Edmund Hillary’s Walking Boots

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November 13, 2013 by Ville Raivio

In 1952, shoemaker Robert Laurie completed walking boots for Edmund Hillary‘s brisk walk around Mount Everest. The odd boot below was first part of a pair but was lost when the parcel broke. A replacement was made and shipped to Nepal, and this boot was later found and shipped back in mint condition to Blighty, where it now spends a comfy retirement among James Taylor&Son’s collections.

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
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The boot’s features are reassuring and a testament to English shoemaking:

  • wholecut model for water-proofing and avoiding seams prone to crack under heavy stress
  • two mid soles for insulation
  • uppers turned out over the mid sole for waterproofing
  • double-stitched welt for longevity
  • bellows tongue for keeping snow out
  • inflexible soles for staying power on edges
  • hob nails on soles for traction and recessed toe plates for resistance
  • ski hooks for easy lacing and pull tab for convenience
  • Budapester toe for proper toe space and burly good looks

Head over to BBC for the full story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/3007675.stm

Edmund_Hillary's_walking_boots_at_Keikari_dot_com

Photo: James Taylor&Son


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