Mountain-Inspired Premium Boots

A Kind of Guise Designs its Merano Boots in Northern Italy

Berlin-based fashion label A Kind of Guise welcomes the new year with a new footwear design dubbed the Merano Boots, marking the first item to drop this year. The shoe is made using fine nubuck leather materials and gives it a satin finish, featuring two classic colorway options.

The inspiration behind the shoe stems from a Northern Italian town that is found between the mountains of South Tyrol. The shoe rests on top of a Vibram sole unit to add a drop and additionally, branding details can be seen subtly applied on the footbed. Each pair is hand-crafted by a small manufacturer in the Italian town that is run by a small family and all of which have double stitching.

Image Credit: A Kind of Guise

Premium Nubuck Boots
There is an opportunity for small, boutique shoe makers to innovate and design high-quality, premium boots with unique inspirations and materials.
Hand-crafted Footwear
The market for hand-crafted, artisanal shoes is growing, and skilled craftspeople have the opportunity to create custom, one-of-a-kind footwear using traditional techniques.
Vibram Soles
Companies that create shoes with Vibram soles have an opportunity to target outdoor enthusiasts and hikers looking for durable, high-quality footwear.

Industries Being Reshaped

Fashion
The fashion industry has the opportunity to incorporate high-quality, premium footwear into their collections that feature unique materials and inspirations.
Shoe Manufacturing
Small, family-run shoe manufacturers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves from larger companies by offering hand-crafted, artisanal footwear with unique inspirations.
Outdoor Gear
Companies in the outdoor gear industry have an opportunity to create durable, high-quality footwear that features Vibram soles, catering to consumers who prioritize quality and longevity in their products.
SCORE
1.9 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 25%
Activity 19%
Freshness 12%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X