GASPO ITALY – ITALIAN FOOTWEAR 1/4

Last year I went searching for a maker of heavy duty hunting boots suitable for New Zealand’s rugged conditions. My search took me to a small village at the base of the mighty Dolomite Mountain Range in Northern Italy.

Mario Gasparetto started hand crafting boots in the small Italian village of Cornuda in 1967. GASPO boots are meticulously hand crafted from the finest Italian materials and are designed for the hikers, mountaineers and hunters chasing wild game in the Dolomites.

Guido Gasparetto, Mario’s son, has now taken over the family business. Guido has 30 years experience making boots in Italy and Eastern Europe. Despite Guido formally taking over the running of the business Mario still makes boots today at the age of 70. What impressed me was the passion Guido and Mario have for making quality boots. Guido personally  follows the process of the boot from concept, material sourcing, cutting, stitching, lasting to attaching the sole. This is what makes Gaspo boots special, they are handcrafted in a small Italian factory where only the best is good enough. When you see and feel these boots you will understand the difference between Gaspo and some of the larger mass produced boots.

We have asked GASPO to make us a range of boots to suit New Zealand and Australia’s hunting conditions. GASPO have developed the Alpi Boot and Upland boot for us and are currently working on a few more models for release later on the in year.

GASPO boots are made with the highest quality materials including Italian Husky leather, Vibram soles and the ground breaking Outdry waterproofing system. (I am sorry but you will have to wait until post four to understand why Outdry is totally unique and is revolutionising the footwear industry).

Mario Gasparetto

Guido Gasparetto

This is post 1 of a 4 post article keep an eye out for the next post on Gaspo’s Alpi Boot.