France's GALIBIER Relaunches After 35 Years! The "Super Land" Showcases the Future of Hiking Boots

This year marks the comeback of GALIBIER, the prestigious French shoe brand that defined the golden age of Alpine mountaineering. Leading the relaunch is the "Super Land," a model with roots in the "Super Guide," a favorite among mountaineers in the 1970s.

In today's shoe market, where fast consumption is the norm, Galibier's long-awaited heritage model, designed to be "worn for 10, even 20 years," stands as a powerful counterstatement.

We sat down with Takuma Shinozaki from Galibier Japan K.K. to discuss the story behind the brand's revival and the vision that the "Super Land" represents.

A Legacy of French Hiking Boots: The Symbol of the Alps From Birth to its Golden Age

"Galibier was a brand of the Richard-Pontvert company, founded in 1909 in Izeaux, France. Its name comes from the Col du Galibier, an Alpine pass famous from the Tour de France, and the brand was launched as a line of mountaineering boots in 1922."

Richard-Pontvert, the parent company of Paraboot, experienced a golden age for its Galibier brand from the 1930s to the 1960s. Fueled by the post-World War II mountaineering boom, the Galibier name became famous throughout Europe.

"Featuring sturdy leather uppers and Norwegian welt construction, the boots were used by Alpine and Himalayan expeditions and explorers, earning Galibier a reputation as the quintessential European mountaineering boot."

In the 1960s, the brand's concept was redefined: Paraboot would focus on city shoes, while Galibier would take on the mountaineering category. However, by the 1970s, the mountaineering world began to prioritize lightweight materials and synthetic fibers, and heavy-duty leather boots gradually fell out of the mainstream.

"By the 1990s, development of new models had ceased, and the brand became effectively dormant."

Galibier's Proposal: "Boots You Nurture" That Go Against the Grain

The decision to awaken the brand after a nearly 35-year slumber was driven by the current state of the outdoor shoe market.

"Today's shoe market is characterized by accelerated consumption cycles and a 'throwaway' mentality. In stark contrast, Galibier's shoes, which can be worn for 10 or 20 years with proper care and repairs, are a clear departure from this trend.

"Cherishing a single pair of boots connects to sustainability and environmental protection. Galibier was revived to meet the demand for these 'boots you can nurture.'"

GMT K.K. had been importing the brand into Japan since the early 1990s, but this year, RPJ K.K., in coordination with the French headquarters, established Galibier Japan K.K. to finally orchestrate the relaunch.

A New Model Carrying the DNA of a Legendary Boot

Developed as part of the revival project, the "Super Land" is the symbolic shoe of the new Galibier.

Its foundation is the "Super Guide," a model that debuted in 1948 and was beloved by Himalayan expeditions and mountaineers worldwide. This heavy-duty boot, crafted with a Norwegian welt, is still spoken of today as the epitome of classic mountaineering footwear.

"The 'Superland,' a spinoff of the iconic 'Superguide,' keeps fundamental design elements like the red shoelaces but achieves a lighter, more supple feel by leaving out the steel shank in the arch."

A single 'Superguide' boot weighs around 1,700g. In contrast, the 'Superland' weighs in at a mere 745g (size 42)—less than half the weight—thanks to its Dyneema® (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber) upper.

"The inner upper is equipped with the waterproof-breathable material Sympatex, a design that blocks rain and snow while letting internal moisture escape."

Trying them on and taking a walk, you'll notice their sneaker-like cushioning—they're so comfortable, you might just forget you're wearing boots at all.

"The outsole, co-developed with Vibram, creates incredible grip with its deep lug pattern. On top of that, the internal polyurethane foam delivers excellent rebound, absorbing impact and propelling you forward."

"The upper is crafted from 2.4mm thick leather. Considering that the leather on typical hiking boots is around 1.8mm, this guarantees exceptional sturdiness."

Originating from Norwegian ski boots, this construction method involves double-stitching the upper, midsole, and outsole together, effectively sealing out water.

Plus, the ability to resole the boots for years of continued use perfectly embodies Galibier's concept of "boots you nurture over time."

While the 'Superguide' was designed for serious winter mountaineering with crampons, the 'Superland' offers the versatility for everything from light treks to everyday wear.

What Does This Classic Style Reveal About the Future of Outdoor Footwear?

Though only recently released, the boot is steadily gaining traction. It's solidifying its status as a flagship product, not just in Japan but also abroad, where it's stocked by the legendary Parisian outdoor store, Au Vieux Campeur.

Boasting incredible toughness, a timeless design, and exceptional comfort, the 'Superland' has all the makings of a boot you'll wear for years to come.

In an era that increasingly values boots to be nurtured over time rather than ones that are quickly replaced, the 'Superland's' classic silhouette reflects the very future of outdoor footwear.