Hand crafted Goiserer boots
It began 140 years ago in Bad Goisern with the invention of the first “engineered” mountain boot. Today the Goiserer is still the epitome of top quality, but it has evolved to be fit for city life.
The Schusterloch (Shoemaker’s Gap) in the mountains above this spa resort in the Salzkammergut is named in honour of a happy accident; a mountain guide fell into this ravine, and because his stiff, smooth soled mountain boots were more a hindrance than a help, he had to extricate himself barefoot. This brought about the birth of boots named after the village of their conception – the Goiserer – because the mountain guide was also a shoemaker who, once safely back in his workshop, invented the now legendary double stitching. A leather upper is stitched twice to the sole of the boot, making it robust, flexible, and stable. It was a huge step forward. Due to their exemplary quality, these lace-up ankle boots with soles studded with handmade iron nails soon found a place in every noble huntsman’s wardrobe. Empress Sisi herself wore a pair of Goiserer for mountain climbing.
Those who own a coveted pair of Goiserer boots know what a joy they are to wear.
Rudolf Steflitsch-Hackl is now the only shoemaker in the world who makes them to the specifications of the founder, and with tools that his father and grandfather used. No wonder then that the order book is full, and the esteemed clientele (names are not divulged) from all over the world have to wait between 12 and 15 months from being measured to receiving their handmade footwear. Rudolf Steflitsch-Hackl creates his double-stitched footwear to match Tracht (national costume), business suits, and evening wear in equal measure.
Once the purpose of the footwear is confirmed, Steflitsch-Hackl selects appropriate leather for the upper part and sole, then adapts the design in terms of colour, shape, and decoration to the personality of its wearer. He produces truly unique handmade articles. Goiserer footwear comes in all shapes and forms: ballet pumps, light trekking boots, city lace ups, or snazzy golf shoes. For nothing is as individual and insightful as a handmade shoe. From the first sketch, each pair of Goiserer is the expression of a life philosophy: to stand with both feet firmly on the ground – regardless of whether that may be polished parquet or rock and ice.