THE AMUNDSEN MUCK SYSTEM
In 2018, we launched the Ilujjiniq Mountain Mucks, with the unique layering system with a separate inner boot. This system makes the boots incredibly comfortable, reduced risk of blisters, increasing warmth and breathability. It makes drying much faster after a day out in the wet field when separated from the outer boot. For adventures and hikers, this can be a critical feature when choosing the right shoe, but there is more to be known about the Amundsen muck system than their technological features. This is the story behind designing the Amundsen muck system.
Before Roald Amundsen set out to conquer the South Pole in 1911, he chose to learn from the best possible sources and went to live with the Inuits to study their knowledge on cold weather survival. Amundsen learned to dog sled, hunt for seals, kayak, fish, and even wear the clothes of the Inuit. This knowledge made Roald Amundsen succeed were others had failed.
The foot and leg coverings of the Inuit manifest their outstanding technology, total comprehension of the animals used and conscious acknowledgement to their environment. Relentless winter conditions or unreliable spring ice make strict requirements on the Inuit seamstress. Footwear must suit the occasion – the inland animal hunt, the linger by the seal hole, time spent around camp as well as travelling and dancing. To meet the challenge of weather, season and terrain, versatility is key.
INUIT FOOTWEAR
Inuit footwear, as with the rest of their clothing, admirably shows their expertise, advanced over thousands of years, of humidity and temperature control. The human body, notably the feet, transmits water vapour and if overheated becomes perspiration. At a certain point, depending on the temperature both inside and outside the clothing, the perspiration condenses and becomes hoarfrost. Inuits have therefore developed their footwear with several layers depending on conditions. They use natural materials that breathe and crafting techniques such as attaching the upper with the waterproof stitch – ilujjiniq.
After getting introduced to Inuit mukluks some years back, we started to study how we could take their concepts and bring it to the future with precision craftsmanship and cutting edge technology.
OUR MUCKS
Today we have developed 3 different types of mucks – Mountain Mucks, Safari Mucks and Winter Mucks. The Mountain Mucks are handcrafted in Montebelluna from the finest vegetable tanned full grain leather. On our mountain mucks, we have developed 2 different gaiters – waxed cotton and wool loden. The integrated gaiters with waxed cotton are sewn in a strong and durable cotton, to ensure you stay dry even when walking through that high grass on your morning harvest. The Mountain mucks with integrated gaiters in wool loden, are sewn in a lustrous light, warm and strong merino wool from Austria, to ensure you stay warm and dry for the both colder conditions.
The second member is Winter Mucks. This must be the warmest and most comfortable lifestyle winter boot we have ever worn. They are carefully handcrafted in a selection of wool loden and suede leather paired with a Vibram Artic Grip sole. The layering system ensures unequalled warmth and comfort. Gaiters are made in a light weight polyamide with Norwegian Wool inside. We believe this is the perfect winter boot for mountain hikes and city strolls alike.
Last member of the Muck System is the Safari Mucks, focusing on adventure travelling. Hand-sewn in suede leather and cotton canvas welted on a super-soft vibram sole. The inner boot is done in a breezy open mesh to ensure air flow. The inner boot also includes a sole in order to function as a slipper in camp, indoors or on longer flights.
THE INNER BOOT
When designing our mucks, we developed these all-rounder inner boots that fits all our mucks and are super easy to switch out. This system makes the boots incredibly comfortable, reduced risk of blisters, increasing warmth and breathability. It makes drying much faster after a day out in the wet field when separated from the outer boot. The Inner boots also function as a great pair of slippers when inside.
THE INNER BOOT
When designing our mucks, we developed these all-rounder inner boots that fits all our mucks and are super easy to switch out. This system makes the boots incredibly comfortable, reduced risk of blisters, increasing warmth and breathability. It makes drying much faster after a day out in the wet field when separated from the outer boot. The Inner boots also function as a great pair of slippers when inside.
INTEGRATED GAITERS
On our Mountain and Winter Mucks, we have optional integrated gaiters. Wether you’re seeking for a shoe that endures the colder, winter conditions or the more damper, warmer conditions, there is gaiters for every adventure.