Episode 537: Choosing The Best Boot For The Mountains with Zamberlan

·1 hr 8 min·5 clips

Marco Zamberlan, third-generation bootmaker from Italy, reveals the family secrets behind designing mountain hunting footwear.

The episode opens with host Brian Barney introducing the guests, Marco Zamberlan and Philip Benson, and framing the discussion as an in-depth education on hunting boots. Barney shares his personal enthusiasm for Zamberlan products and mentions sponsor promotions. The interview begins with greetings and background on Marco's role as a third-generation bootmaker from Italy. Philip Benson outlines recent industry challenges and introduces three new 2026 products: the Thunder Pro, a lightweight update to the Baltoro Light; the ExoTrail GTX, a low-cut hiking shoe with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit; and the ADAC 6 BOA, a synthetic upper boot with a BOA closure system. Marco details the historical collaboration between his grandfather and Vibram's founder in 1929 to develop the first rubber outsoles. The conversation shifts to boot design principles, with Marco explaining how terrain steepness and hunter weight influence boot stiffness recommendations. Philip describes the shank as a lasted board affecting stability and discusses midsole materials like EVA and PU. Boot maintenance is covered, emphasizing the use of Hydro-Block conditioner over wax for GORE-TEX boots to maintain breathability and warranty. The guests touch on Zamberlan's expansion into work boots, like the Trilogy 2.0 for logging, and tease future innovations for 2027, including Project Hero for outsoles. Barney fields audience questions on half sizes above 12, with Philip noting availability in work boots. The episode concludes with Barney summarizing key takeaways and promoting sponsors.

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