The boot book

the

boot book

Lundhags Skomakarna AB Box 29 Atlantvägen 1 830 05 Järpen, Sweden www.lundhags.se info@lundhags.se Text: Niclas Sjögren Translation: Bobato Communications AB Photos: Erik Olsson Other photos: Svenn Fjeldheim: p. 2–3 Magnus Åström: p. 40 Cover & layout: BLINK Print: Göteborgstryckerinet 2014 2

Love the seasons

We have seen the seasons change for almost 80 years.

We know that the Nordic climate puts high demands on our products. Our handmade boots have trudged through mud and snow; rocks and frozen crust have worn our pants.

During winter, spring, summer, fall and everything in between.

We know what works and what doesn’t. Each seam and every part has a function, and all details serve a purpose. Just like in nature. We know what it takes to experience nature – in any weather, all year round.

3

CONTENTS

3

Love T h e S ea s o ns 7

Wh o A r e Yo u?

12

So ck - S o l e - Bo o t 15

At T h e S h o eM a ker s 19

I t O nly G ets Bet ter 22

Love Your Bo o ts

CONTENTS

24

The Wor l d I s No t P er fec t 27

A lways T h e R i g h t Equi p m e n t 31

Paw s - Feet - Bo o ts 35

G enerati o ns O f I nno vation 38

The S mall Detai l s 40

The Earth I s i n s h o r t s up p ly

Who ar e you?

Who you are, is the deciding factor when choosing a pair of boots. We are pretty sure that you are a person who likes being outdoors in any type of weather, and also that you probably want to wear the best footwear that you can possibly find. You would probably not let bad boots prevent you from experiencing nature.

We also assume that you appreciate things that last. This is probably why you are holding this book in your hand – and our goal is to help you make the right decision.

We believe that you want a robust, sturdy, lightweight, durable and timeless boot and these are the exact criteria that guide our work. Our boots are suitable for most environments and surfaces. The limits for your hike should not be determined by what you have on your feet, but by your own imagination and ambition.

A Lundhags boot is not a product that you use and then throw away, rather it ages with dignity and lives up to your highest standards and expectations.

We do not necessarily divide our boots according to activity, however, to help you in your selection, we usually talk about three categories that best describe a boot’s fit and ­personality.

7

Become on e wit h ou r l a s ts .

O P TI W S L AST This last has the same shape as the Opti-last, but over the years, has been modified to fit women and smaller sizes best. The Opti Ws Last is slightly narrower and higher over the ankle.

OPT I- LA ST This last is slightly wider and has lower ankle dimensions to prevent the foot from sliding forward. The toe box has been further developed to provide more room for your toes.

REGULA R-L A ST This last is a further development­ of our previous Normal-last where volume has been increased and the big toe joint has become straighter to provide extra space.

It fits feet with high ankle dimensions, which many of us have.

Many of our boot models are available with both a high and low shaft. The version you choose depends on the level of protection you are looking for. In town or on the trail, a low shaft will work very well. If you really want to get off the beaten path, choose a boot with a higher shaft. We also divide our boots into 1-layer and 3-layer models. 1-layer boots are our classic, lightweight and flexible boots with a shaft made from a single layer of strong leather and a stout cellular rubber base.

They are appreciated by both experienced hikers wanting a pair of light hiking boots, as well as by those that do not usually venture off the trail. A 3-layer boot is a modern, more structured version of our winning formula. 3-layer boots are more stable and provide better protection. We also have several winter models for use in extreme cold – quite normal winter temperatures where these boots are born, in Jämtland, Sweden.

8

Here is an example of a boot from the different categories.

Each has their own special interests and area of use, however, every boot is developed with the same basic idea in mind: the best possible boot for any weather condition.

Lundh ags Jaure H i g h Jaure is Lundhags’ most technical boot with a 3-layer construction that is made ​​for longer hikes in rough terrain. The shaft is made of Full Grain Leather, which means that only the best parts of the leather are used in the shoe. Additionally, Poron® Slow Rebound is used, which through its stiffness and shock absorptive properties, allows the shaft to be extremely supportive, yet pliable. The 1.4mm thick Microfiber-lining in the shaft provides high durability and a very good fit. The durable Cellular Rubber construction underneath features a newly developed toecap made from TPU, which enhances the attachment of the sole to the toe box. Jaure is also equipped with Heel Fit Control™, an extra cushion of Neoprene covering the joint between the base and the shaft to provide a better heel grip.

L u nd hag s VAND R A WS H IGH Vandra is a 1-layer boot that is highly breathable. The shaft of the boot is 26 centimeters high and made from Full Grain Leather. The base consists of Certech® 3.0 Cellular Rubber and a Traction sole from Vibram®. The boot shown here has a last that has been developed specifically for a woman’s narrower feet. It is therefore somewhat softer in both its sole construction and cushioning. Additionally, it weighs less than the men's model. Vandra Ws High is a boot that is perfect for demanding hikes and for those who want to be outside in the wilderness for long periods of time.

Lundh ags Pa rk With Lundhags Park, a 1-layer boot, it is easy to take the step out into nature. The model is unisex and the mid-high shaft made from full-grain leather means it is flexible and fast drying. The base is a Certech ® 2.0 cellular rubber base with a Vibram ® Traction sole. The last is mid-high and fits a slightly wider foot.

The Park is a classic all season shell boot that has become popular both for mountain treks and in town.

9

m ira ws high 1

Full-grain Nubuck leather

2

Clarino速 microfiber

3

Beta insole

4

Texon insole with steel shank

5

EVA insulation

6

Vibram速 Soft Traction sole

7

Certech 3.5 cellular rubber base

1

2

3 4 7

5 6

10

Ke e p in m ind. . .

When fitting, you should have 10 mm of space between the toes and the front of the boot while wearing the two pairs of socks that you intend to use when hiking.

Sock Insole Boot It is not an exaggeration to say that the shell principle is one of the most important aspects for comfort and safety for those who love being outside in any weather or season. First is a base layer that transports moisture and warms, then comes a mid layer that insulates and ultimately a shell to protect against weather and wind. For those of us who spend time in wild environments, the shell principle is a given when dressing for every eventuality.

Therefore it is somewhat surprising, and to some extent gratifying to us as shoemakers and outdoor enthusiasts, that we are virtually alone in this ingeniously simple and functional layering principal when it comes to boots. Our boots are, and have quite simply always been shell boots.

A rugged outer shell protects the foot against everything from water, sharp rocks and twigs, to dirt and the cold. A rugged outer shell should not have a solid absorbent lining, as this captures moisture and is nearly impossible to dry or wash. Moreover, synthetic linings often develop a scent that is far from pleasant.

With our boots you can avoid this.

To ensure the best foot climate and protection against blisters, dress your feet with two pairs of merino wool socks to create friction zones between the socks, rather than against 12

Two socks and an insole in the boot and you are ready to hike.

your skin. Dual wool socks also provide you with a comfortable microclimate within the boot. Wool effectively neutralizes the foot’s sensation of moisture and gives you a dry and comfortable feel. Merino wool, in recent years, is also perhaps the greatest material innovation in next-to-skin comfort. Merino wool is unique in many ways including its ability to resist odors, even after several days of use, and does not itch. If you choose to add a pair of our felt insoles, you have a pair of boots that leaves little to chance.

A shell boot works for any season. You regulate the foot’s climate depending on your choice of socks and insoles. After hiking you can easily take out the soles and socks, or the inner boot in the winter boots, and can thereby quickly dry the different layers and shell. This way, you can start the day with dry feet and dry boots - a prerequisite not only for surviving a mountain trek, but also for enjoying the experience and getting the most out of your hike.

13

M a ts Håk an Lundha g Born: Brunflo in Jämtland, Sweden.

Occupation: Product Manager and shoemaker.

Enjoys: Ski touring, biking and hiking.

Three important things: road bike, backpack, hiking boots.

Motto: Don’t come up with problems, come up with solutions.

At the shoemakerS If quality has a fragrance, perhaps it is what you sense when visiting the Lundhags shoe factory in the village of J채rpen, located in the Swedish region of J채mtland. It smells of tanned leather, leather balm. A faint scent of rubber. An entire wall full of shelves containing the 1036 pairs of lasts that are kept in stock, with over 500 of them being used in daily production. The others are used for special orders and the manufacturing of orthopedic shoes.

In addition to the smell and the obvious fact that everywhere there are traces of standard parts, pieces of leather, soles, laces, shafts and special machines, you will notice the sounds.

The characteristic sound of nails being driven into an inner sole, the whining sound of electrical sanders and the confident tapping of the specialized sewing machine that is used to sew the shaft onto the boot body. Both classic and modern machinery.

Practical craftsmanship and solid professional expertise enhanced by computing power.

It does not seem to matter how much machines develop over time or to what extent production is modernized, expert craftsmanship never goes out of style. Product Manager Mats H책kan Lundhag, a fifth generation shoemaker, believes that you can never fully replace a skilled craftsman when doing something as complex as making boots.

15

“Such advanced techniques and equipment are available today.

We obviously take advantage of these, yet there still must be a person who can see and feel. We do not and never have had an assembly line. No CAD/CAM machine can completely replace the craft. No data-driven process can completely replace our four experienced shoemakers’ expert feel. We use the latest technology, of course, but we do it together with years of experience as shoemakers.”

Lundhags has chosen to keep the product development, design, service and production entities close to where it all began. There are several really important advantages to cultivating professional skills on site in Jämtland.

The knowledge accumulated and handed down throughout generations is not lost along the way to being more streamlined, at a place far away from its origin. The high level of ambition, the skilled craftsmanship and the distinctive pride that made Jonas Lundhag an acclaimed shoemaker back in the 1930s, continues to characterize the shoe factory in Järpen. And the roots in the Scandinavian wilderness that is just around the corner are given a fair chance to thrive and nourish the development of uncompromising boots for any season. You may not be able to smell all of this inside the shoe factory, but it exists within the walls.

16

It only gets better When developing a new boot, obviously, it does not happen by just sitting at the drawing board with your thinking hat on.

Sparks of inspiration usually flutter by when we are outdoors or when users demand new solutions. Getting a special order is not only fun, it is also good for us. Since we are shoemakers, we are very interested in how we can make our boots even better.

A special order is also a great opportunity for us to acquire further training using new materials, new functions and new designs. Orders can come from both individual users and stores.

A request for another last, a type of leather or a different production solution to adapt to a function may lead to new innovations.

Even the custom-made shoes and orthopedic inquiries can provide ideas for new designs and materials. They provide the opportunity to test something other than our own ideas because ideas are like children, you always like your own the best. One time we received a request to build a sturdy boot based on a classic, simple boot model. A better fit was requested and the result was our Park Boot, which quickly became a popular model.

Another example is a request from a manufacturer of sport fishing equipment about making a boot that would be suitable for hiking, standing still while fishing, as well as wading in swift rapids.

19

For the first time, we used only microfiber in the shaft. Obviously, the shoes leaked, which was on purpose, so the water could be let out. We realized immediately that this was certainly not something we could start using for the shafts of other boots.

However, this discovery allowed us to develop products using microfiber in a completely different way, as a wear-resistant inner material for the boots.

The fact that our boots are used in any weather, in all types of terrain, and in all possible places worldwide means we gather an enormous amount of knowledge every year. There is nothing better for determining what works or what does not than reality.

And our users can be a bit more ruthless than others.

They are the best users in the world. And also pretty picky. We like it because we are the same. With creative feedback, we can make better products. We get to hear how our most advanced boots did on the ascent of Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise. We get letters explaining what it was like to hike across Patagonia in pouring rain while wearing a 1-layer boot. And we get both positive and negative criticism as soon as we release a new boot. We have noticed that those who use Lundhags boots have high standards. Hopefully this shines through in how we make boots and in our product development.

There is always a weakest link. One time is nothing, but if we receive multiple boots with similar damage or worn parts, we quickly see a pattern and the weakest link is clear. It is an element of product development that you should not ignore.

Many miss this opportunity to learn about their own products.

Simply put, you have to be on top of things if you want to keep up with development. We also look at what everyone else does.

At trade shows, in stores and on the mountain, we are keen observers of how the world's boots are developed. It helps us to continually improve and refine the concept, as well as our goal of making the world's best boots, so that more people can experience them and love the seasons.

20

The individual parts of a Syncro boot

Love your boots Love your boots and you will be loved back by them. It has been shown that many of our customers have an equally passionate relationship to their boots as we do. It is not uncommon that we are sent a pair of 30-year-old boots for repair – boots that have been a faithful companion for decades and the owner refuses to get rid of. Caring for a Lundhags boot is very straightforward.

After normal use out in the mountains, you may want to wash your boots when you get home. Sometimes it is good to get the dirt out of the leather and prepare the boots for the next hike.

What is important is that you do not dry them at a high temperature, maximum 40 ° C, if they have become very wet inside.

This means you should avoid drying your boots in the drying cabinet, which can easily become too hot. When you come home, always take out the insoles and put them in the shaft, otherwise it takes a long time for the soles and boots to dry at the front of the toes. Some argue that the boots dry faster when they are lying down due to better air circulation.

If your boots are dirty, clean them with lukewarm water and a brush, sometimes also on the inside to loosen soil and salts. If you will not use your boots for a while, make sure that they are well lubricated. Liquid wax is a good way of prolonging the life of the leather.

Cellular rubber is maintenance-free, and does not need treatment.

22

When your boots are new, you should lubricate them the three or four first times you use them, preferably when you get home and the leather is slightly damp. After some use you will see where you need to lubricate the leather in order to provide maximum protection. For boots made from Nubuck, there is a special wax that helps to retain the suede-like surface. And if you want the best protection against water, apply the wax to the leather until shiny. Doing this, however, will make the Nubuck lose its special appearance, and may darken it slightly.

If you want to give your boots the real Lundhags appearance, use the Lundhags Leather Balm, an aromatic classic. We make it ourselves, the same way we always have, using grease, tar and beeswax according to an old recipe and with only natural ingredients. Lundhags Leather Balm is best suited for boots that are already somewhat soft, so do not use it on boots where you want the stiffness of the leather to be preserved. For best results, use your warm fingers and massage the balm into every crevice. Alternatively you can use a hair dryer on low heat.

It is important that you keep your boots happy if you want feet that are happy as well. And if your feet are happy, more often than not, so are you.

Then, we are happy too.

A fter th e h i k e 1. Take out the insoles.

2. Wash boots with lukewarm water.

3. Lubricate with wax or leather balm.

4. Leave to dry at max 40째 C. 5. Keep in a cool and dark place until the next trip.

23

The world is not perfect If the weather was always perfect, you would not need our clothing. If the hike along the path of life had been on a tropical beach, you would not need our boots. The world is not perfect and everything does not work all the time.

Not even Lundhags boots are perfect. Every once in awhile (luckily not very often) a less than perfect boot slips through our quality control and gets out into the real world and into the mountains. It is not fun, but if it happens, we are extremely careful in making sure things are set right. Therefore, we place a unique guarantee1 on all of our boots. If your boots do not measure up due to a production or material flaw, we'll obviously fix it. End of story. If the error however, was caused by external damage, if you had bad luck, if a dog2 chewed up your Lundhags Boots, if an axe cuts them3, or if they get a little too close to the fire and the sole melts4, you can still contact us5.

It does not matter what happened. If your boots break, we will help you. We make sure that you can wear your boots for a long time. A very long time.

24

1+5. Conditions for warranty and repair can be found at www.lundhags.se

3. Axes can ruin boots – we have experienced this personally.

2.

4.

Many dogs also like our boots, though in the wrong way. It is not uncommon that people send their chewed-up boots to us for repair.

A crackling fire or a crackling fireplace after a day in the mountains is one of life's small joys. Unfortunately high temperatures do not work so well together with our boots. Each year we receive deformed boots.

L a r s H ellström Occupation: Supervisor, Ski Patroller at Åre Ski Area.

Location: Jämtland, Sweden.

Days spent outdoors per year: 130 for work, 40 for pleasure.

Three important things: Mountains, hunting, thermos.

Motto: Trust the dog.

26

Always the right equipment Those who do not spend so much time outdoors can be fooled into believing in sayings like, "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. Those who say such things have probably never been on top of the mountain Åreskutan in a snowstorm. And they definitely do not work on the ski patrol at a ski resort with one of the planet’s absolute harshest climates. Lars Hellström supervises the ski patrol in Åre and is out all year round, in any weather.

He laughs when you mention the above about weather and clothing. It may be a stretch to say that Lars is forced to be outdoors because of his job, as when you look at Lars free time, he is outside voluntarily as well. From the first of December to the first of May Lars works on the ski patrol for at least five days a week. In his spare time and when there is no snow, Lars spends a lot of time out in the mountains, as he is a passionate small game hunter. In the wintertime, Lars sees to it that visitors enjoy safe downhill skiing. In general, working on the ski patrol is tough. The weather always decides. It is not that you can somehow defeat the forces of nature, or even resist them when it gets really bad. For the Åre ski patrol it is even more difficult. The weather in Åre is quite different from anywhere else. Serious low pressure and thus moist air sweeps in from the Atlantic and hits Åre and the mountain Åreskutan in full force. At best, it provides 27

the winter with a lot of snow, but sometimes ice shuts down the lifts completely. A lot of snow creates avalanche hazards and ice formation, which is a rather dramatic weather phenomenon that creates tons of ice on all exposed superstructures. With ice and avalanches, the ski area’s ambition to carry people safely from the valley to the peak is hampered. It is the ski patrol's job to ensure safety on the highest level. When it comes to the ice, it is a simple matter of manually chopping and kicking it down from the lift poles and wires. Not an entirely safe job and one that also completely eats boots.

When it's really cold, below minus 30, there usually is not so much wind. But even if the temperature is a bit warmer, a little wind can make it feel much colder. If it is "only" minus 15 and blowing 20 meters per second, the cooling effect is equivalent to minus 40. Then it is downright dangerous to work outside. But cold weather is not unusual.

“We had one morning not long ago when it was between 30 and 35 degrees below zero. However, we still had to go outside and perform some avalanche blasting. Nothing strange. That’s how cold it is sometimes and it just means that you need to be careful and to have the right equipment, but I never have cold feet in my winter boots. You just need to learn to stay dry. We work both indoors and outdoors and must ensure that we do not have our boots on for too long when inside or they will become moist. It is then that you will get cold when going outside.”

28

Lars’ boots In the winter, Lars uses the Lundhags Polar Quest with only a thin sock. The felt inner boot is soft and flexible and provides sufficient warmth. Normally, his winter boots last about three years before the sole needs replacing. This is because of the huge wear he places on them when kicking ice off of the wires, lifts and lift towers. The rest of the year Lars is happy using the Lundhags Syncro. He has several pairs. The oldest is six years old. For these boots Lars uses two pairs of socks, a thin sock as a liner and a sock on the outside whose thickness depends on the insulation he wants. Lars prefers using boots with a high shaft.

“I am extremely careful and lubricate my boots with leather balm after I have been out. The leather is completely waterproof, even on my two oldest pairs of Lundhags boots”, says Lars.

29

kr i s ti na edh Occupation: Dog breeder.

Location: Krok, J채mtland, Sweden.

Days outside per year: 350.

Three most important things: Autumn, the dogs and the mountains.

Motto: If you find yourself in a situation that you cannot do anything about, do what a dog does, take a pee and then leave.

30

Paws Feet Boots Few people spend more time outdoors than Kristina Edh from Krok, a small village in western Jämtland, Sweden. It does not matter if a snowstorm rolls over the mountains in November, or if a heat wave sets in across the marshes in August. Together with her ten Gordon Setters, Kristina enjoys the wild nature that greets her every day when she opens the door to the old Jämtland farm where she lives. With ten dogs, there is a lot of noise. And, no matter how you look at it, that is a lot of dogs. Dogs that are very much dogs and that every day want a lot of exercise and stimulation. A Gordon Setter, to express it mildly, is a very lively and positive hunting dog. They love every type of weather and every season. Kristina is more nuanced. She speaks warmly of late winter. If she were to give away an experience to someone, it would be a day in the mountains in the bright April sunshine.

A hard crust on the snow and a dog in a harness pulling you on skis as fast as an elite cross-country skier. However, late winter is still not Kristina's favorite season. Not summer either, which for her is more of a crossover into the best season. Kristina loves autumn. It is then that the dogs and her get confirmation on whether their hard training has paid off. Autumn is when birdhunting season begins. It is when the dogs will have to prove themselves. And it is when Kristina will compete against Scandinavia’s 31

finest Setters and Pointers. Usually, it goes well. Very well. Most recently, one of her dogs won a gold medal in the Swedish National Bird Dog Championships in the class of British Bird Hunting Dogs.

In addition, Kristina won the award of Best Breeder for the enthusiasm, ambition and distinct discipline that characterize her dogs. Their extreme enthusiasm and discipline can be seen as soon as the door at home is open and the grouses are out in the mountains. It would be utterly impossible to ever allow the dogs inside if there was not some sort of off switch�. When the dogs do come inside, they know that they must rest. It is so well organized that the dogs, who train like any elite athlete, use the outdoors as an outlet for their energy and then can relax when it is time to recover.   When you talk to Kristina about nature, the weather and the experiences that come with being out in all conditions, year

32

round, you realize that it is the experience with the dogs that is the focus. To train a young dog who embraces skills just like a child learns to read, write, ride a bike and run, takes teamwork, communication, many miles per year in trail-less terrain and taking care of the paws and your feet. “Paws actually do not require much care; they are incredibly durable as long as I look after the hair between the pads in the winter, so ice does not form. Only sometimes, when the dogs are going to do some pulling, will I put a small sock over their paws, a kind of shell similar to a shell boot actually. For myself, I usually allow myself a visit to the podiatrist at least once a year. But I am much more careful with my boots. I lubricate them after almost every use. I'm probably more careful with the boots than my own feet.”

Kristina’s Boots Almost every day, year round, in any weather, Kristina wears boots. Usually she prefers a mid-high shaft for protection when travelling through trail-less terrain. She alternates between two different pairs of Lundhags Professional boots that were previously made in smaller sizes. The oldest of her boots are five years old and the younger pair is two. In addition, at the time of writing, Kristina is also testing a pair of Lundhags Contessa, a newly developed three-layer boot designed specifically for women.

“I have never had to “break in” my Lundhags boots. Of course they just look and feel better and better over the years, but my boots have fit perfectly since the beginning. If you use two pairs of wool socks and an insole made of wool it works. Always.”

33

Founder Jonas Lundhag, 1934

34

Generations of

Innovation

We usually say that the Lundhags story began in 1932 when the shoemaker Jonas Lundhag registered the company that became the Lundhags that we know today. But actually, the story of some of the world's finest boots begins long before. Jonas Lundhag’s father was a shoemaker as well and he shared his knowledge with his son Jonas and eleven siblings. In addition, several of Jonas Lundhag’s ancestors were also shoemakers. This meant that even as a child, Jonas was exposed to shoemaking and was therefore able to develop the craft to the highest level. It wasn’t long before his fame reached far beyond the circles of picky hunters, mountain enthusiasts, native Sami people and loggers in the area around his home in Jämtland, which formed his first customer base. The first pair of shoes Jonas made was for a doll when he was only eight years old. The next pair he made for himself as a 12-year old after having seen a forester wearing so-called motor boots, which were hugely popular at the time.

He asked for leather from his father and completed his first real boots. It was something that attracted much attention both at school and in the surrounding area. It was evident that a skilled craftsman was on to something. And when Jonas was 17 years old, he opened the shoe factory that came to be known as Lundhags. Jonas Lundhag’s impressive career as an 35

innovative and skillful craftsman was further enhanced by the fact that he was also an appreciated chiropractor and skilled orthopedist. He often used his considerable knowledge when building custom shoes for specific requests from clients with both imaginable and unimaginable needs and desires. Not surprisingly, the history of the company Lundhags is marked by generations of innovation. The company’s comprehensive resume can be seen through years of making everything from golf shoes, ski boots, clown shoes, curling shoes and felt shoes, to the boots that British paratroopers used during the Falkland War and boots for Mount Everest expeditions. Yes, even clogs have been made by shoemakers with Lundhag as their surname. Today the business is more straightforward. The focus is simple: it is about making the world’s best boots. As simple as that is, and as difficult as that is.

Building custom boots and shoes for special uses and types of feet lives on in our factory in Järpen. Here, we still customize boots alongside the regular lineup. Even orthopedic shoes and boots are made to order. It may be this heritage, the way we constantly re-evaluate how we make boots that is one of the major benefits in terms of an innovative approach to shoe making. Perhaps it is this legacy that is behind why we continue to produce some of the world’s best boots. Or, as Lundhags CEO, Henrik Ottosson, chooses to look at it: “We look to the future with the same ambition as always: to make the best boots in Jämtland and in the world. Boots that stand the test of time and boots that you want to stand the test of time. This ambition will never be outdated.”

36

The small details Five great innovations,* according to Mats HĂĽkan Lundhag

It is the individual properties of each component and their assembly that determines the end result. From the thread used when sewing, the shoelaces, to the outsole and steel shank.

From the leather and hooks, to the cellular rubber base that makes up our patented Cellular Rubber Technology (Certech ÂŽ) there is a common theme. It is called quality. The chain's weakest link determines whether you can rely on a boot or not. We never use anything made for less than the best possible quality and maximum performance. We are always on the lookout for the best suppliers, the most durable materials and the smartest solutions. Whether it is the glue that joins the insole with the outsole, or the needles we use to sew with, we are always thinking, improving and changing. It is not the easiest or most economical way to work. But it is the best. * On this list we have deliberately left out our all time favorite material: high-quality leather, a material that never ceases to surprise us.

We have always used leather, and we always will.

38

C ellu l a r rub b e r When cellular rubber had its breakthrough, it was seen as a material that was virtually indestructible. Lundhags was among the first to realize the benefits, and the boot Sarek, which came out in 1968 quickly became a classic. With its help, Lundhags went from small-scale shoemaking to a real factory.

C er tec h CEllular Rubber TECHnology By naming our traditional manufacturing technology with this particular cellular rubber, we found a way to convey a lot of knowledge, making life outdoors much better for many people. Lundhags Alaska, which came out in the 80s, is one of the boots you will still see out in the mountains.

N eop r e ne A fantastic material with many advantages. It does not absorb moisture at all and was a bit of a breakthrough when developing the shell principle. We could use a completely different type of construction using materials that did not become wet and

thus developed a three-layer shell boot. One of the first and best examples of a really good boot using this principle is our Lundhags Professional, which was immediately a success.

HFC When our concept, HFC, Heel Fit Control, came out, it changed the way many people looked at Lundhags boots. We dressed the joint between the base and the upper. In doing so, we were able to create boots that provided a more fixed fit, a better heel grip, a safer design, and an improved feel when walking. Our boots walked on after this. Lundhags Syncro, which came out in 2006 became a test winner in several Scandinavian outdoor magazines.

Poron A brand new super material made of Polyester and Polyether that we introduced in 2012. It replaces Neoprene and tests reveal fantastic performance.

It is shock absorbing, elastic and dense in just the right way. We use it as a mid layer in the shaft of an increasing number of our 3-layer boots.

39

The earth is in short supply "The earth is in short supply." These are the poetic words of author Harry Martinson who, already in the 1940s, saw the effects of environmental degradation on the planet.

This insight, that we must strive for a sustainable livelihood, is something we embrace at Lundhags. Jan Lundhag, the company's front man for many decades, was on the same train of thought when he explained how he viewed Lundhags’ place on earth. “Our products last year in and year out. To sell boots that last a lifetime may not be the best short-term business strategy. But life in the wilderness is not a business, it is our daily life.�

In short, we make products that last. In our design philosophy there is a clear ambition towards this and also towards making the users of our products like the fact that they last a long time.

We strive to avoid contributing to a disposable society. The timelessness is found in our design.

We see to it, of course, that our logistics, our materials and our manufacturing processes are as environmentally friendly as humanly possible. But most important, of course, is that consumption patterns are encouraged to be long-term. We have realized that the earth is limited, and therefore, we must take responsibility for making products that you can enjoy for a long time, so we can reduce the footprint we leave behind.

40

Lundhags is often associated with the world’s best boots. Their durability is superior and the designs are timeless.

Throughout our history, Lundhags has built boots according to the shell principle.

Today, this principle is more important than ever for those who venture outside during every season, in all types of weather. We see this as confirmation that we are and have been right for quite some time now.

This book is a loving tribute to boots in general and Lundhags boots in particular.

Because we simply love boots.

l o ve t h e s e a s o n s