Type 01

The Type 01 design follows a "form follows function" principle, blending the characteristic shape of Norwegian semi-tourist boots with Scottish shepherd's boot elements. The boot's most distinctive feature is its massive toe spring, a design element inherited from centuries of Norwegian mountain footwear traditions. This exaggerated toe spring was developed through generations of walking in mountain terrain, where the upward curve of the toe provides stability and balance for the entire body.

The design philosophy reflects a cultural exchange between Britain and Norway spanning over 1,000 years, incorporating elements from both traditional Norwegian footwear and the English footwear industry. Dundas Footwear was founded in 2011 by Liam Edward Rode-Hæhre and Helge Mamen with the goal of revitalizing Norwegian mountain boot traditions. The company name derives from Rode-Hæhre's Scottish family name, and the boot's tartan heel strap features the Dundas kilt pattern.

The Type 01 employs Norwegian welt construction principles, a method designed for strength, waterproofing, and longevity. The upper is constructed from heavy 2-4mm vegetable and combination-tanned leathers with no inner lining. This unlined construction eliminates potential sources of blisters, trapped moisture, and unnecessary wear.

The boot's sole construction uses brass screws rather than traditional stitching to attach the triple vegetable-tanned leather sole to the insole. This brass screw construction, combined with vegetable-tanned leathers, provides extraordinary breathing characteristics that deliver dry feet and steady temperature regardless of weather conditions. The boots come with Vibram Grizzly rubber half soles applied to the triple leather sole for additional traction and durability.

The construction approach is intentionally hard-wearing, with the boots being difficult to break in but extremely durable once formed to the wearer's foot. All boots are manufactured in a small factory in Northern England using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged from 100 years ago.

The Type 01 is available in multiple leather options sourced from premium tanneries:

Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Fully vegetable-tanned cow leather from Badalassi Carlo in Tuscany, available in Cognac, Petrolio, and Tundra color variants.

American Combination-Tanned Leather: Horween Chromexcel from Chicago in Dark Brown, offering the characteristic pull-up and depth of color associated with combination tanning.

Horween Black Zug Grain: A scratch-resistant grain leather that develops a shiny patina with wear and use.

Mustard Suede: A roughout leather option providing a different aesthetic and texture profile.

Additional color options include Oliva, extending the range of choices for different aesthetic preferences.

The Type 01's toe spring serves multiple functional purposes beyond aesthetic design. The upward curve provides stability and balance for the entire body during walking, particularly effective in mountain terrain. The toe spring also creates an airy, comfortable foot climate by allowing air circulation within the boot.

The breathing characteristics of the construction method and materials deliver consistent dry feet and steady temperature regulation regardless of weather conditions. The heavy vegetable-tanned leathers combined with the unlined construction and brass screw attachment create optimal conditions for moisture management and foot comfort during extended wear.

The boots require a significant break-in period, with the heavy leather gradually conforming to the wearer's foot shape. Once broken in, the boots provide long-term durability and can be resoled as needed due to the Norwegian welt construction method.

Type 01 High Leg: An extended height variant designed to provide better ankle support for long treks with heavy loads. The High Leg version includes three solid speed hooks for easier lacing and adjustment in the upper portion of the boot.

Type 01 Orca: A variant inspired by traditional Norwegian fisherman's boots, adapting the core Type 01 design for maritime and coastal environments.

Both variants maintain the core construction principles and materials of the standard Type 01 while offering functional modifications for specific use cases.

The Type 01 is available in UK sizes 4 through 13, corresponding to EU sizes 37 through 47.5. Mondopoint measurements range from 227mm to 312mm, allowing customers to select sizes based on precise foot length measurements.

Pricing as of 2025 is 6,400 Norwegian Kroner for standard variants and 6,700 Norwegian Kroner for the High Leg and Orca variants. All variants are manufactured to order in the Northern England factory.