AKU techbook 2015 (EN)

TECH BOOK

INDEX 1st PART

ABOUT A SHOE 5

2nd PART

TECHNOLOGIES 15

LASTS 36

OUTSOLES 42

FOOTBEDS 46

LASTING BOArD 47

3rd PART

USE 48

3

st PART AbouT A shoe

4 5

In today’s outdoor footwear market, design has never been so important.

In the past, technical requirements and functionality were the key points

for new models, but today, stylistic attributes are equally important.

Designers and production technicians work together to combine both of these

elements, creating an ever more sophisticated product both in terms of style and performance.

The research and development departments of production companies

invest time and resources to guarantee that the fusion between style and technology is becoming ever more entwined,

thus meeting the demands of today’s market. The best product design unites

both form and function.

The construction of a high quality boot, whether intended for mountaineering,

trekking or leisure time, is the result of a long and demanding process.

A boot is a concentration of traditional artisan know-how combined with modern technology.

Making a high quality boot involves a sophisticated production

cycle using sophisticated, automated processes, but with an important

handcrafted contribution.

And it is thanks to the hands-on process, with this fusion of artisan skill

and technical competence, that the boot or shoe takes shape and assumes

the qualitative value destined to last over time.

the birth of a mountaineering boot

design

6 7

This is the preparation phase of the upper part of the shoe,

that is to say the one that will then be cemented to the sole.

On the basis of shoe type, use and style chosen by the designer,

the materials the upper is made of are then cut, prepared and

assembled, both inside and outside, trying to create a perfect compatibility among the different components. Cutting and hemming are particularly delicate

phases of the manufacturing process of technical outdoor footwear.

In fact, aesthetic and most of all waterproofing, thermal insulation

and transpiration performance depend on a proper combination

of the upper’s different components.

The capability of generating the shape of a technical shoe is

maybe the greatest asset of a production company. Any company

with this resource, which many believe to be an innate quality of the

pattern makers, has a tremendous competitive advantage and is able

to guarantee a qualitative value for its product. Developing

the correct fitting starts at an artisan level with the manual creation of the wooden last which is the basis

for the next phase of production.

The pattern makers use this form to create a three-dimensional object

- the shoe - by starting from a two-dimensional object constructed

from fabric. The importance of this phase of production can be felt

in the fit of every single shoe, as the materials chosen adapt harmoniously to the foot’s anatomy and follow the foot’s every movement. Special technical

observations such as the positioning of the lacing and stitching

complete the pattern maker’s work and guarantee the functional quality

of the finished product.

patterns

cut & hemming8 9

For the production of a sports shoe for outdoor activities we use a combination of traditional innovative

fabrics with a high technical component. The traditional material par excellence

is natural leather which, when correctly treated via the tanning industry procedures, avoids

perishing and thus is ideal for this particular use. There are three main types of leather used

in the production of sports shoes: full grain leather, the external part, more resistant and thus the most

prestigious type of leather; nubuck, a full grain leather which has undergone a mechanical process

to softener the surface; and finally suede, that is to say the most internal part of the leather, less resistant

than full grain leather. Alongside the natural leathers, there is a vast range of textile fibres

such as nylon, polyester or Kevlar® which are used to give particular characteristics such as lightness

and durability to the upper. Apart from the production materials of the uppers, the construction of the shoe

requires the application of special internal linings for the protection and comfort of the toe, the heel

and in particular the midfoot: the lasting board. For the internal midsole you might use synthetic material

such as EVA or natural materials such as felt, which guarantees long lasting wear and thermal properties.

The soles deserve a mention of their own, made of special rubbers to guarantee

the maximum grip in all conditions, when supported technically by the correct design and structure

when they come in contact with the ground.

The skilled worker allows for the creation of the shoe

complete with sole and all the various details without forgetting

the finishing process of brushing and packing the boot

and preparing it for the customer.

build and finishingmaterials

10 11

These are the main objectives of a company dedicated to the production of outdoor

boots. Over the last twenty years giant steps forward have been made in this field,

with the introduction of sophisticated membranes that are capable of guaranteeing

complete reliability of the product in any condition.

In order to test the insulation properties, the waterproofness and breathability,

the mountaineering boot undergoes rigid laboratory testing which reproduces

the various extreme climatic variations; the modern mountaineering boot is today

a concentration of a myriad of technological components,

enhancing the lightweight properties, thus reducing tiredness after long usage

and the micro climate inside the shoe allows for the foot to stay comfortable

for many hours.

materials, thermal insulation,waterproof, breathability

Before finalising the production cycle, the high quality boot undergoes a series

of strict tests both in the laboratory and in the field.

The tests are designed to check the structural validity and performance of the product in terms of thermal properties,

breathability and waterproofness. The American company GOrE personally carries out

stringent testing of their climate-control GOrE-TEX® membrane, both in the laboratory

and in the field. On-the-field testing is carried out directly by expert

testers such as athletes, mountaineers or alpine guides who use the boots in extreme

conditions to prove the durability, comfort and performance level of the product

in different kinds of activity.

The results of these tests help the production team to make any final alterations,

which will be tested once again at a later stage to verify that the product conforms

to the highest level of qualitative and performance standards.

12 13

nd PART TeChNoLoGIes

14 15

The sTuDY oF The LAsTMaking a last is a long, painstaking process and for AKU represents

years of experience in the design and production of

top quality footwear.The original AKU last is the matrix, the fruit of

constant research into shaping the sole to provide anatomical

support. Specific adaptations have given rise to various types of last, which

differ according to the models and the specific use for which the product

has been designed. There are narrow, elongated lasts

for professional footwear in the MOUNTAIN segment designed to enhance

precision and sensitivity in rock climbing.

Wraparound, anatomical lasts are used

for the TrEKKING segment footwear, designed to offer stability and help

dynamic action when walking on the very uneven, rough ground

of mountain tracks.

Soft, snug lasts are used for footwear in the ACTIVE segment,

designed for light outdoor activities on undemanding, level ground.

AKU’s years of manufacturing experience has generated

Global Custom Fit, a system that ensures

maximum adaptability of the footwear to the individual user through technical means and materials studied for comfort.

GCF

17

AS AIR SYSTEM

It is essential that the upper can breathe

to keep feet warm inside mountain footwear.

AIr8000® is the first of two systems that AKU has created to

ensure the footwear has a high level of breathability. It consists of

a specially made fabric whose level of breathability increases over a period

of 24 hours up to more than 11 times that of a conventionally made fabric.

With the AIr INFINITY upper, AKU’s research

on breathability is clearly shown in the cutting-edge

constructional technique. In this case the upper is made using

a layered system consisting of:

– a base in microfiber, a material that is already 30% lighter

and more breathable than leather but has been worked, using

a perforation process, to make it even more

lightweight and more breathable

– a non-run 3-D woven fabric that enhances

the features of lightness and breathability. These 2 layers are joined

together with a spot bonding process that guarantees light weight

and breathability because large areas for ventilation are left free.

+ Breathability

MoIsTuRe

MoIsTuRe

Precise, slightly curved lasts for footwear in the Backpacking and Multiterrain segment, designed for a dynamic use on medium difficulty terrain or more demanding on technical surfaces.

The wrapping and fitted lasts of those models belonging to our Mountain cluster will guarantee the needed accuracy and perception for ice and rock climbing.

A wrap-around and anatomical fit for footwear in the Trekking segment, designed to provide stability and encourage a dynamic action when walking on mountain trails over very rough terrain.

Soft and comfy lasts for footwear in the Mountain Inspired segment, designed for light outdoor activities, in undemanding conditions.

Specifically developed lasts for women’s feet, a cosy and wrapping shape which gives stability and comfort on uneven mountain trails.

Anatomical shapes that perfectly match the child's foot ensuring young hikers a comfortable fit in every situation.

The sTuDY oF The LAsT

19

IMS INTERNAL MIDSOLE SYSTEM IMS1 PRECISE

1

1

2

The Internal Midsole System is an exclusive technology used in the

construction of the AKU insole board.

It couples the traditional support structure in nylon to a layer of

microporous material.

This system, which allows for the sole to perfectly capture the

anatomy of the foot, ensures a uniform distribution of pressure, prevents from

lateral and frontal slipping under heavy use, and provides

shock absorption for an excellent wearing comfort.

MIC

RoPo

RosA

NYLo

N

+ Cushioning The version IMS1 combines the Internal Midsole System with an

external midsole in a thin microporous EVA. In this way, thanks to the low profile of the midsole, it provides

maximum sensitivity, precision and

reliability to ensure a correct and instant reaction to uneven terrains.

IMS

SLIM MICrO EVA

3

2

4

1

21

IMS2 AgILE IMS3 SMOOTH1

1

2The version IMS2, couples the Internal Midsole System to a thicker midsole in

molded EVA or molded PU, in order to create the right balance between ground control and shock absorption. Both, maximum comfort of fit and ease of walking are

ensured.

IMS

MOLDED EVA / MOLDED PU

3

2

4

1

The Internal Midsole System is coupled with an Exoskeleton

construction of medium density polyurethane for stability and

protection, and a lightweight polyurethane inner part, which provides

cushioning, shock absorption and high compressive strength. In

addition it features a lightweight and durable TPU heel cap and a

rubber toe cap for a perfect fit of the crampon.

23

SS2014

3IMS

SS2014

3IMS

3IMS

SS2014

MONTAGNAR TERREALTE SUPERALP

3IMS

3IMS

3IMS

MOUNTAINEERING

1

1

1

1

1

3

2

4

1

3

3

3

2

4

1 ULTrALIGHT PU

EXOSKELETON IN PU

TPU HELL CAP and rUBBEr TOE CAP

VIBrAM® SOLE

13

2

4

1

IMS3 SMOOTHIMS3 SMOOTHSS2014

3IMS

SS2014

3IMS

3IMS

SS2014

MONTAGNAR TERREALTE SUPERALP

3IMS

3IMS

3IMS

The Internal Midsole System is coupled with an Exoskeleton

construction of medium density polyurethane for stability and

protection, and a lightweight polyurethane inner part, which

provides cushioning, shock absorption and high compressive

strength.

The Internal Midsole System is coupled with an Exoskeleton

construction and a further internal component made of Molded

EVA. The external structure of lightweight polyurethane, a resistant,

solid and durable material, provides protection and support at the

key points of the foot to ensure a safer step. The layer in Molded

EVA is made of a softer material for an ideal cushioning and shock

absorption and thus making the hike extremely comfortable.

25

TREKKINGBACKPACKING

1 1

1 1

1 1

3

2

4

1

3

2

4

1

3

2

4

1

3

2

4

1

MOLDED EVA

ULTrALIGHT PU

EXOSKELETON IN PU

EXOSKELETON IN PU

3IMS

1

3

2

4

11

3

2

4

1

VIBrAM® SOLE

VIBrAM® SOLE

EXO EXOSKELETON INJ INJECTION LASTINg+ Protection

Exoskeleton is a new solution which AKU has applied to a number of its

hi-tech models. A new architecture conceived to guarantee

protection and stability only where it is needed, without

compromising the light weight.

The Exoskeleton technology is applied to the sole: the midsole is

composed of an outer skeleton in light polyurethane, which goes up at the

rear surrounding and protecting the heel so as to provide support and

stability while walking. The asymmetrical structure, with a wider inner part

and a rise in polyurethane in the medial area offers support and provides

pronation control. All AKU footwear treated with Exoskeleton has its own

unique, immediately recognisable style.

AKU uses a special removable last for injected footwear

during the complete production process,

when lacing, across assembly right through to cooling and finishing.

No other injected footwear manufacturer keeps the last inside the boot

throughout this process, especially during the last two stages, the most

critical ones. During the cooling stage, after injection, the polyurethane

sole memorizes its shape. This is also the stage when the polyurethane

naturally shrinks therefore if the last is removed the whole boot loses its

shape.

+ Anatomicity

27

VIBRAM® S864 AlpInA1

2

3

4

Cushioning

2

ProtectionStability

3

3

Traction

41

evoLuTIoN oF The Low CuT IMs3 CoNCePT.bI-MATeRIAL MIDsoLe wITh exoskeLeToN CoNsTRuCTIoN.

A midsole in soft, shock-absorbing EVA is bonded with a PU heel cup, which ensures stable support, protection of the inner EVA part and prolonged compressive strength.The heel cup has an asymmetrical construction and is thicker in the medial area to increase pronation support. The Vibram® outsole is made in a special mix called Megagrip, which provides exceptional traction on wet surfaces in particular while maintaining good resistance to abrasion.

IMS lASTInG BOARD COMBInED WITH A SOFT EVA MIDSOlE

ExOSkElETOn pU HEEl CUp WITH ASyMMETRICAl COnSTRUCTIOn

VIBRAM® OUTSOlE WITH SpECIAl MEGAGRIp® COMpOUnD

29

®®Moisture cannot penetrate

Inner lining

Outer material

Protective knitThe GOrE-TEX® membrane

Sweat can escape

TECHNICAL PArTNErSVibram® and GOrE-TEX® make AKU footwear value added in terms of safety and internal climate. The

partnership between AKU and these internationally-known brands is one

the factors that help make AKU products known as being technically totally reliable

and designed for expert users who recognize the real value of their choice.

For 90% of its collection AKU has exclusive outsoles designed together with Vibram®, for both the specific design

and shape of the outsole, as well as for the composition

of the rubber with which it is made. The outsole is also

designed with thought for the specific needs

and the different end use of the shoes.

EXTENDED COMFOrTIdeal for moderate or warmer weather conditions. Exceptional performance

in high-output activities and everyday use. Key advantages:

- All-year indoor comfort and outdoor protection

- Extremely breathable to prevent feetvv from overheating

- Optimum heat conductivity and excellent moisture management ensure

all-day climate comfort inside the shoe

- Durable waterproof protection

The GOrE-TEX® membrane is an exclusive heat-sealed technical fabric

which contains about 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square centimetre.

These pores are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water

but 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapour. So whilst water

droplets cannot penetrate the GOrE -TEX membrane, moisture vapour,

namely perspiration in gas form, can easily escape. GOrE-TEX® has

developed 3 specific types of membrane for the footwear sector, each

with specific functional properties:

PrimaLoft® insulation products offer superior performance for

high quality cold–weather gear. PrimaLoft® is lightweight and

breathable with excellent water repellency to keep you dry, warm

and comfortable even in the most extreme weather conditions. The

human body uses energy to keep warm. PrimaLoft® uses a patented

structure with ultra-fine microfibres to help retain body heat and

conserve energy. PrimaLoft® is as warm as down, compressible,

breathable and offers superior water repellency to keep you warm, dry

and comfortable, even in the most extreme weather conditions.

31

Moisture cannot penetrate

Inner lining

Functional foam

Outer material

Protective knit

GOrE-TEX® membrane

Sweat can escape

Moisture cannot penetrate

Inner lining

Functional non-woven material

Outer material

Protective knit

GOrE-TEX® membrane

Sweat can escape

GUArANTEED QUALITYAKU guarantees the quality of its footwear through a specific quality control program that is implemented in all stages of the production process, from the raw material to the

finished product. To guarantee that the functional features of the product are in conformity with specifications, AKU footwear

undergoes not only many laboratory tests by in-house quality control staff in all stages of the process,

but also tests directly in the field. There is an intense activity of testing prototypes by mountaineers, technicians and Alpine guides, who work together with AKU in putting

the finishing touches to the product.

FIELD TESTSThe main field tests concern precision and thermal performance.

Each tester fills in a technical assessment sheet,

which is then processed by the design department

together with the modelling unit so that

any corrective work can be applied.

PErFOrMANCE COMFOrTModerate insulation to keep feet dry and comfortable during

outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions.

Key advantages:

- Moderately insulated for changing conditions

- Optimal combination of breathability and insulation keep feet

warm and dry, even in unexpected weather

- Durable waterproof protection

INSULATED COMFOrTOffers a range of insulation options to keep feet dry and

comfortable in cold to very cold temperatures. Designed for the

winter, they keep feet warm and dry all day long, even in rain,

snow and ice. Key advantages:

- Various insulation options available, enabling selection of the

right shoe for a particular winter activity

- Optimal combination of breathability and insulation keeps feet

comfortable, never sweaty

- Durable waterproof protection keeps moisture out

33

IN-HOUSE TESTSDURABILITY TESTBefore becoming a finished product,

the sample is subjected to a stringent durability test which consists

of mechanical gait simulation for more than 500,000 steps.

The wear of the upper and the abrasion

of the outsole are measured.

WATERPROOFINg TESTThe finished product is then checked for

waterproofness, with a test using

instruments supplied directly by WL-GOrE, in case

any damage has occurred during the industrial

process, in particular in the delicate phase of

(welting) stitching the upper.

APPEARANCE CONTROLThere is a final aesthetic control

of the product prior to storage in the warehouse

(in particular the colors of the leather and any work

residues) as well as the methods of presentation (fastening/lacing,

cleanliness). The product is now ready to be put

on the market.

The main in-house tests are concerned with waterproofness,

durability and look. When the GOrE-TEX® membrane,

on license from WL-Gore Associates, is used, the very first test must be to ensure that the materials used to make the upper and the actual

membrane are compatible. These tests are carried

out directly by Gore in its own laboratories and are the first

stage in checking that the product meets its functional

requirements. During assembly the GOrE TEX® bootie undergoes an immersion test to check

for damage or non-conformity.

35

vIAZ GTx

MouNTAINeeRING - bACkPACkING

MoNTAGNARD sLoPe RoCk II uLTRA LIGhT

Mountain

MoNTAGNARD GTx

TeRReALTeGTx

suPeRALP GTx w’s

suPeRALP GTx

CoNeRo Nbk GTx

suPeRALP Nbk GTx/Nbk LTR

uTAh ToP GTx

CoNeRo GTx

suPeRALP Nbk hI GTx

AKU’s years of experience in designing and manufacturing

top quality footwear are condensed in the long

and meticulous process of making a last. Identifying

the last in relation to the foot shape is essential to choose the right footwear: knowing the various lasts used in the different

models, enables the shop to help the end user in choosing

the appropriate product by offering an overview of the diverse

possibilities within the collection.

LASTS The distinctive features of the Mountain lasts compared to the Trekking lasts are: - smaller toe box and heel - wider sole - greater distance/height of the toe box from the ground

(to aid foot roll and therefore comfortable walking) - greater thickness/height of the heel

Montagnard last:Developed from the Montagnard last, has:- more anatomical toe box and heel- less distance/height of the toe box from

the ground- less toe box-heel difference

slope last:Is considered the basic last for AKU men’s footwear and features:- sole with concave and convex surfaces- heel and dorsum of the foot with

concave surface

Rock II last:Developed from the rock last it features:- more anatomical shaping - narrower and symmetrical toe box - narrower heel in cross and longitudinal section

Forma ultra Light:Developed from the Slope last, it is considered the basic last for AKU women’s footwear. This last is made in the B fitting for women and features narrower sole, toe box and heel

3736

hIkING

sLoPe CAIMAR CLouD CLouD w’s uLTRA LIGhT CAIMAR w’s

Trekking

NuvoLA MID GTx

ZeNITh II GTx

sLoPe GTx

TRekkeR LITe II GTx

TRANsALPINA GTx w’s

uLTRA LIGhT GTx

w’s

TRIbuTe LTR w’s

ALPINA AIRGTx w’s

NuvoLA MID GTx w’s

eReRAGTx

TRANsALPINA LTR GTx

ALPINA PLus GTx/LTR

TRIbuTe GTx w’s

TRekkeR LITe II

GTx w’s

eReRA GTx w’s

TRIbuTe II LTR

TRANsALPINA GTx

FAsTALPINA GTx

seNDeRAGTx

TRIbuTe II GTx

MoNTeRosso GTx

ALPINA AIR GTx

FAsTALPINA GTx w’s

The AKU Trekking lasts have evolved from the Slope last, which is also the last that has given rise to those of all the other categories. This first last is the result of on-going work to refine footwear, which has always drawn its inspiration from dedicated research aimed at copying the anatomy of the foot.

Cloud women’s last: Developed from the Cloud last, this last is

made in the B fitting for women and features:- narrower sole- narrower toe box and heel

ultra Light last: Developed from the Slope last, it is considered the basic last for AKU women’s footwear. This last is made in the B fitting for women and features:- narrower sole- narrower toe box and heel

Caimar women’s last:Developed from the Caimar last, this last is

made in the B fitting for women and features:- narrower sole- narrower toe box and heel

slope last:Is considered the basic last for AKU men’s footwear and features:- sole with concave and convex surfaces- heel and dorsum of the foot with concave

surface

Caimar last: Developed from the Slope last, it features:- anatomical shaping - sole with concave and convex surfaces- heel and foot dorsum with more accentuated concave surfaces- designed to enhance the effects of comfort in walking (better foot roll)

Cloud last: Developed from the Slope last, it features:- anatomical shaping - sole with concave and convex surfaces- heel and foot dorsum with more accentuated concave surfaces- designed to enhance the effects of comfort in walking (better foot roll)

39

ARRIbA RoCk II CLouD ARRIbA kID

Active

RoCk II GTx ALPINA LIGhT MID GTx

ALPINA LIGhT GTx

DAINo GTx

RoCk LITe II GTx

ARRIbA II MID GTx

ARRIbA II GTx

AGuANA LIGhT RoCk kID

GTx

ARRIbA w’s

ALPINA LIGhT MID GTx w’s

ALPINA LIGhT GTx w’s

ARRIbA II MID GTx w’s

ARRIbA II GTx w’s

CLouD w’sRoCk LIFe

beLLAMoNT PLus AIR

beLLAMoNT MID PLus

beLLAMoNT PLus

beLLAMoNT sueDe / sueDe GTx

beLLAMoNT AIR

NuvoLA GTx

The distinguishing features of the Active lasts compared to the Trekking lasts are:- greater anatomical shape- more comfort- less distance/height from the toe box from the ground (less foot roll)- adequate thickness/height of the heel from the ground

Arriba kid last:Derived from the Slope last, it is considered the basic AKU last for kids footwear.It features: - wider toe box- wider instep

Arriba last:Developed from the Croda last, it differs in its:- more asymmetrical and anatomically

designed toe box- higher volume (wider fitting)

Rock II last:Developed from the Croda last it features:- more anatomical shaping - narrower and symmetrical toe box - narrower heel in cross and longitudinal section

Cloud last: Developed from the Slope last, it features:- anatomical shaping - sole with concave and convex surfaces- heel and foot dorsum with more accentuated concave surfaces- designed to enhance the effects of comfort in walking (better foot roll)

Arriba women’s last:Developed from the Arriba last, it is made in the B fitting for women and features:- narrower sole- narrower toe box and heel

Cloud women’s last: Developed from the Cloud last, this last is made in the B fitting for women and features:- narrower sole- narrower toe box and heel

Rock Life last: Developed from the rock II last, differs for greater comfort of fit

41

MuLAZrubber/2D pu

NePAL

NePAL

FouRÁ

rubber/micro rubber/puFouRÁ

Mountain

FouRÁ

The outsole is all-important for safety

in technical footwear. AKU has always worked closely with Vibram® - the world’s foremost

manufacturer of soles for outdoor footwear – in designing

and manufacturing outsoles to meet every category of user’s

request for reliability and precision.

Alongside the Vibram® products are specific solutions created

exclusively by the AKU design department.

This section gives a complete overview of the current AKU

products spread over the 3 segments of the collection.

OUTSOLES

Aku exCLusIve

The Mountain soles feature:- particular resistance to abrasion- deep level of cleating- tread design with more spaces between cleats- particular heaviness and thickness- fewer component elements- Crampon compatibility

43

NEWNEW

rubber/micro

eRICA eveResT wINkLeR

rubber/eva

PLuMe

rubber/jpu

seNDeRA

rubber/evaAku-A oCeAN s368 MuLTI

rubber/micro ecostep rubber/micro

PReDAToR II

Trekking Active

s864 ALPINA s864 ALPINA

eva/Pu eva/PuIbex IDRoGRIP

Aku 09 PReDAToR II eCosTeP

CLouD

The Trekking soles feature:- suitable resistance to abrasion- shock-absorbing capacity especially in the heel

area- good level of cleating distinguished by correct

cleat height

- tread design with spacing designed to minimize clogging

- light weight- design allowing for boot flex and protection

The Active soles have the following features in common:- particular resistance to abrasion- shock-absorbing capacity- extensive cleating, distinguished by a reduced

cleat height

- tread design that aids correct foot flex- remarkable light weight- more component elements

Aku exCLusIve Aku exCLusIve

45

1D evA

CusToM FIT PRo ALuM CusToM FIT PRo 142 CusToM FIT IMs 162 CusToM FIT 152

FeLT evA CoCo LATex MICRo kIDsCoCo LATex bAMbù

Footbeds Comfort is a must for AKU products. It also involves the use of an important accessory such as the foot-bed, for which different lasts and materials are used according to the specific characteristics of use of the various boots.

Lasting board

AKU makes one of the most important technical parts of a boot in its own factory: the foot-bed. It is a vital element for the flexibility and fit of a boot and for correct foot position and is a distinguishing feature of quality footwear. The high quality foot-bed anatomically reflects the shape of the foot and guarantees flexibility, fit and durability.

materials- nylon - microporosa- nylon - glass fibre - microporosa- nylon - carbon - microporosa- texon - thermoplastic PU - microporosa- thermoplastic PU - felt

carbon

- light- breathable- shock absorption

inserts

Technical mountaineering footbed copies exactly the imprinting of your foot warranting thermo insulation, plus heel and arch support.Features: Anatomic support - Breathability - Moisture management - Easy to dry - Shock absorption - Thermo insulation - Stability

Technical mountaineering and multifunction footbed copies exactly the imprinting of your foot offering heel and arch support. Features: Anatomic support - Breathability - Moisture management - Easy to dry - Thermo insulation - Stability

Technical Hiking and multifunction footbed copies exactly the imprinting of your foot warranting breathability and sweat management.Features: Anatomic support - Breathability - Moisture management - Easy to dry - Shock absorption - Thermo insulation

Sport activity and hiking footbed copies exactly the imprinting of your foot offering anatomic support and breathability.Features: Anatomic support - Breathability - Moisture management - Easy to dry - Shock absorption

- light- breathable- damp absorption

inserts

- light- self-modelling

foam layer

- light- breathable- with a microfiber and latex layer - natural- base in coconut

- light- breathable- with bamboo fiber and

latex- natural- base in coconut

- size guide design

47

Impeccable quality, constant research into comfort and lightweight, original styling.

These are the values that distinguish AKU products combined

with a renewed communications drive to develop a strong brand personality, while continuing to satisfy

the expectations of a knowledgeable and demanding public,

mountain lovers and enthusiasts of authentic outdoor experiences.

As AKU customers have always been.

userd PART

49

MOUNTAIN TREKKINgHIKINGBoots designed for on and off trail day hiking, these mid and low-cut shoes combine support and durability

with lightweight performance.

MOUNTAINEErINGAKU has designed this collection for the professional mountaineer. These

technical boots have rigid midsoles, thick protective leather uppers and all

models feature Vibram® crampon compatible outsoles.

BACKPACKINGA range of lightweight, high performance, backpacking boots, designed for

carrying mid to heavy packs for long durations.

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ACTIVE MOUNTAIN INSPIREDAPPRoAChThe AKU Approach line is a range of models in constant evolution.

Lightweight, stable, comfortable and high performance, AKU Approach

footwear was originally conceived to assist Alpine guides and professional

mountaineers in their work.

MuLTITeRRAINTo enjoy light hiking, bouldering and multi-activity mountain sports you

need footwear that is flexible and has sure footed stability.

Shoes that are companion for travelling, staying in the city and outdoors. The high

quality technical elements enhance the image, referring to the mountain environment,

such as the Vibram® sole designed exclusively for AKU, guarantee of safety and stability

in case of wet weather and on slightly uneven paths.

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KIDSA line of kid’s trekking shoes designed by AKU to support children’s feet

in the correct anatomical position during all outdoor activities.

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aku. itAKU Italia s.r.l. 31044 Montebelluna (TV) ItalyVia Schiavonesca Priula, 65 Tel. +39 0423 2939Fax +39 0423 [email protected]

AKU FOr MOUNTAIN is a slogan to indicate a range of initiatives intended to encourage respect for the environment and for mountain life.