Hanwag focuses on quality, reliability, functionality, and durability–and is also making quite a splash in the fashion world with these values. With the Rotpunkt LL, the Rotpunkt Low and the Alaska XC, the Bavarian brand is launching three leisure and mountaineering shoe models that also shine in urban environments
“As a company and brand, we have never allowed ourselves to be led by trends but have always gone our way and followed our convictions,” says Christian Wittig, describing the recipe for success of the German mountain and hiking boot manufacturer Hanwag. “Because true pioneers dare to break new ground and don’t follow others,” adds the Marketing Director of the more than 100-year-old company, which has recently attracted attention again with impressive innovations and is about to conquer the fashion world after being established in mountaineering for a long time.
Three models in particular are currently the focus of the company based in Vierkirchen, Bavaria, Germany: the Rotpunkt LL, which is already available in a limited edition, as well as the Alaska XC and the Rotpunkt Low, which will be presented at ISPO Munich 2023 (booth A2.302). While the Alaska is a classy, timeless boot for trekking adventures, the 80s classic Rotpunkt now shines as a mountain and leisure boot with a retro spirit and high-quality details. “Rotpunkt” is the German word for redpoint climbing, which means to free-climb a route from the ground to the top while lead climbing.
“The Rotpunkt is a hiking boot that has always been in our showroom and has attracted a lot of attention,” reports Christian Wittig. “We’ve had the idea of bringing it back as part of a limited edition for some time–it has now finally worked out, and we are proud of it. The feedback has been tremendous, and the Rotpunkt has become a real talking piece, especially because it has such great historical relevance in the climbing scene.” At the beginning of the 1980s, Hanwag was one of the first manufacturers to launch purpose-built climbing shoes on the market, with great success. Mountaineering pioneers such as Sepp Gschwendtner, one of the first redpoint climbers, conquered new routes with the original Rotpunkt model.
“Regarding the Alaska XC, we are talking about a classic and timeless design that can still work in the same way in 10, 15, or 25 years,” Christian Wittig points out. Models such as Rotpunkt and Alaska not only attract attention in the outdoor community but also impress fashionistas, who are increasingly looking for sustainable and high-quality footwear instead of cheaply produced and expensively sold sneakers. Hence, it’s no wonder they are falling for the high-quality, tried-and-tested fit and technical innovation of Hanwag’s handcrafted models–as they did recently during Paris Fashion Week 2023.
“After numerous conversations with stakeholders and people who visited us in our production facility in Vierkirchen and our showroom at Paris Fashion Week, we realized that genuine values such as quality, reliability, functionality, and durability are in demand,” confirms Christian Wittig. Especially brands with a rich and verifiable history, such as Hanwag, are sought-after. “We are not an artificial construct; we have been successful on the market and in the mountains and outdoors for over 100 years,” says the marketing specialist. Thus, Hanwag can score points in the fashion world with its handcrafted approach. The company also likes to invite people to its production facilities for detailed tours, because its way of doing business and making shoes becomes visible there: “And that’s reality, not just in a marketing campaign,” emphasizes Wittig. “This has generated a lot of enthusiasm in the fashion community, especially because we deal with it openly and transparently.”
Hanwag fuels the interest of fashion freaks with exciting collaborations. With the Rotpunkt, for example, they teamed with the trendy Japanese eye_C Magazine, and at ISPO Munich 2023, Hanwag models will be on display at the booth (EW.520M) of the lifestyle platform Highsnobiety.
“Hanwag is the embodiment of heritage leather shoemaking, which frankly, in today’s consumer footwear landscape, cannot be said about many brands manufacturing,” says Ark Abbott from the hip mixed-media trend platform Unownedspaces. “Handmade, high-quality shoe brands are a totally rare commodity. Rarer still are the brands that are also backed by 100 years of manufacturing history and design dedication. This epitomizes ‘special’ to me. The rock-solid foundations, and stunning attention to detail and form, when paired with contemporary direction, scream of potential, in terms of both design and success. It’s really very exciting.”
Despite its forays into the fashion world, the company remains true to its roots. “We will remain 100% the same as we are and will not change,” promises Hanwag marketing man Christian Wittig. “Anything else would be wrong because we are consistently going our own way. Otherwise, we would lose credibility also in the fashion sector. It is precisely here that authentic brands with values and history are consciously sought after.”
Hanwag gets input for its innovations from all over the world. “We have great partners and a large network that extends far beyond the borders of the outdoor and mountain sports industry,” reports Wittig. “One of our strengths is that we travel a lot and also look at what other industries are doing. Even if you are an established, old shoe manufacturer, you must never stop listening, exploring, and exposing yourself to new ideas.”
In this way, the company is constantly learning. Despite all innovations, however, one characteristic feature of the company’s products always remains equally important: durability. This is because it also contributes to one of the company’s most important values, which is sustainability. “One of the most sustainable actions is to build a product that lasts a very long time, that can be repaired and that doesn’t follow fast-moving trends but is still relevant in terms of design years from now,” says Wittig.
This concept of longevity begins with the partnerships that Hanwag enters into: “We have been sourcing a large proportion of our leather from the Heinen tannery in Wegberg, Germany, for over 60 years,” reports Wittig. “Some of our most iconic products are more than 25 years old. Today, our stories and values are in tune with the times.”
The present, and a look into the past, also show what the future holds for Hanwag. When asked about the future direction of the brand, Christian Wittig first looks back: “When Hans Wagner started making the first mountain boots over 100 years ago, it was a huge investment and a kind of life insurance for customers at the time.” Money was scarce for most people back then, so the boots had to be of the highest quality, resoleable, and repairable. And, above all, they had to work well on the mountain. After all, there was no mountain rescue service to rescue you from the face by helicopter. “You could always rely on Hanwag shoes,” says Wittig. “We are pleased to see that these values, which we have consistently lived by since 1921, are once again gaining in importance, and we are working to translate these values into the future. We will always try to be one step ahead with our quality standards, our unique fit, and the performance of our shoes.”
Jumping on the retro bandwagon is not on the agenda though. “In the future, we may be inspired by the colors of old models for one or two products, but there are no plans for a retro collection,” Wittig assures. “We would rather revive our classics, which have always had massive relevance and recognition in the outdoor and mountain community, with some new details.”
The focus is always on sustainability. For example, Hanwag supports customers with information on product care to extend the lifespan of their shoes even further. The company is also proud of its 100% production in Europe and locally sourced materials, which shortens the transportation routes. The company now resoles 20,000 shoes a year. “That’s sustainability in action!” says Wittig contentedly.
With its sustainable economic development, Hanwag is on the path to healthy growth. The Bavarians draw on a rich heritage to create forward-oriented products while remaining down-to-earth and close to nature. The best prerequisites for successful sales in the outdoor and fashion world!
The Millet Trilogy Jorasses Dyneema Down Hoodie is a highly compressible and functional down jacket with durable upper and hydrophobic down treatment to keep you warm as a last outer layer in the harshest conditions of alpine expeditions.
Highly compressible and functional, this bulky down jacket reinforced with Dyneema® Ultralight is part of the brand-new Millet Trilogy Alpine Kit for the most extreme expeditions. Its very warm 1000 FP goose down insulation features the new ExpeDRY treatment, which makes the fill water-repellent and improves feather drying speed while reducing environmental impact. The outer fabric is composed of Dyneema with a water-repellent treatment for reliability and durability. The warmth and technicality of this jacket also impressed the ISPO Award jury.
The used 1000 fill power goose down can be both compressed and packed into a very small volume, optimizing space and guaranteeing an optimum warmth-to-weight ratio, delivering supreme heat insulation when out in the Himalayan range. The baffle structure has been set in a hexagonal shape with partial openings for improved down distribution, lessening cold spots. The hood has been designed especially to be compatible with a climbing helmet.
An elastic pocket has been placed on the inside of the jacket to store your accessories such as gloves or a headband, but also to dry them or keep them warm. A zip pocket is placed on the left inner side of the jacket, which also serves as another pocket and safer storage option with a zip for your belongings.
If conditions get freezing while climbing, alpinists would add this last-but-not-least outer layer, the Millet Trilogy Jorasses Dyneema Down Hoodie, to face low temperatures, for example, while waiting at the belay or doing a bivy during a cold night. It has been designed as part of the brand’s modular kit to be worn above the Trilogy Jorasses GTX PRO 3L Suit, which also won an ISPO Award.
Every product of the full kit works hand-in-hand with the other to face any kind of conditions in modern alpinism, while doing technical winter ascents and demanding mountaineering routes.
The Apex v2 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt by Stafu Pro makes the outdoor world more colorful and stylish.
The design is also highly functional and an asset for water sports enthusiasts in particular.
The Apex Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt stands out for its eco-friendliness and exceptional durability. Crafted with a focus on sustainability, this shirt is not only designed to protect you from harmful UV rays, but also to reduce the need for frequent replacements by reducing number of washes with its stain repellency and odor free fabric. One of the key highlights of this shirt is the use of nano-technology in its material, making it formidable against the elements and ensuring that harmful UV rays do not affect the wearer. This innovation takes the level of protection to new heights, making it gentle on the environment. Stafu Pro has combined fashion, fun, and technical expertise in the creation of the Apex Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt. It's not just about performance; it's a statement of style and adventure. Designed for those who demand both function and fashion in their outdoor gear, this shirt is a testament to Stafu Pro's commitment to delivering high-quality products that cater to the needs of their customers.
Athletes and professional athletes are actively involved in the development and testing of Stafu-Pro products. Their real-world experiences and insights play a crucial role in ensuring that our products meet the rigorous demands of outdoor activities. “By collaborating closely with athletes, we create high-performance gear that excels in the field and meets the specific needs of our customers. Furthermore, we never release a product without prior field tests by pros to ensure that it will endure and support the owner for quite a while”, says Marketing Manager Sertan Karamollaoglu.
Innovative products also bring numerous advantages for retailers. “Retailers can confidently offer their customers premium, high-quality outdoor apparel and gear. Stafu-Pro products are known for their durability and performance, which can enhance a retailer's reputation”, says Karamollaoglu. “Our extensive product catalog covers a wide range of outdoor activities, allowing retailers to cater to various customer preferences and interests.” In addition to the high quality standards of the product itself, the young brand also focuses on customer satisfaction. With the knowledge of the innovative character of the Apex shirt, the brand sees a good chance of winning over consumers in the long term. “In today's environmentally conscious market, Stafu-Pro's eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives can attract consumers who value responsible, eco-conscious brands“, says Karamollaoglu. To achieve this permanently, the brand follows a core principle: Selling high-quality, durable products that enhance the outdoor experience can lead to customer satisfaction and loyalty, encouraging repeat business.
The cut and fit of the Apex Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt are tailored to the needs of fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers unrestricted movement, ensuring you can cast your line, hike the trails, and explore the wild with ease and comfort. Furthermore, Stafu-Pro's commitment to using 50% to 70% recycled materials in their products in the following years is a testament to their dedication to sustainability. Their continual investment in textile technology and innovation ensures that retailers have access to cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Time to try on your Apex Fishing Shirt.
The hybrid hiking boots Trekin easy! by i:D promises sustainability, versatility, and eco-innovative comfort. Natural materials and a modern design underline the innovative approach of the brand.
In today's fast-paced world, the need for products that seamlessly blend sustainability, versatility, and innovation has never been more crucial. Enter Trekin easy! by i:D, a trekking-inspired lifestyle hybrid designed to make every journey not just easy, but comfortable, all while upholding a commitment to eco-consciousness. “It is designed for every conscious individual and adventure lover”, says a spokesperson for the brand. “It is not just a trekking shoe. It's an eco-engineered game changer that gives more functions, versatility, and ultimate comfort than ever.” What's therefore special about the development is that individual athletes and a group of teams with considerable expertise in footwear were involved.
Trekin easy! is an extraordinary convergence of utility, sustainability, and innovation. It's not just a trekking shoe; it's a game-changer that redefines what you expect from your footwear. Let's delve into the remarkable features that set it apart. Trekin easy! boots boast a thoughtful design that incorporates eco-friendly materials like Spoor leather, bio-based Dyneema, Xpore membrane, and natural rubber for toe/heel caps and outsoles. This commitment to sustainability doesn't compromise on performance, offering protection, waterproofing, grip, and durability.
The future lies in eco-design and also in the development of shoes. This is already making itself felt and will become even more noticeable for retailers. New technologies and materials require explanation. For this reason, expert advice is becoming more important than ever. “It's fair to say that it’s a win-win situation for both retailers and consumers in this regard”, says a speaker for the brand. “As a retailer, it’s an opportunity to get involved in sustainability while their reputation, brand image, sales, and customer relationships are enhanced and grow.”
In addition to retailers, consumers will also benefit from more sustainable products in the long term. Moving around in nature with natural materials will be more natural in the future. “As a customer, it's a moment to enjoy an even better product while staying aligned with their consciousness and leaving positive footprints in their every step”, describes a speaker for the brand about the advantages for consumers. On the way into a more sustainable future, innovative products such as Trekin easy! can help accelerate the process as a whole.
What makes Trekin easy! truly unique is its eco-optimized approach. It minimizes environmental impacts while maximizing functionality. With low-impact materials, it offers the best of both worlds: sustainable choices without sacrificing performance. Trekin easy! is a well-performed, comfortable, and eco-conscious solution. The fusion of Treeka:Lon FSC-certified natural rubber foam and a sugarcane-based midsole sets a new standard for rebounding and cushioning. In conclusion, Trekin easy! is a product that embodies the principles of sustainable excellence, versatile efficiency, and eco-innovative comfort.
STOX Energy Socks originally developed its advanced compression technology for the medical sector. For several years, the company has also been offering compression stockings and socks to improve athletic performance when running, hiking, and skiing, or for everyday life. The successful brand is now stepping up its activities in the German and Austrian markets.
From medicine to sport: STOX Energy Socks is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of compression socks. In Germany and Austria, the products of the Dutch supplier were previously only available in its e-commerce store. From 2024, the innovative compression stockings and socks will also be available in more and more retail stores in these countries.
Founded in 2015 and based in Amsterdam, the company has its origins in the medical sector. STOX has also quickly developed into a successful performance brand in the sports segment. In addition to compression socks and stockings for medical applications, STOX also offers gear to improve physical performance when running, hiking, and skiing, or for everyday life. Recovery and travel socks are also part of the product portfolio.
STOX Energy Sox was founded by Casper Disselhoff, the son of a renowned Dutch vascular surgeon. Based on his family history, the company initially focused on manufacturing high-quality medical compression products, which it developed in collaboration with several vascular surgeons. The products, certified with compression class 2 (for medium to strong support), are scientifically proven effective against thrombosis, swollen feet, oedema, and varicose veins. As STOX acquired extensive know-how in the medical field, it soon became clear that compression also has many benefits for athletes. Therefore, the company now also uses its tried-and-tested technology when manufacturing its sport-specific and everyday compression socks and stockings.
Accordingly, STOX has its headquarters in the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. “This suits the sportive vibe of our brand well,” says Stijn Nuijten, the company’s CEO. “Also, it’s great when our ambassadors visit our office because it holds a lot of significance to them as well.” Nuijten has a clear definition of what sets STOX apart from the competition: “The comfort level due to the premium materials we use and the anatomical fit of our socks. Plus, they simply look good!”
The socks and stockings by STOX owe these benefits to the graduated compression technology of compression class 2. “It is scientifically proven to increase endurance and support the muscles in faster regeneration,” explains Nuijten. The technology stimulates blood circulation between the lower legs and the heart. The compression of the stockings provides intensive support at the ankles and gradually decreases towards the thighs. This promotes blood flow in the legs and counteracts possible blood congestion. Arteries that transport oxygen-rich blood to the muscles relax, improving circulation. The veins also receive a boost, pumping deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lymphatic system, which promotes muscle regeneration. The result: more energy, longer endurance, fewer cramps, less muscle strain, faster regeneration, and warm feet.
STOX Energy Socks has focused on three sports in particular: running, hiking, and skiing. For each of them, the products have different advantages: “They increase performance when running, and prevent blisters and support the legs on any terrain when hiking,” reports Stijn Nuijten. “And skiers appreciate their reliable warmth.” Thanks to the seamless design, the comfortable padding, and the temperature-regulating merino wool, the compression socks offer maximum comfort even on cold days so that you can enjoy your day of skiing well into the late afternoon.
STOX attaches great importance to quality, sustainability, and short transportation routes during manufacturing. “That’s why we manufacture our socks in Italy with fibers made from the best mulesing-free merino wool,” emphasizes Nuijten. STOX products are circular knitted using special machines approved for manufacturing medical products. This guarantees the effectiveness of the compression. The merino wool is enriched with materials such as Dryarn and polyamide to ensure durability and function. “We believe in high European environmental standards as well as corporate and social responsibility,” says Nuijten. The company follows strict production guidelines for contract manufacturing and thus avoids overproduction and unnecessary waste. STOX also uses environmentally friendly packaging with paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Thanks to its sound scientific roots and the successful transfer of technology to the sports sector, Stijn Nuijten believes his company is well-positioned for the future. “We have set the course,” says the STOX CEO. “Now we want to get even more consumers in Germany and Austria excited about our products.”