# Mountain-Inspired Premium Boots A Kind of Guise Designs its Merano Boots in Northern Italy By Amy Duong | Published 2022-01-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merano References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/1/a-kind-of-guise-merano-boots-whiskey-black-release-info) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timberland-waterproof-luxe-boot) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apww01-padmore-barnes-sport-boot) 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 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Durable Leather Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/derby-hiker.md) - [Minimalist Fashion Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-projects-hiking-boots.md) - [Trail-Ready Collaborative Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anterselva.md) - [Luxe Limited-Edition Ski Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phaenom-ski-boots.md) - [Dynamic Vibrant Hiking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramdane-touhami.md) - [Mohair-Laced Luxe Ski Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ski-boot-1.md) - [Winter-Ready Scandinavian-Style Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-89-roamer-mt-sneaker.md) - [Premium Italian Footwear Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girotti.md) - [Sophisticated Italian-Made Boot Silhouettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jb-ander.md)