Kayland

• Step Ahead
• Headquarters: Montebelluna, Italy
• Founded In: 1995

Based in the footwear Mecca of the Italian Alps, Kayland produces a relatively small line of technical shoes and boots for outdoor pursuits. Unlike the massive, thinly-spread shoe giants who left on the money train long ago, Kayland remains focused on quality, function and performance in every design. The 2009 Editor’s Choice Awards in both Backpacker and Outside Magazine for lightweight hiking boots is proof that Kayland is doing the right thing. 2010 continues to be an award winning year for the Kayland line with the American Alpine Institute's Guide's Choice Award going to the mountaineering boot, the Hyper Traction.