When it comes to hiking trail shoes and walking boots, Italy has long been synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Two brands stand out in the world of outdoor adventure: SCARPA® and Dolomite. Both brands combine decades of heritage, cutting-edge materials, and ergonomic designs to deliver boots and shoes that are perfect for every outdoor pursuit, from technical mountain climbs to leisurely countryside walks.
Whether you’re looking for lightweight trail shoes, waterproof hiking boots, or insulated cold-weather options, this guide will help you navigate the best Italian hiking footwear, explore the brands’ histories, and find the right footwear for your adventures.
Why Choose Italian Hiking Footwear?
Italian hiking footwear is renowned for:
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Craftsmanship & Heritage: Centuries of shoemaking expertise ensure durable, comfortable, and stylish footwear.
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Performance Materials: Use of Gore-Tex®, Vibram® soles, TPU reinforcements, and breathable synthetics for maximum grip, protection, and comfort.
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Ergonomic Design: Women’s and men’s-specific shapes, padded collars, and midsole technologies ensure a perfect fit for long days on the trail.
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Versatility: Designed for all terrains -mountain ridges, rocky trails, urban exploration, and everything in between.
SCARPA®: 80+ Years of Outdoor Innovation
Founded in 1938 in the town of Asolo, in northern Italy, SCARPA® is the product of a unique collaboration between Anglo-Irish entrepreneur Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness and local Italian craftsmen. The brand’s name is an acronym: Calzaturieri Asolani Riuniti Pedemontana Anonima, which translates roughly to “Association of Footwear Manufacturers from the mountain area of Asolo.”
SCARPA® quickly gained a reputation for high-quality mountain boots, combining the finest leatherwork with innovative construction techniques. By the 1950s, the Parisotto brothers - Luigi, Francesco, and Antonio -took over the company, expanding its reach internationally while maintaining a strong connection to Italian craftsmanship. Their boots were soon adopted by alpine guides, forest rangers, and military units across Europe.
The 1970s and 1980s marked a period of innovation and exploration. SCARPA® pioneered coloured trekking boots, sports climbing shoes, and the first high-altitude plastic footwear. Legendary mountaineers, including Jerzy Kukuczka and Renowned Himalayan expeditions, relied on SCARPA® boots for climbing some of the world’s highest peaks, cementing the brand’s reputation for durability, performance, and innovation.
By the 1990s, SCARPA® was combining tradition with cutting-edge technology, introducing GORE-TEX® linings, advanced sole systems, and Telemark ski boots that redefined the market.
Today, SCARPA® produces over 145 models, spanning hiking, climbing, ski mountaineering, and approach shoes, with 80% of production still based in Italy, guaranteeing the quality, precision, and heritage of the brand.
Key highlights of SCARPA® footwear:
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GORE-TEX® and Pebax® Technology: Waterproofing, breathability, and lightweight durability.
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Vibram® and PRESA® Soles: Outstanding traction for rocky, wet, and uneven terrain.
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Women’s-Specific Fits: Ergonomic shapes designed for long-lasting comfort and support.
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Heritage-Inspired Models: Classic designs like the Mojito Trail GTX and modern high-performance options like the Ribelle Cross 2 GTX.
Top SCARPA® Hiking & Approach Shoes:
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Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 GTX GORE-TEX Trail Running / Hiking Shoe - A fast, lightweight, and weatherproof mountain shoe that blends trail-running agility with hiking-boot protection. Ideal for fast hikes, approaches, and 3-season mountain adventures, it ensures all-weather protection and long-lasting comfort.
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SCARPA Mojito Trail GTX WMN - Low-cut, waterproof, and lightweight for urban and woodland adventures.
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SCARPA Rapid XT Women’s - Leather approach shoe with Vibram Megagrip outsole for scrambles and technical trails.
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SCARPA Ribelle Run LT WP - Trail-running shoe with waterproof membrane and PRESA® TRN-09 sole for stability on mixed terrain.
Dolomite: A Century of Mountain Passion
Dolomite has been shaping Italian outdoor footwear since 1897, when Giuseppe Garbuio, a 17-year-old shoemaker, opened the Fabbrica Scarpe Montello in the Dolomite mountains. Inspired by the stunning landscapes of northern Italy, Dolomite’s designs have always merged style, functionality, and the spirit of the mountains.
By the mid-20th century, Dolomite had equipped major expeditions to K2 in 1954, Dhaulagiri in 1960, and polar adventures in Greenland. These landmark expeditions gave the brand international recognition and demonstrated its expertise in producing durable, reliable, and high-performance mountain boots.
Dolomite’s philosophy is rooted in Italian design and culture, with every shoe combining comfort, performance, and elegance. Whether it’s a fast hike across UK trails or a multi-day alpine trek, Dolomite boots deliver on every front: grip, stability, waterproofing, and ergonomic fit. Over a century of craftsmanship has allowed Dolomite to innovate while staying true to its Dolomite mountain roots.
Dolomite is known for:
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LWG-Certified Leather & Technical Textiles: Durable, environmentally conscious materials.
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GORE-TEX® Membranes: Waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability.
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Vibram® Shock-Absorbing Soles: Cushioning, grip, and flexibility for challenging terrain.
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Ergonomic Designs for Women & Men: Snug fits and long-lasting comfort tailored to natural foot shapes.
Top Dolomite Hiking Shoes:
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Dolomite Vernale High Leather GTX – Premium nubuck and suede leather, waterproof, and perfect for trekking.
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Dolomite 54 Hike Low Evo GTX – Italian style with durable Vibram® outsole, ideal for light hiking and mixed terrain.
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Dolomite Nibelia High GTX W – Lightweight, breathable, and ergonomic for women, suited for fast hiking.
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Dolomite Nibelia Saxifraga 2.0 Warm – Insulated, protective, and grippy for cold-weather hiking.
Choosing the Right Italian Hiking Shoe
When selecting your hiking footwear, consider:
Activity: Trail running, mountain hiking, urban exploration, or cold-weather trekking.
Terrain: Rocky, uneven, muddy, or mixed terrain.
Weather Protection: Waterproof membranes for wet conditions, insulated models for winter.
Fit & Comfort: Women’s-specific designs, padded collars, adjustable lacing, and shock-absorbing midsoles.
Tip: For high-altitude or technical approaches, choose SCARPA® for performance-driven features. For multi-day treks with Italian flair, Dolomite combines style, comfort, and durability.
Why Italian Footwear Stands Out
Both SCARPA® and Dolomite emphasise:
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Heritage & Expertise: Over 80–120 years of experience in mountain footwear.
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Innovation & R&D: Advanced soles, breathable membranes, and lightweight constructions.
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Performance & Comfort: Ergonomic fits, cushioning, and all-terrain grip.
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Italian Design: Classic, stylish, and functional footwear that looks as good in the city as it does on the trail.
Whether you’re climbing rugged peaks, walking through the Dolomites, or exploring UK trails, these brands offer footwear you can trust.
Final Thoughts
Italian hiking footwear is the ultimate combination of heritage, style, and performance. SCARPA® and Dolomite continue to set the standard for outdoor footwear, offering choices for every hiker and adventurer. From urban explorers to alpine climbers, these brands deliver innovation, comfort, and the confidence to tackle any terrain.
