A surname that already seemed to foreshadow her greatest achievement: touching the sky from the peak of the "roof of Europe." Her name was Marie Paradis, and her true story unfolded in Chamonix during the very early years of the 1800s. She worked in a village inn, possessing neither mountaineering experience nor ambitions of becoming a climber. What was destined to become a monumental milestone in the history of mountaineering actually began by pure chance, completely unplanned—unlike a typical scheduled expedition.
It was under these circumstances that Marie received a wild proposal to climb Mont Blanc from Jacques Balmat, who was already famous for being the first to plant a flag on that very summit alongside his rope partner, Paccard. Balmat was likely looking to boost his own fame even further, well aware that convincing a woman to accomplish a feat deemed fit only for a few brave men would spark a heated debate. On the other hand, the humble Marie, who held no ambitions of fame, hoped at most to earn some respect from the Alpinists stopping by her inn. In any case, both the guide who proposed the idea and the woman who accepted the invitation shared a drive to face a grueling challenge, both physically and culturally.
The journey presented the three climbers with numerous hazards; nevertheless, on July 14, 1808, Jacques, Marie, and her fourteen-year-old son, Gédéon, successfully completed this monumental feat. Lacking physical preparation and adequate gear, Marie found herself in serious distress. Upon her return, she recounted that during the final stretch of the ascent, exhausted and disoriented, she begged to be left on the mountain. With the help of her companions, she managed to reach the summit before descending to the valley completely spent.
What remains today of the first woman to reach the summit of Mont Blanc?
Marie Paradis’s ascent—or "Marie du Mont Blanc," as she was named upon her return—was certainly not a memorable climb in terms of sheer athletic performance. Beyond the plaques on schools, streets, and promenades in her memory, what endures is the profound meaning of this ascent toward something that common social consensus considered impossible and forbidden for a woman. It was undoubtedly a crucial starting point that paved the way for other women who would later embark on new expeditions. Today, she remains a powerful example of tenacity and determination for everyone, regardless of gender, who accomplishes small and large feats every day, and for those who feel an inner "call" they simply cannot ignore.
Anyone who is moved by the majesty of a mountain range, driven by the desire to test their limits and experience a deep adventure, knows these feelings well. The same applies to those who choose to conquer other goals, channeling all their energy into a cause they believe in.
This is why the story of Marie is so close to our hearts, along with all the women who, since that July 14, 1808, have had the courage to climb the treacherous walls of prejudice.
How “Epic Women” was born: a line of trekking boots designed for women
We chose to dedicate our “Epic Women” trekking boot line to Marie Paradis, Amelia Edwards, and Henriette d’Angeville—three trailblazing female mountaineers who deserve to be remembered today for shattering the misconceptions that barred women from experiencing something so significant and unique.
While men and women hold equal value in the mountains, crafting a product specifically tailored to women's physical anatomy and comfort needs holds a deeply special meaning for us. Pursuing a philosophy rooted in craftsmanship means creating boots that match the needs of those seeking well-being in every situation. For this reason, the upper has been engineered around the anatomy of the female foot. The technical materials and design follow a well-established heritage that pays attention to every single construction detail, making these trekking boots ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities in all weather conditions.
Women's Trekking Boots: The 330 Marie GTX Model
An ideal boot for trekking and backpacking, designed for women who want to tackle hikes of any level while ensuring maximum comfort for their feet.
The upper, crafted from soft Tuscan leather, is paired with a GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining that delivers optimal breathability in any weather conditions.
Sure-footed traction and grip on all types of terrain are guaranteed by the Vibram® Lite Wolf outsole. The lug layout has been specifically engineered to prevent debris accumulation and ensure a consistently stable stride.
We hope that the “Epic Women” line can become a symbol for all women of today and tomorrow who are determined to show their value in different areas of life, walking in the footsteps of Marie, Amelia, and Henriette.
For this reason, on International Women's Day, we want to donate 15% of our online store sales collected over the weekend (from March 7th to March 8th) to Telefono Rosa. The organization provides support through a 24-hour helpline run by expert volunteers trained in listening to and welcoming women who are victims of violence. This service is further supported by the work of legal, psychological, and social consultants at a dedicated support center.