ASOLO

Through the 1960’s and 1970’s, the second generation of Zanatta family progressed the business “step by step” and continued the tradition and values of their parents, as they steadily developed their family business.

The Asolo brand was founded in 1975 by Giancarlo Tanzi who invented the first trekking boots using Cordura materials – an innovation that changed not only the market, but also the way of making outdoor footwear. Shortly after this, he shocked the outdoor world again when he launched the very first Gore-Tex lined footwear.

In 1998  the third generation of the Zanatta family took control of the family business and in the same year Anna, Marco and Luca Zanatta (children of Ambrosiano Zanatta) bought the Asolo brand – a brand which reflected their values as high quality shoe makers.

The commitment of the Zanatta family, is to find the perfect melding of tradition, quality and innovation.

1970s: From its inception in 1975, Asolo gained an important worldwide leadership position in technical, performance footwear. The product range covered footwear from expedition and alpine demands, to more relaxed lifestyle and leisure activities. Asolo became one of the few companies in the world to completely cover the whole outdoor area. Modern synthetic materials, leather and innovative technologies plus the revolutionary “Asoflex” system combined in the making of the model “Scout”- the first trekking shoe made in Cordura fabric.

1980s: The AFS system is born, the first shoe created for professional alpinists using a single moulded structure in thermo-plastic materials, making it consistent, resilient, lightweight and adaptable. At the same time Asolo also started a close collaboration with WL Gore - GORE-TEX® in order to develop a new range of breathable and waterproof boots. Asolo won the "Golden Compass" award from the Industrial Design Association for its Gore-Tex Footwear.

1990s: Research continues. Asolo introduced new innovative technologies such as Asoframe and Asoflex. In collaboration with a prestigious American organization, Asolo created GLOBALINE, inspired using biomechanics, to produce the most natural partnership between fit and shoes.

2000s: Innovative technologies continued to be combined with design. The model FSN 95 GTX was awarded "The best shoe of the year in backpacking category“ in America. New technologies such as DuoAsoflex, Asosorb and the Micro Pulley System were developed. Introduction of the new “Fusion line" with the concept of lightness and unique designs was introduced and brought new colorations into Hiking and Trekking products.

2010s: ASOLO has become one of the market leaders in Europe and continues to build its prominence in the important export markets of North America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Its strategy of producing all its products in Europe, with its headquarters in Nervesa (Italy) continues to be model of success. Customers appreciate the combination of family tradition, innovation, quality and fit of ASOLO footwear. Introduction of the new “Natural Shape” line in light hiking category is rewarded in January 2013 by models Athena (women) and Reston (men) winning the prestigious “Editor’s Choice Awards” by Backpacker Magazine in the USA.

2014s: Innovation and technology continues. The American editors of Rock & Ice award the model Eiger GV the B.I.G. (Best in Gear product). Credited for its superior warmth to weight ratio, comfort on long approaches and top performance on extreme routes.

2015s: Asolo celebrates its 40° anniversary as a world leader in outdoor footwear.

2016-2017: Asolo received the recognition «Hall of Fame» by the American Backpacker Magazine and the «Kauf Tipp» by the German Outdoor Magazine for his model Drifter GV symbol of innovation & performance.