Swiss Mountain Boots
1900 – 1945, 20th century
Leather, Metal
12"l x 4.5"w x 7"h
© Vintage Winter Museum

These Mountain Boots were manufactured by a Swiss company called Henke. They have markings of 28 5 8 and a serial# B36903. They feature tricouni and hobnail cleats to provide traction and durability in the alpine environment. Boots like these were also used frequently in war to aid the soldier in stability.

I had the privilege of talking to a few ‘old timers’ who used tricouni and hobnails on their boots in WWII. They recollected these metal additions were “like packing your boots with snow….the cold would travel directly through all the metal into your feet….coldest boots I ever wore”.