JÖTUNN Hiking boots

JÖTUNN

I could write my own saga about the hunt for these boots. But who would read it?

When I started GHC, I really wanted to offer a traditional hiking boot with a Norwegian welt. A handcrafted ‘Alpine style’ hiking boot, to be more specific. A boot that would work hard for years. A boot that craves the mountain trail. 

I teamed up with a small family company in northern Italy who still know how to do things properly. Jötunn is made to order, to my specifications.

The single piece Eduard Gallusser (GALLO MONTAN) leather upper, is simply stunning. This is ultra premium leather. There is simply nothing else like it. The Gallusser tannery in Switzerland is legendary. These are calfskin lined boots and are finished of with a Vibram sole. Simple. Solid. Sturdy. Legendary. The Norwegian welt, makes this a very strong hiking boot. The support the Jötunn offers is simply incredible. The lateral stability is like nothing I have ever experienced. This construction method means that the boots can be resoled and repaired. They will be with you for many years. 

Why this style?

Why introduce a design to the market, that is heavier than its modern counterparts, more expensive and has a long break in period? Well, I never did have much of a head for business. Just a passion for boots and the great outdoors. 

Truth be told, I don’t want to sell synthetic boots. I don’t want to contribute to landfill, and I believe in slow fashion. I also believe strongly in supporting traditional skills and artisan businesses. It is my belief that this support, is a tangible pathway to some kind of actual sustainable future. Not an imagined one.

This design has real pedigree too. This is the Genesis of the modern hiking boot. It’s simple, tough and repairable. This design never ‘went away’ it was just waiting for people to return to it. 

Specifications

• Single cut. 3.2/3.4 mm Swiss GALLUSSER leather 
• Norwegian welt
• Calfskin lined (full grain)
• Steel shank
• Added foam at the heel for extra comfort
• Memory foam insole with increased arch support
• Reinforced rivets. Spacing designed to accommodate the thickest laces
• Vibram Mountain block sole
• Can be resoled/repaired
• Padded collar
• 8mm midsole
• Full bellowed adjustable tongue
• 100% MADE IN ITALY – By an Artisan Family company

ON FEET

If you like your boots to feel like tanks, look know further. These boots are seriously tough. 

They have an incredible sense of stability to them. This is going to reduce foot fatigue on those long trails. The ankle padding feels luxurious and offers tremendous support. The full leather lining feels fantastic and gives the boots a premium feel. The fully adjustable bellowed tongue is a nice touch too. The memory foam on the inner section of the tongue adds to a sense of security.

As there is no membrane in the boot, just beautiful thick Swiss leather these will be perfect year round. They breathe very well. Particularly when you have merino hiking socks on. 

These are robust boots. They feel capable and so will you. I promise! Once your heel is locked in and you take your first steps you’ll know exactly I mean. 

My first outing in them was a moderately paced walk with my dog Piper. Roughly five miles. I’d been wearing them around the house for a few days prior. I’d also worn them for a spot of gardening and outdoor boot cleaning. There is a lot of boot cleaning that goes on around here! 

I decided on my trusted terry lined socks and applied my special German foot cream.

Setting off the boot actually felt surprisingly flexible already. The leather despite being thick had obviously started to mold to my feet during the time spent wearing them. 

There are no mountains where I live. However, there are plenty of small hills, winding rocky paths and woodland trails. They felt fantastic through all of these. 

There is a very rocky and steep farm track that I like to test grip out on. Parts of this track are old stone, some of it is loose gravel, there’s the odd brick and a lot of deep craters. I walked up and down this track a couple of times, Piper wasn’t pleased! The grip and support was excellent. It’s always a little nerve racking wearing new boots on uneven terrain, particularly in areas of loose rocks and polished old stone. I have to say though, the boots performed perfectly. I didn’t feel like my feet were moving around in the boots and my heels felt securely in place. 

I decided to see how waterproof these boots were by walking across a dew soaked meadow. The ground was ‘boggy’ to say the least! I then stood in an area where farm machinery enters the surrounding fields. The ground here was very soft and extremely muddy. The puddles that had formed here after an incredibly wet February, are deep! I had no issues. I then walked back through the meadow. Still no issues. Having made my way back through a small area of woodland, I decided to stop and let the dog have a drink from a nearby stream. I myself climbed in with her. I stood for a good five minutes in the water and still no issues. A Norwegian welt and Gallusser leather provide excellent waterproofing. Remember, there is no waterproof membrane!

This initial test went very well. 

On subsequent walks and as the mileage increased, I found the boots to simply get better and better. Honest and faithful. Utilitarian. 

I personally love the feel of these boots. They have the perfect amount of space in the toe box, they are easy to lock your heels into and the grip is just right. Much like my beloved Terraforte, they bend well at the ball of the foot and offer excellent lateral stability.

I always test boots before I offer them for sale! I’ve enjoyed getting to know these ‘giants’. I’ve tested them in my usual manner……harshly. I need to know that the boots I offer will work for their intended purpose. These aren’t going to let you down.

The Jötunn is a classic hiking boot. 

I’m sure that I’ll enjoy many outdoor adventures in these over the years. I know you will too! 

These feel special. It could be the leather, it could be the real artisan process or it could be simply that they are. 

MADE TO ORDER….FAST FASHION ISN’T FREE!!

 Jötunn is made to order. I believe that made to order sits well with my ethos of slow fashion. These boots are designed to last a lifetime. Slow fashion never goes out of style. Together we can reduce waste and support artisan makers. I appreciate that there is a little wait for you to get your boots, but I’ll be with you every step of the way. 

Your boots will be made by a small artisan team (very small), shipped to me to be checked over and then sent onto you. The process takes approximately 4 -6 weeks. Trust me, they are worth that little wait. These artisans have been making boots since the 1950s, they know their craft. 

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE TO ORDER. RETURNS CAN STILL BE PROCESSED WITHIN THE UK! CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS! 

CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE OF THE UK – PLEASE READ MY SHIPPINGS & RETURNS PAGE Shipping and Returns

PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY

To calculate your size, place your bare foot on a piece of paper and draw around it. Do this for both feet! Please do this standing up. Ask someone to help you!

Keep the pen as vertical as possible. Then measure the outline of your heel to the furthest tip of your toes. Use the longest measurement. 

IF YOU NEED ANY HELP, PLEASE CONTACT ME. ALL SIZES WILL BE CHECKED WITH THE MANUFACTURER! 

I CAN ALSO HAVE HALF SIZES MADE!

SMALLER SIZES AVAILABLE TOO!

Simply email me at info@ghcoutdoors.co.uk

I’VE LISTED AND ALLOWED FOR THE MOST COMMONLY MADE SIZES. DON’T SEE YOUR SIZE? CONTACT ME!