became one of the brand's best-selling styles.
The first boat shoe was launched in 1948, but its patent was sold to Uniroyal. In 1950, Sebago-Moc's turnover reached $1 million and in 1952, daily production reached 2,000 pairs of shoes. Thus, a new factory was established. Thanks to the partnership with entrepreneur Francisco Gaudier, the company began selling in Europe in 1965. In 1963, women's shoe production began; in 1970, the Docksides® design, one of the brand's bestsellers, was launched. On this occasion, the company's name was changed to Sebago®. In 1978, CNN founder Ted Turner, a passionate sailor, agreed to be the brand's advertising face.
In 1981, the Campsides® collection was launched. In 1984, Sebago® became the first American company to sponsor a boat in the O-Star race. More major sponsorships in the sailing world followed, including the Celebrity Regatta, Liberty Cup, Americas Cup and the Young America team in the Louis Vuitton Cup 96/97.
The waterproof Drysides® footwear collection was launched in the fall of 1994. In 2003, Sebago® was acquired by the US company Wolverine World Wide Inc.
