The Shell Boot Principle

THE SHELL PRINCIPLE. EQUALLY SIMPLE AS INGENIOUS.

Our boots are made according to the shell principle. Instead of putting several layers together, we do what active outdoors people have always done when getting dressed – we keep the layers apart. Instead of building in moisture into the boots, we make sure that the moisture can make its way out.

To be able to remove and put on different layers of clothing gives superior flexibility when it comes to regulating body temperature. And to transport moisture away from the skin. We follow the exact same principle regarding our boots, which can be seen as outer garments for your feet.

The outer layer is built up to act as robust protection against weather and wind, while it keeps the feet in place and provides good heel grip. From the outsole and the boot’s cellular rubber bottom to the full grain leather shaft, there is no compromise. Inside the boot, you fill with an insole and two pairs of socks. The idea is equally simple as ingenious. Through the shell principle, you yourself can adapt the thickness of the “lining” according to activity or outdoor temperature. Nobody chooses to go on a hike dressed in only a thin sweater or a thickly lined jacket – why go out in boots that cannot be changed according to the weather? And when the sole or socks become damp, they can always be replaced with a dry change as the boot itself dries much faster thanks to it not having a permanent lining. Beginning the day’s hike with a boot that still has yesterday’s moisture inside is not a good start to the day. Further, two pairs of socks minimise the risk for chafing.

Our boots are constructed according to the shell principle, which means that they are like an outer garment for your feet. Hence, they should be supplemented with two pairs of socks, according to the shell principle. And an insole. Everything, of course, with a large content of wool for the most comfort and function.

Our socks are not just a complement to the boots, but are actually developed and designed with the same insight and aim as everything else in our assortment. Certain socks are completely lined with terry cloth, others have a thin upper side with air gaps for maximal ventilation. Regardless of which type, each sock has unique qualities as to where, when and how they will be used. Therefore, you should try your boots with the right socks and soles – the socks are an important part in what makes for a complete shoe system. Why our socks contain wool is equally simple as natural. Wool can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture with losing its warming capabilities. Through its ability to absorb moisture, the wool in the sock contributes to better moisture transport. The more moisture is transported away, the drier and thus more comfortable it will be for your feet.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOCK

Our boots are constructed according to the shell principle, which means that they are like an outer garment for your feet. Hence, they should be supplemented with two pairs of socks, according to the shell principle. And an insole. Everything, of course, with a large content of wool for the most comfort and function.

We recommend that you always use two pairs of socks in our boots. During the summer, two pairs of slightly thinner socks, and during the winter, one thin and one thicker. Two pairs of socks means that the friction occurs between the socks and not between the sock and skin. A good way to reduce the risk of chafing! The thin sock closest to the foot is called a liner and has the same function as a long underwear. It is made of a soft and comfortable merino wool, which transports away moisture and warms even when wet. The outer sock can be a thicker and warmer sock, often with felt or terry cloth reinforcements on the under side for maximum durability. And to contribute with further absorption.

1. SOCK LAYER 1
Start with a liner. It should be thin, supple, sit tight and be made of Merino wool.

2. SOCK LAYER 2
Padding – for comfort, increased durability and insulation.

The shell principle also means that our boots work just as well year-round, since you yourself regulate how your feet will feel from your choice of socks and insoles. Our more typical winter boots are constructed wholly according to the same principle, but have removable felt inner boots in wool to keep out the cold.

OTHERS HAVE SHOE MACHINES. WE HAVE SHOEMAKERS.

In 1932, Jonas Lundhag began manufacturing shoes and boots in a small shoe factory outside of Östersund, Sweden. The factory moved 41 years later to Järpen outside of Åre, at the gate to the West Jämtland mountain world. The factory is still located here, along with the foundation and pride for handicraft. And the ambition to manufacture boots that last a life out in the woods and fields.

That we stand firm by our shell principle can be perhaps perceived as slightly wilful. But that is just like us. Partly because we know that the boots are best like this, partly because we are meticulous and extremely particular about details. We don’t do anything just to follow a trend. It should be functional, meaning that everything unnecessary was removed a long time ago. This also means that our boots will be substantially lighter, that the boot’s functions actually work, and that we minimise the consumption of material. Which in turn is positive for the environment. A team of shoemakers that know everything about split lining, lasts and full grain leather work in our workshop. But they are not only good at building boots. Proximity to nature, which is right around the corner, provides them with unique opportunities to test the boots in real life. Frankly, they can test a newly developed or updated boot at lunch and make corrections to the construction in the workshop in the afternoon. If needed.

A LUNDHAGS BOOT LASTS. YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT.

It is important that the boot is comfortable already from the beginning, but our most important task is to build it so that it is comfortable after being used year in and year out. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that a really good boot must consist of many, many parts. Our most advanced boots, Syncro, consist of, for example, a whole 68 unique parts, each with its own special function. The many parts indeed place great demands on the shoemaker manufacturing the boot, but it also means many advantages to the person using the boot.

It should be functional, which means that everything unnecessary is removed.

If any part is worn out or damaged, our shoemakers in Järpen can replace the part. Therefore, the Lundhags customer can still get the boot soles replaced and the shaft repaired after 20 years of hard usage. It is one of the reasons why the outsole and boot bottom are not moulded into one and the same piece.

A shell boot from Lundhags can never be cheap to manufacture, but when considering how many years and steps it lasts to walk in, it is very cheap to buy.