Garsport supports professionals who work even in extreme conditions and conveys its great know-how from hiking shoes to those used meant for the work industy: the Sierra Mid - S7S model is born
Coming mainly from the trekking sector, Garsport has managed to convey knowledge, technologies and production capacity from the world of sports to that of safety. And it has done so with great success, since 1972, when Diego Garbuio, a shoemaker, opened his first production workshop with his wife Gabriella.
Today, his sons Cristian and Mauro lead Garsport with the same determination and passion of the Garbuio dynasty, in the brand-new operational headquarters in Volpago del Montello (Treviso). Elena Garbuio, Customer Care and Sales Manager Italy, tells us about the latest news from Garsport.
From the world of trekking to that of work safety: how has Garsport’s production evolved over the years?
“Garsport has its roots in the world of sport: initially born as a company producing après-ski boots, a few years later, following growing market demands, in the 80s the business changed focus and began producing trekking shoes. There was also a change from a technological point of view, given that we moved on to “assembled” footwear, which led to an initial revolution in machinery. Over time, it was a winning strategy to develop increasingly technical articles, praised by the market, a technological process that also led us to become Goretex licensees. Based on the know-how gained in over fifty years of collaboration on behalf of third parties with the major brands of the Montebelluna Sportsystem and beyond, in 2010 the Trekking and Safety lines were born under the Garsport brand, a byword of comfortable, safe, resistant, long-lasting footwear, designed and manufactured using the best technologies and the best materials available on the market. Today we have become a true point of reference for the Italian and international market because we are able to guarantee excellent quality standards and undisputed safety and durability of our footwear over time.”
What is the biggest challenge in developing mountain footwear?
“To craft a mountain shoe, you need a very expert dexterity. Even in the world of work, footwear is becoming more and more complex and the final consumer’s need is increasingly demanding. We have been able to transfer the know-how of a certain type of product to the world of safety footwear as well. This allows us to immediately catch the key points to create the right product for every need. Developing the most suitable footwear, giving it the right strength, comfort and technology was easy for us because, as a principle, mountain footwear already features all these characteristics. In addition to compliance with the most stringent safety regulations, today we are increasingly working on lightness and comfort: this is why we develop innovative solutions by focusing more on the inside of the shoe, always keeping in mind that a worker wears the shoe for an average of 10 hours or more”.
It is from this know-how that Garsport safety footwear originates, is it true?
“Exactly. The birth of the Garsport brand dates back to 10-12 years ago, especially at the beginning we took advantage of the experience acquired, moving from the trekking sector to the accident prevention one. We conveyed all this “knowledge” into small collections bearing our brand, which then developed over time to what is now the vast range of products that sets us apart. In the Safety sector we have done a good job in Italy, where there is significant development and prospects for growth in turnover, but we are also moving well abroad, especially in Northern Europe, Germany and France”.
Let’s talk in detail about safety shoes: what are the main features?
“Thanks to Garsport, working with peace of mind and comfort is now possible, since they are able to protect and support the wearer even in the heaviest and riskiest jobs. Lightweight and comfortable, the footwear in the Safety line is designed and manufactured using the best technologies to make them safe, high-performance and resistant at work. Some models are equipped with Michelin or Vibram soles, the innovative BOA® Fit System to facilitate the opening and closing of the shoe, and innovative technical materials. One of the latest lines just renewed is the Safe Outdoor, updated in colors and design, a concept born from the adaptation of trekking and outdoor shoes to the work environment, in order to give the same level of comfort to resistant and highly durable safety footwear”.
What is the flagship model of this line?
“Without a doubt is the Sierra Mid – S7S model, specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals who work in difficult environments such as construction sites, in the mountains or in situations that require greater safety. We are talking about safety shoes that combine performance, comfort and protection and that are able to guarantee the support and protection that the worker needs”.
Can you tell us something more?
“Made from high-quality materials, the Sierra Mid – S7S stands out for its suede upper in a dynamic yellow shade, which not only provides a bold look, but also ensures utmost durability. This shoe is equipped with rubber protection that improves abrasion resistance, guaranteeing longevity in conditions of intensive use. The inner lining is waterproof and breathable, allowing the feet to remain dry by wicking away moisture, for optimal comfort all day long. One of the main assets of this shoe is the microporous Vibram Mulaz sole, which guarantees excellent grip on different types of terrain, whether wet, muddy or rocky. In addition, an insert for the semi-automatic attachment of crampons allows you to adapt the shoe to the necessary grip conditions, making it the ideal choice for outdoor work. Last but not least, the use of rigid nylon in the insole ensures reinforced stability, essential to avoid injuries when moving on uneven surfaces.”
Who is this type of footwear aimed at?
“Recommended for professionals in the construction, agricultural and mountain work sectors, the Sierra Mid – S7S are a perfect combination of robustness and comfort. As mentioned, safety is at the heart of the construction of this shoe, thanks also to the crush-proof aluminum toe cap and composite anti-perforation plate. These shoes protect the feet from impacts and sharp objects, even in the most demanding environments, and guarantee a level of protection that allows you to work in complete safety, knowing that your feet are always well protected.”
You have recently celebrated an important milestone, that is your fiftieth birthday, and you spent these years in the name of innovation, but always remaining faithful to your DNA. What does the future hold for you?
“We are certainly aiming for growth and internationalization; we want to strengthen the foreign market and not only focusing at the domestic one. Our goal is always the same: to offer comfortable, high-performance, safe and, why not, aesthetically appealing footwear. 50 years of knowledge are an invaluable asset, which not everyone can boast. We have all the means to keep on growing, the feedback from consumers proves it: we know what we are talking about and we do it well.”
Sierra Mid – S7S: robustness and comfort for safety
Designed for the most demanding work environments, the Sierra Mid-S7S are perfect for high-altitude work, heavy construction, marble workers, quarry work and the forestry sector. It is also designed for use with a semi-automatic crampon that allows you to adapt the shoe to the necessary grip conditions, making it the ideal choice for outdoor work. Feet are protected from impacts and punctures thanks to the anti-crush aluminum toe cap and composite anti-puncture plate, while the upper, with its characteristic yellow color, is made of genuine suede leather, which further protects against external stresses, makes the shoe more durable and resistant and enhances its look. Stability is further reinforced thanks to the use of rigid nylon in the insole, essential for avoiding injuries when moving on uneven surfaces. One of the main assets of this shoe is the microporous Vibram Mulaz sole, which guarantees excellent grip on different types of terrain, while the inner lining, waterproof and breathable, allows the feet to remain dry by wicking away moisture, for optimal comfort all day long.
The brand new Garsport headquarters in Volpago del Montello (TV) inaugurated in 2022, where the administrative offices, the Italian and foreign sales offices, the R&D department, the finished product logistics and the company outlet are located
Elena Garbuio, Gabriella Favotto (founder), Ylenia Garbuio (R&D dept. manager)
Cristian Garbuio, CEO
Elena Garbuio, third generation, responsible for Customer Care and Sales Italy