Diemme is an Italian footwear manufacturer specializing in hiking boots, sneakers, and casual footwear that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Founded in 1992 in the Montebelluna region of northern Italy, Diemme produces handcrafted footwear using techniques developed in one of Europe's historic centers of alpine boot production. The company emphasizes quality materials, Italian manufacturing, and designs that bridge heritage outdoor aesthetics with modern urban styling.
Diemme's approach combines the technical expertise of alpine bootmaking with fashion-forward design sensibilities, creating footwear that appeals to customers seeking both functional quality and distinctive style.
Diemme was established in 1992 by the Diemme family in Montebelluna, a town in the Veneto region of northern Italy renowned for its ski boot and mountain footwear production. The company's location provided access to skilled craftspeople and technical knowledge accumulated through generations of alpine boot manufacturing.
The company initially focused on producing hiking and outdoor boots using traditional construction methods adapted from mountaineering footwear. Over time, Diemme expanded its range to include fashion-oriented sneakers and casual boots while maintaining its commitment to Italian manufacturing and quality materials.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Diemme gained recognition in the fashion and heritage footwear markets for its distinctive designs that referenced vintage hiking and military boot aesthetics. The company's products appealed to customers interested in well-made footwear with visual character and heritage construction techniques.
Diemme continues to operate from its original location in the Montebelluna region, maintaining its focus on Italian production and traditional craftsmanship adapted to contemporary design applications.
Diemme footwear employs construction methods derived from alpine bootmaking traditions, adapted for various footwear categories from technical hiking boots to fashion sneakers.
Construction Features:
Norwegian Welt Construction: Used on hiking boots for water resistance and durability
Blake Stitch Construction: Employed on casual boots and sneakers for flexibility
Premium Materials: Full-grain leather uppers from European tanneries
Vibram Outsoles: Technical rubber outsoles for hiking and outdoor models
Hand-Finishing: Details and finishing processes completed by hand
Traditional Lasting: Classic boot-making techniques for proper fit and shaping
The construction approaches vary by product category, with outdoor-oriented boots receiving more technical construction while fashion sneakers emphasize aesthetics and comfort.
Diemme emphasizes the use of premium materials sourced from European suppliers, particularly Italian and other Continental tanneries known for quality leather production.
Leather Options:
Full-Grain Leather: Durable leather for boot uppers and structured footwear
Suede: Premium suede in various colors for casual applications
Waxed Leather: Water-resistant leather for outdoor and hiking boots
Nubuck: Matte-finish leather for contemporary styling
Design Characteristics:
Heritage Aesthetic: Designs reference vintage hiking and military boot styling
Color Palette: Earth tones and muted colors alongside seasonal fashion colors
Technical Details: Functional elements like D-ring lacing and reinforced toe caps
Contemporary Proportions: Classic designs adapted to modern sizing and fit preferences
Additional Materials:
Vibram Outsoles: High-quality rubber outsoles in various compounds
Waterproof Membranes: Technical linings for weather protection in outdoor models
Quality Hardware: Brass or antique-finish eyelets and hooks
Leather Lining: Full leather linings in premium models
The material selection balances functional requirements with aesthetic considerations, emphasizing natural materials and quality components.
Diemme produces several distinct footwear categories, each with characteristic design elements and construction approaches.
Hiking Boots:
Roccia Vet: Classic hiking boot with Norwegian welt construction
Everest: Tall hiking boot with technical features and vintage styling
Civetta: Mid-height hiking boot for trail and casual use
Hiking boots represent Diemme's connection to alpine bootmaking traditions, combining functional construction with distinctive aesthetic details.
Chelsea Boots:
Leather Chelsea: Classic side-gore boot in premium leather
Suede Chelsea: Casual suede versions in seasonal colors
Chelsea boots offer a refined casual option combining Italian craftsmanship with a timeless silhouette.
Sneakers and Trainers:
Court Sneakers: Low-top sneakers with clean, minimalist design
High-Top Trainers: Fashion-oriented high-top sneakers
Hybrid Designs: Sneaker-boot crossover designs
Sneakers and trainers demonstrate Diemme's adaptation of bootmaking techniques to contemporary footwear categories, emphasizing quality construction in casual styles.
Diemme footwear is sized using European sizing conventions, with fit characteristics varying by product category and last construction.
Sizing Guidelines:
European Sizing: Standard EU sizes (e.g., 41, 42, 43)
Fit Characteristics: Generally true to European size standards
Width: Standard D width fitting, narrow by American standards
Conversion: Consult size conversion charts for US/UK equivalents
Fit Considerations:
Boot Models: May fit snugly initially, requiring break-in period
Sneaker Models: More casual fit compared to hiking boots
Leather Stretch: Full-grain leather will conform to foot over time
Sizing Recommendation: Consider trying before purchasing when possible
Due to European sizing conventions and Italian last shapes, customers accustomed to American or British footwear sizing should carefully verify size conversions.
Proper maintenance preserves the appearance and extends the lifespan of Diemme footwear, particularly models constructed from premium leather materials.
Regular Maintenance:
Cleaning: Remove dirt with soft brush appropriate to leather type
Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 2-3 months for leather boots
Suede Care: Use suede brush and protective spray for suede models
Waterproofing: Apply waterproofing treatment to outdoor and hiking boots
Storage: Keep in cool, dry location with boot trees or stuffing for shape retention
Recommended Products:
Leather Conditioner: Quality conditioner for smooth leather models
Suede Brush: Brass or nylon brush for suede and nubuck
Waterproofing Spray: For weather protection on outdoor models
Shoe Trees: Cedar trees for leather boots and dress models
Repair Services:
While Diemme does not widely advertise repair services, quality cobblers can resole and repair most models given the traditional construction methods used. Norwegian welt hiking boots are particularly suitable for professional resoling.