2024.10.15
Solving Common Issues of Heavyweight & Difficulty in Walking in Mountain Boots! The Innovation of "Aequilibrium" from La Sportiva
There are not many activities that demand the performance of shoes as much as mountaineering does. Protection of the feet, reducing fatigue, ensuring footholds on rocky terrain... for climbers, shoes are a trusted partner that their life depends on.
A noteworthy option is "La Sportiva's "Aequilibrium." This groundbreaking model maintains high standards for mountain boots while alleviating the typical stresses of heaviness and difficulty in walking.
This time, let’s dive deep into the charm of such versatile shoes.
PROFILE
Makoto Nagasaki
In the Marketing & Branding Division of Nippon Products Corporation, I handle PR for La Sportiva.
The Origin in the Nature-rich Dolomites
"The roots of La Sportiva lie in a shoe workshop at the foot of the Dolomites in northern Italy. The founder, Narciso Delladio, a shoemaker, created shoes for workers in the local forests and farms, and in 1960, he exhibited leather shoes at a specialized trade fair in Milan. This opened the curtain on the brand's history."
This is the statement from Makoto Nagasaki, who is responsible for PR at La Sportiva.
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"In the 1950s, Narciso's son, Francesco, established a new factory, leading to significant growth for the brand. At that time, we supplied shoes to renowned climbers, and in 1954, the Italian climbing team member, Lino Lacedelli, successfully reached the summit of K2 wearing our boots."
The 1960s marked the brand's leap forward. Following a major success at the Milan trade fair with a new collection, La Sportiva made its entry into the European market. In 2002, climber Simone Moro reached the summit of Everest wearing La Sportiva's "Olympus Mons," showcasing its capabilities to the world.
As its fame grew, more professional climbers started using La Sportiva boots, which are now officially adopted by military forces, police, and mountain rescue teams worldwide.
La Sportiva began its operations in Japan in 1969. A sales contract with Japan was signed at a trade fair in Cologne, leading to imports into Japan. In 2007, a Japanese subsidiary was established, launching sales across the country.
Creating Without Burden on Mountains & Nature
The reason La Sportiva is favored by climbers is reflected in its production approach."Our policy is for your mountain. We manufacture shoes in our own factory adjacent to our headquarters in Italy, focusing our efforts on ensuring that there is no burden on the surrounding mountains and rich nature."
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Obtaining ISO certification is a testament to that effort.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an international organization that establishes standards for products, services, processes, materials, and systems. Widely recognized for its strict standards, La Sportiva has achieved two certifications, ISO9001 and ISO14001.
Additionally, in our manufacturing processes, we focus on recycling waste, solar power, CO2 filtration, and the use of 100% renewable energy.
"Mountaineering is an activity that cannot be enjoyed without the blessings of nature. A brand that loves and protects the mountains will gain the support of climbing enthusiasts."
Mountain Boots Combining the Wisdom of the Brand
Among La Sportiva's archives, the most lauded model is the "Aequilibrium ST GTX," released in 2021.
"This mountain boot can be used in three seasons, excluding the harsh winter. It is a groundbreaking model that alleviates the stress of weight, stiffness, and difficulty in walking typical of conventional mountaineering boots, with its name derived from the English word 'equilibrium,' meaning balance and harmony."
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The surprising element upon trying it on is its unexpected "lightness." Each boot weighs approximately 630g, significantly lighter than traditional mountain boots.
"To achieve this lightweight, we reviewed every component, yet we hit a limit. Therefore, we decided to boldly omit the midsole in this model."
Normally, mountaineering boots consist of a structure with the outsole, midsole on top, and then the upper. The midsole plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and reducing foot strain or preventing ankle wobble while walking. This is an essential component for mountaineering boots, yet...
"The outsole of this model is concave like a container, and instead of solid rubber lumps, the lugs are hollow. By filling this part with midsole material, the outsole can also take on the role of the midsole. This leads to significant weight reduction by decreasing the amount of rubber used in the outsole while simultaneously eliminating the need for a midsole."
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