There is no shortage of innovation and technical expertise in a factory that has spent decades supplying footwear to serious mountain hikers across Europe. Lightweight alpine boots. Technical approach shoes. Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots built for winter conditions. In amongst all of that, the Pilot is the classic one. Full-grain leather. Natural colour. Traditional construction. The brown boot.
Designed and developed alongside footwear specialists in north-east Italy and made in Europe, the Pilot comes from a place that understands mountain footwear as well as anyone. Yet despite all that expertise, this is the boot that deliberately keeps things simple.
In the factory in north-east Italy, the people who make our boots joke they only make them for the British market. We think it's because only the Brits are cool enough to wear them. For British hills, British weather, and the particular stubbornness of British walkers who want a boot that will outlast everything else in their kit bag.
Pour yourself a grappa and meet the Pilot
Every range needs a reference point. A boot that is not trying to do anything clever. Not optimised for weight, or speed, or versatility, or any other single variable. A boot that simply does the thing a walking boot is supposed to do, and does it as well as it can be done.
The Pilot starts with a 2 mm oiled nubuck leather upper. Tough, durable and reassuringly traditional, it has the kind of feel that made leather walking boots the benchmark in the first place. The upper is cut from large panels with minimal seams, reducing potential weak points and helping keep the weather where it belongs.
Inside, a breathable Tepor waterproof lining keeps feet dry through the wet realities of British walking while allowing moisture to escape on longer days. A padded collar and tongue provide comfort straight from the off, while metal lace hardware delivers a secure fit and the sort of long-term durability that matters after years rather than months of use.
Underfoot, the Pilot is built around a supportive PU midsole that cushions long days on rough trails and takes the sting out of rocky descents. The Vibram XS Trek outsole grips confidently on wet rock, muddy paths and uneven ground, giving the boot the sure-footed feel serious walkers expect. Like any proper long-term companion, the sole is also resoleable when the miles eventually catch up with it.
What the Pilot is for
Whether you are loaded up, or just out for a day hike, Pilot is for walking in the hills in whatever the weather. Steep ground, flat ground, boggy muddy paths or dry dusty paths, Pilot is waterproof, breathable and comfortable out of the box, they are backed by our 28-day Comfort Guarantee and a 3-year Alpine Bond. Enough time to discover what generations of walkers already know: sometimes the best walking boot is simply a very good leather boot, made properly.