Leather: the hides of the uppers come from cattle. The original leather may be also 10 mm thick, but it is always split in several layers, that are usually from 1,8 to 2 mm thick. The thickest one may reach 3 - 3,1 mm.
Anfibio (2,6 - 2,8 mm) It is the part of the leather known also as "top-grain". Formed by very tightly packed fibers, it is the sturdiest and most waterproof layer of the hide. It is used for the uppers of some mountain boots, but it is also easy to scratch and because of that, regarding the look, it is less convenient than the same leather with the rough out.
Idro-Greased (3 mm) used for the traditional models. The leather is treated in a particular way, with a process that makes it waterproof and gives the "greased" look.
Idro-Perw (2,6 - 3 mm) This premium silicone impregnated rough-out leather is made for us by Perwanger Leather of Italy. Perwanger has been making leather since 1780 and tans their Idro-Perwanger hides with a special process to make them extremely waterproof while still remaining breathable. The utilization of this leather is the optimum solution, as it is made with the best European hides.
Nabuck (2,6 mm) Very supple and full-grain, the top-grain is micro-abraded for a soft and velvety finish of close fibered and hardy leather, it is also particularly sturdy, water repellent and with optimum technical characteristics.
Suede leather (2,1 - 2,8 mm) This leather is used in our trekking boots and has a soft and velvety finish. If combined with a Gore-Tex® lining, a special tanning process is used for optimum waterproofing.
Cordura®: some models of our trekking line feature a Cordura®/Leather upper. It is a good and convenient technical solution to keep the weight as low as possible. Cordura® is a very durable woven synthetic fiber, light and resistant to wear and tear and humidity, made by DuPont®. Other high altitude models use a combination of Cordura® with very technical materials that make it waterproof and very resistant.
Schoeller® Keprotec®: material of the last generation, result of the high technology and research Schoeller®. It is a high-tech Polyamide fiber reinforced with Aramide fiber, lightweight, waterproof, abrasion resistant and ripstop. Used in the top models of the mountain line.
Schoeller®-Dynamic: high-tech woven fabric, based on polyamide fiber made elastic with Lycra®. Result of the technology and research Schoeller® is water repellent, elastic and very resistant.
PU-Tech: insulating synthetic fabric, it consists of a non-tissue-tissue, sandwiched with a rubberized PU membrane and a transparent PU membrane.
Aramide fiber: fiber based on aromatic polyamides, very lightweight, extremely resistant to wear and tear, rip-stop and non- stretch.
Lycra®: elastic fiber that retains its elastic properties and recovery force unchanged with ageing.
Flextec: synthetic material made of elastic waterproof rubber, combined with polyester and reinforced with Aramide fiber.
Mesh: synthetic fabric, very lightweight, resistant, technical and that conforms elastically to the foot. It allows optimum air circulation near the foot and helps breathability.
Synthetic leather: synthetic fabric with a natural leather like external surface. Soft, strong, breathable and water repellent.
Lining
We use several different linings, each of them with specific technical characteristics.
Absolute Aluminia®: active thermal insulating material, traps a high quantity of air and reflects heat towards its source, avoiding losses of body warmth. It is breathable, and made with a blend of natural fibers and aluminium.
Air-Tech: fabric designed to allow the maximum air circulation near the skin. Breathable, hygienic, lightweight and flexible. Used as lining of the upper part of some of our models.
Cambrelle®: This dermocompatible (polyamide) fabric has a particular structure that absorbs moisture and then releases it quickly, so that the foot remains dry. Very soft to the touch, is abrasion resistant and has high antibacterial qualities. Cambrelle® is used by La Sportiva® in two versions: Cambrelle® 300 and the lighter Cambrelle® 150.
Dri-Lex®: extremely soft and comfortable dermocompatible fabric. It is double-faced: the inner layer, near the foot, is hydrophobic and transports humidity towards the outer hydrophilic layer that absorbs moisture and releases it quickly outside.
Gore-Tex®: many of our models are lined with the heat-sealed membrane Gore-Tex, which guarantees waterproofness and wind resistance, with exceptional breathability.
Gore-Tex® Duratherm®: an insulated Gore-Tex® lining. It maintains the foot temperature constant and allows perspiration to pass towards the outside.
Three Bar Knit: synthetic, soft and comfortable fiber, absorbs and releases quickly the moisture of the foot.
PA: (polyamide). A synthetic fiber with high tensile strength and good wear and tear resistance. The commercial name of the version 6.6 is nylon.
PE: (polyester). Closed cell insulating synthetic fiber, with exceptional thermic properties.
PU: (polyurethane). Insulating material, with exceptional thermal capacity.
Leather: traditional choice for classic models.
Pile: synthetic, breathable, water repellent and extremely insulating fabric.
Synergy: a triple laminate lining consisting of a waterproof and breathable membrane, next to a layer of Thinsulate®, and lined with a hydrophobic three-bar-knit. This high-tech sandwich retains heat and lets out moisture, all in a super-light package without adding sensitivity robbing bulk.
Thinsulate®: synthetic material produced by 3M®, with exceptional thermal insulation. It doesn't absorb moisture, is breathable, soft and durable.
Vertigo Grip: evolution of Cambrelle®, it maintains the same characteristics, but it feels softer to the touch and is more adaptable and antislip.
Removable footbed:
also called fussbett or removable plantar support. It is in direct contact with the foot. Made with dermocompatible and anti-fungal material, it provides maximum comfort and breathability to the foot. In the winter models the footbed is insulating and thermoreflective.
Insole:
it is the structural anchor to which the upper is attached and fundamental for the proper functioning of the shoe. La Sportiva® has invested a lot also in this direction, and today we have at our disposal a state of the art insole line in the footwear world.
Bontex: compound of compressed resins. Lightweight and resistant, it provides the right support and flexibility to the shoe.
Dacromet: anti-corrosion coating of the steel shank inside the insole. Keeps moisture and chemicals from degrading the integrity of the tempered steel shanks.
Hytrel®: product based on nylon, polyamide fiber by DuPont®, with stiffness and reliability unchangeable with ageing.
Ibi-Thermo: a fibrous synthetic insole material, with superb insulating properties.
Steel shank: reinforcing element located inside the insole. Thickness and length vary depending on the different models.
Nylon: synthetic polyamide fiber by DuPont®. Used for insoles.
Midsole
The layer of soling between the rubber outsole and the insole. Used in some models to provide the right stiffness and comfortable support.
Carbon fiber: the highest expression of High-Tech applied to footwear technology. Used when both resistance and lightweight are required.
ESP: Edging Stabilization Platform: provides lightweight torsional midsole stability.
Eva: polyurethane based material, produced in compression molds, which allows a differentiated shock absorption. Used in models of the Approach and Mountain Running® line.
HP3: new material derived from Hytrel®. Stiff, reliable, unaffected by extremes in temperature and by ageing. It is a combination of different density technical materials, in order to eliminate every wear and tear problems on the toe counter of boots that use a certain construction type (Nepal-Trango).
MEMlex: A compression molded EVA that provides a firm, cushioned midsole that is very lightweight.
Microporous: microcellular rubber with closed cellular pattern, extremely dense and light, is very resistant and doesn't absorb water. It is used when maximum shock and energy absorption are requested (antishock).
Polyurethane: polymers based product. The particular structure makes it very extensible under the action of an external force. It is used to provide both particular comfort requirements (anti-shock) and insulation.
PWR zorb: A PU cushioning midsole that is very effective in absorbing shock under heavy loads and maintains its characteristics also in the long run.
RockShock: A heel EVA shock absorption unit, which provides maximum comfort.
SBR Air Cushion: shock-absorbing system incorporated inside some soles and not visible from outside. A honeycomb heel grid flexes upon impact of the shoe with the ground and contributes to shock absorption.
Trailon: An EVA cushioning core of higher than normal density MEMlex.
Soles
Vibram®: It is the world's leader producer of rubber soles for mountain boots. Many La Sportiva® models use soles produced by Vibram®. They are made with very durable, synthesis rubber materials. Very important is the grip, determined not only by the rubber compounds, but also by other factors, like ergonomics and tread pattern, position and height of the lugs in the different areas of the sole. Some soles of the Mountain line boots are suitable for step-in crampons. Others feature an incorporated protection rand for the upper, and shock absorbing inserts in microporous, polyurethane, etc…
MPE La Sportiva®: MPE stands for Mountaineering Performance Evolution. Designed by La Sportiva® and realized by Skywalk®. MPE sole satisfy best the requirements of the mountaineers, always more technical and searching for winning performances. Friction, technique, versatility and functionality in the usage with all kinds of crampons.
Dot Rubber Sole: "suction cup" dot pattern sole. Very sticky with a particular tread design for climbing shoe performance on rock and hiking traction on the trail.
FriXion: Molded sticky climbing dot rubber outsole.
Travel La Sportiva®: special compound rubber sole, with versatile and self-cleaning tread.
Other soles: there are other soles designed specially by La Sportiva® to satisfy the particular requirements of some models: friction, technology, lightweight and comfort.
|
