ALFA SKO
Stad
OVERALL WINNER
Statement from the Jury: The lightweight winter boot Stad from the Norwegian footwear specialist Alfa looks and performs great and won every jury member’s heart. Upper and lining are woven with Norwegian wool that is more durable than the normally used felted wool. Woven wool has been used for over 100 years for manufacturing furniture and folklore. Wool keeps your feet warm, breathes better than leather or waterproof membranes and sheds snow. The sole uses Vibram Megagrip compound. What a great way to use Norwegian wool, the jury agrees.
Design: Ingrid Brandth and AC Studio
Category: Footwear
Product material:
Upper: 100% Norwegian wool
Reinforcement: Nubuck leather
Lining: 100% Norwegian wool
Mid sole: EVA
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber compound
D-rings and hooks: Aluminum
Laces: Water repellent laces in polyester
PRODUCT USP
Comfortable winter boots made from sustainable and durable Norwegian wool. Wool is extremely breathable and less prone to clamminess. The wool has excellent temperature regulation and high warmth to weight ratio, and has natural antibacterial and odor repellent properties. The wool is easy to care for and is naturally water-repellent. The outer soles have ALFAs well known pattern and rubber that provides good grip on all surfaces, including snow.
PRIMARY INNOVATION FEATURES
Use of woven wool that provides better tear resistance than more commonly used felted wool. The weaving process is customly used in furniture and folklore. Bringing 100 years of wool treatment experience and knowledge into a new product category with modern use.
INTENDED SPECIFIC END USE
A hybrid of a trendy and comfortable winter boot for everyday use on urban and suburban walks.
SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION
The fabric is made of pure Norwegian wool with no chemicals added. The wool is naturally water-repellent. The type of wool is selected for its durability and leather is added in areas exposed to tear to increase the lifespan even further. The design is timeless and remains relevant year after year. The shoe is suitable for standard shoe repairs, and due to the fabrics woven texture the upper can be darned such as knitted socks should a hole appear.
FUN FACTS OR BACKSTORY?
In the material selection process, wool from different sheep breeds and polyester blends tested. Alfa tested materials of different fabric thicknesses and fabrication methods. The materials were tested through the tough Norwegian winter by different people in all types of weather, temperature and terrain. The clear winner of the test was the wool from a local Norwegian sheep breed.
The fabric is designed in 2014, inspired by Norwegian nature and hand knitting and traditional fences (skigard). This fabric is also uniquely short travelled in every part of the process.
Available in stores: 1 September 2022
Recommended retail price: €350
