Doggln – traditional footwear from Tyrol

The Doggln are still handcrafted according to old tradition today and are a pure natural product. What has proven itself over centuries – both in the warm parlor and in any weather outdoors – must have its qualities.

The secret of the Doggln is their material: mostly loden and boiled wool fabrics, i.e., pure virgin wool. Because wool is a true 'miracle material'. It keeps warm, but does not seal airtight, instead, it ensures a pleasant exchange of air. Wool does not easily absorb dirt and can be easily cleaned with water. Wool is also resistant to odors, while on the other hand, it neutralizes odors in the fresh air in a short time. In a shoe made of loden, you will therefore never get sweaty feet, the wool simply does not allow it. Last but not least, the Doggln are also extremely robust and durable; loden is almost indestructible material.

The real Doggln consist of four to five layers of fabric: first a boiled wool fabric, then a layer of cotton, again boiled wool and finally a high-quality loden fabric, which can vary according to taste and need. The layers are glued together with a kind of paste made from rye flour and water – the so-called 'Roggnpapp' – which also shapes the shoe. Finally, the tabs are cut out and the mostly black border and the badge are sewn on by hand. At least three hours of work go into each finished Doggl. Afterwards, the shoes also need to dry for a good two days.

The knowledge of the old craft, about the materials, the types of soles and adhesive properties is still mostly carried on in small family businesses. You won't get rich from production, but the demand for the Doggln is rising. They have long since shed their grandmother image. Today they are made in quite fashionable designs and, if desired, also made to order. In the snowboarding scene, Doggln have even achieved cult status and are considered a mega-cool item. And even the Pope wears Doggln privately – in his favorite color purple.