Giesswein USA, distributor of Austrian handcrafted boiled wool slippers and shoes, is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of its core collection. For the past decade, the Vent and Veitsch lodge shoe styles as well as the Spital and Ammern houseshoes have been a customer favorite, in no small part due to their orthotic quality arch-supporting footbeds providing ultimate comfort to the wearer.
Giesswein celebrated this anniversary, as well as launching the 2018 collection with the theme Back to Basics, at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Show in Denver.
To support one of their favorite Maine charities, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, a $20 donation made at the booth, put you in a pair of Giesswein boiled wool shoes, available all day and offered while supplies last. “Wear them in the lodge, at the show or out on the town in Denver,” invites Matt Tracy, President of Giesswein USA, “We know you will love wearing them in any setting!”
Giesswein USA’s boiled wool slippers and shoes never feel itchy or scratchy, and ensure that the wearer’s feet are kept comfortable, due to the natural fiber’s temperature regulating properties. After all, sheep wear their wool year-round, too! The lodge shoe collection features a waterproof, rubber outsole, allowing the shoe to be worn outdoors in a variety of settings and activity levels. For the houseshoes, Giesswein has perfected the slip-resistant latex outsole, that is dipped right onto to fabric, for a seamless transition between slipper and sole.
“In the US, slippers are often not a priority, but in Europe, the ‘houseshoe’ is considered an essential part of daily life,”, says Matt Tracy. “We hope to educate the American consumer on the importance of a dedicated pair of houseshoes to help keep the dirt and bacteria that lives on outdoor shoes from invading your home – an especially important fact to consider for families with kids.” Houseshoes made from a natural fiber such as 100% boiled wool allow the foot to “breathe” and therefore keep it comfortable and odor-free for all day wear.
All styles in Giesswein USA’s house- and lodge shoe collection feature a removable footbed constructed from natural materials. These provide firm medial and metatarsal arch support, an important feature for wearers suffering from common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis or those simply seeking to keep their feet comfortably supported. Replacement footbeds are available through Giesswein USA’s webstore, or wearer’s may replace with custom or store-bought orthotics should they require a different level of support.
Founded in 1954 by Walter and Elisabeth Giesswein in the mountains of Tirol, Austria, Giesswein quickly grew from sweaters made for friends and family to a global company know for quality and tradition in boiled wool footwear and clothing. Giesswein continues to operate as a family-owned business in Austria today. Giesswein USA has been the exclusive distributor of Giesswein footwear for men, women and children in the United States since 2008, servicing retailers throughout the country as well as selling direct to consumer through their webstore, www.wooliscool.com.