ALFA Footwear

The company takes its name from the Greek word meaning "the first, the beginning." ALFA pioneered vulcanized rubber sole ski boots and has equipped expeditions to the world's highest peaks and polar regions. Following ownership changes including acquisition by Haglöfs in 1999 and the Møller family in 2007, the company expanded its product range and international market presence in 2017.

Maurice Filip Christensen founded ALFA in 1931 with the principle that "Children need shoes." Einar Stuhaug joined as co-owner in 1932. By 1934, production reached 1,000 pairs weekly, necessitating relocation to St. Halvards gate 39 in Oslo. During World War II, the company maintained quality standards by refusing to brand inferior products made from scarce materials, instead selling them under the name "Omega."

In 1953, Christensen's son Maurice Busch Christensen established Bambi Skofabrikk using Disney character licensing. ALFA relocated to Brandbu in 1956 and merged with Bambi, becoming Norway's largest children's footwear manufacturer. The company pioneered vulcanized rubber sole ski boots during this period. In 1965, ALFA received the Norwegian Design Council award for ski boot model 2001.

The company began producing M/66 march boots for the Armed Forces in 1967. By 1970, ALFA produced over 500,000 ski boot pairs annually, with 130,000 pairs exported to the United States and Canada. The Armed Forces adopted the M/77 march boot in 1977, which remains in service today. A factory fire on September 22, 1976 led to successful reconstruction.

Between 1992 and 1993, ALFA sponsored polar expeditions by the Mørdre brothers and Erling Kagge. Swedish company Haglöfs acquired ALFA in 1999. The Møller family purchased the company in 2007. In 2011, A-Sport AS, led by Pål Olimb, merged with Alfa and reintroduced ski boots to the product line. The company completed a brand and product design revitalization in January 2017, expanding beyond the Scandinavian market into international markets. ALFA's revenue reached 167 million and the company regained its Armed Forces contract in 2021. Atle Bjerkli became CEO in 2023.

ALFA's product range includes ski boots, hiking boots, trekking boots, winter boots, cross-country ski boots, backcountry ski boots, hunting boots, casual shoes, and junior footwear. The hiking and trekking line includes models such as Bregne 2.0, Piggen 2.0, Hovde Advance, Aksla, and Driv Advance.

Products incorporate Gore-Tex waterproofing, Vibram soles, BOA closure systems, and APS (ALFA Performance System) construction. Footwear is available in men's, women's, and children's sizes with color options including Phantom Black, Thyme Green, Petroleum Blue, and Port Red.

In 1954, ALFA introduced an expanding shoe with removable heel inserts designed for growing children. The company has served professional users including the Norwegian Police and Defense Forces. ALFA footwear has been used on thousands of expeditions worldwide, including ascents of the seven highest peaks and multiple crossings of Greenland and polar regions.

In 2019, ALFA launched Alfa Impact, a line of handmade, fully repairable shoes focused on durability and longevity.

ALFA's head office in Jaren handles product design, development, sales, marketing, and administration. Production occurs at selected manufacturers in Europe and Asia under the oversight of the company's sourcing department. The company established a Swedish subsidiary, Alfa Sko AB, in 2017.

The company's manufacturing philosophy emphasizes functional quality and comfort. ALFA holds Eco-Lighthouse designation and maintains transparent supply chain practices. The company engages in sustainability initiatives, social responsibility programs, and environmental practices.