One of the main needs of anyone who loves walking in the mountains is footwear that is durable as well as comfortable. Rough terrain is common, and rocks and stones work their way into boot stitching, wearing it down bit by bit. Being forced to replace footwear constantly is bad for a hiker's feet — and a significant expense. Wear on soles, uppers, stitching and hooks is inevitable with intensive use, which is why the quality of the materials and the construction method are fundamental to a reliable, long-lasting product.
Over the years Zamberlan® has gathered statistics, requests and field tests to improve its products and make them more durable. Without doubt, one of the artisan construction techniques that best answers these needs is the Norwegian welt. A complex, labour-intensive process, derived from the method traditionally used for Northern European mountain boots. Footwear built this way can be used for hiking, trekking and hunting on rough terrain — and the technique can also be applied to everyday lifestyle footwear.
What is the process behind Norwegian welt construction?
Norwegian welt construction requires great experience, which is why Zamberlan® entrusts it to the hands of skilled artisans who have practised this craft for years. It is a process demanding time and extreme precision.
This particular technique is defined by a double stitch: the first attaches the upper to the insole (specifically engineered for this purpose), while the second attaches the upper to the midsole, to which the outsole is subsequently glued. At Zamberlan®, all outsoles are Vibram® — a brand that adds a further guarantee of safety, stability and longevity to our mountain footwear.
What are the advantages of mountain boots built with the Norwegian welt?
- The first great advantage of trekking boots built to Norwegian welt standards is that they can be resoled. This special method allows the sole to be removed and a new one fitted when needed. With proper care and maintenance, this dramatically extends the boot's life.
- They are genuinely tough mountain boots. The double stitching makes all footwear built this way far more solid than industrially made boots produced with more ordinary techniques.
- A classic look, with all the innovation of modern technology. All Norwegian-welted footwear has a retro, vintage design that has come powerfully back into fashion. Inside, however, these products contain every innovative technical feature needed to deliver the performance and comfort that modern consumers demand. Elegant and classic in appearance, they satisfy the needs of those who love to travel and discover new destinations every day — at altitude or in the city, in the countryside or on asphalt.
- Structured, yes — but never at the expense of maximum comfort. Don't be misled by their extreme durability: they are flexible at the same time, and give the wearer a constant feeling of comfort.
- Long-lasting, thanks also to their waterproofing. Another feature Zamberlan® never gives up is offering mountain and lifestyle footwear that is a certainty against water and snow. That's why every Norwegian-welted model features a GORE-TEX® membrane that keeps the foot constantly dry, even in changing weather.
Best-selling models built with the Norwegian welt:
- 1025 TOFANE NW GTX RR. Award-winning trekking boots, ideal for mountain hunting too. The Norwegian welt allows resoling and therefore prolonged use over time. The full-grain Tuscan leather upper ensures softness and foot wellbeing, with a look in total harmony with nature. They also feature the Hydrobloc® water-repellent treatment, enhancing the waterproofing of the GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort lining for changing weather conditions. A rubber toe cap protects against frontal impacts, the FLEX-SYSTEM joint eases the foot's natural roll, and the Zamberlan® Vibram® NorTrack sole guarantees stability and grip on varied terrain.
- Z86 GARDENA LITE NW GTX. Lifestyle shoes — the lighter version of the celebrated Z85 GARDENA. A 100% Made-in-Italy design intended for everyday use, made even more durable by its construction. The ideal solution for travellers, and for anyone moving around the city who won't give up Zamberlan® comfort. Suitable for men and women, with a full-grain Tuscan leather upper with Hydrobloc® treatment, a nubuck collar for maximum comfort, and a GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort lining for breathability and waterproofing. Lightness, comfort and flexibility come courtesy of the Vibram® Betulla sole and die-cut EVA midsole.
- 1030 SELLA NW GTX RR. The most prestigious men's trekking model, thanks in part to its construction technique, which makes these boots extremely durable — and resolable. The full-grain Tuscan leather upper gives a natural look, with the Hydrobloc® treatment ensuring water repellency. In the 1030 SELLA NW GTX RR, the leather lining is laminated with the GORE-TEX membrane for maximum breathability and waterproofing, keeping the foot completely dry in any climate. High-profile cuff, rubber toe cap for extra protection, FLEX-SYSTEM joint for a natural stride, and Zamberlan® Vibram® NorTrack sole for stability and traction.
- 1023 LATEMAR NW. Tough, solid, long-lived mountain boots thanks to their Norwegian welt construction. Equipped with a full-grain waxed leather upper enriched with Hydrobloc® treatment. The leather lining guarantees optimal breathability and exceptional comfort, while the Zamberlan® Vibram® NorTrack sole provides stability and grip on varied terrain.