K2 has proudly stocked Asolo footwear for over 20 years. As one of only six 100% family owned companies that produce hiking boots in the world today we felt it was delving a little deeper into the history of this great brand.
The Zanatta family began making boots from their Northern Italian village in 1946. The family business grew and flourished, based on a foundation of quality footwear utilizing only the best materials. This tradition has continued to be passed down from generation to generation. Tradition, quality and innovation are the three pillars on which the company is based. The family purchased the Asolo brand in 1998, recognising it as a company that strongly reflected their values.
The Asolo brand was founded in 1975 and from its very beginnings displayed a high level of innovation. They were the first company to use cordura materials in their footwear. They later went on to change the way outdoor footwear would be made forever with the world’s first gore-tex lined boot.
Asolo controls 100% of the production processes of their footwear and all manufacturing is carried out in Europe, from either their factory in Italy, or Romania. The Romanian factory is entirely supervised and managed by Asolo. Quality control is everything for them with over 70% of boots inspected from their HQ in Italy. Every single Gore-tex booty used in their footwear is individually tested for waterproofness – a staggering statistic. Choice of materials is also paramount to Asolo using only the highest quality brands such as Gore-tex, Vibram, Perwanger and Schoeller. Every sole on an Asolo boot has been specifically designed for that model.
Over the past two decades K2 has stocked some of Asolo’s finest boots from the lightweight Zions to the AFS 8000 Mountaineering boots. Classic models such as the TPS 520, The Powermatic and The Fugitive continue to this day and are fine examples of the craftmanship that goes into each Asolo boot. The continuing popularity and longevity of these models is testament to the tradition, quality and innovation that the Zanatta family built their reputation on all those years ago.