FAQ

https://gronell.co.nz/pages/size-guide

Buying boots of the wrong size, even if only by a few millimetres, can be really detrimental to the foot, especially over long distances: a boot that is too wide makes the foot rub against the inside of the shoe, causing painful blisters and unnecessary irritation; a boot that is too narrow, on the other hand, suffocates the foot, crushing the toes when descending and annoyingly knocking on the heel and the back of the ankle when climbing.

How to know which size is right? Simply take a ruler and accurately measure your foot, both with normal socks and, above all, with the thicker socks you are going to use for trekking, so as to properly assess before making the purchase.

Tip: if you're in between two sizes, opt for the larger one - you can always go and fill in that slight abundance with particularly thick socks or an extra insole!

Yes, you can return the boots if they are not the right size for you.  However, they must be in brand new condition and must not have been worn apart from trying them on.  They must be returned with all tags and packaging inside the box.

Gronell boots are handcrafted in Italy, continuing a tradition of high-quality, durable footwear. The company is a family-owned business located in the Lessinia region of Italy, where they combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and materials.

All Gronell boots are covered by a 12-month warranty.

See here for full details: https://gronell.co.nz/pages/warranty

Yes, mostly. The sole is the part of the boot that is subject to the most stress, and therefore most easily damaged - exposing you to the risk of discomfort due to loss of ergonomics or injuries caused by loss of grip on the ground: this is why boots should be resoled regularly, as soon as the first signs of wear are seen.

We recommend Nikwax products for cleaning and proofing and conditioning Gronell boots.  

https://gronell.co.nz/collections/nikwax

Here are our tips for keeping your leather boots as good as new.

1. Keep them clean
   After each outing or hike, take a few minutes to clean your boots thoroughly: equip yourself with lukewarm water and a soft cloth (or soft brush—the important thing is that it does not have hard bristles, as these could scratch or damage the leather), and gently remove all soil and dirt residues that have stuck. Use Nikwax Cleaning Gel for best results.
2. Maintain water resistance
   After cleaning, apply the appropriate Nikwax waterproofing product for your boot’s material to maintain water resistance and protect both the leather and the interior from moisture.To waterproof nubuck and suede leather footwear use Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof™. To waterproof fabric and leather footwear use Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™.
3. Apply conditioner
   Without proper care, boot leather tends to dry out and crack, so regular maintenance with a special cream or wax is necessary to keep the leather soft and supple.
   How to apply the wax? Take a small amount of Nikwax Waterproofing Wax For Leather and apply a thin layer all over the boot (remember: not too thick, otherwise you'll clog the pores of the leather!), then leave to dry for a few hours.
4. Air-drying
   As with all shoes, leather boots should be left to air dry in a dry, protected place. It is extremely important to avoid direct sunlight and heat fluctuations (i.e. away from radiators or fireplaces), so as not to dry out and damage the leather.
5. Care for the inside
   When cleaning your boot, take a moment to clean the inside too: remove the insole and laces, wipe all the insides with a damp cloth and leave to dry, inserting newspaper sheets to absorb the moisture.
6. Maintain water resistance
   When buying leather-specific wax or cream, make sure it is also waterproofing: this is essential to maintain the waterproofing of the boot, preventing water infiltration from ruining both the leather and the interior.
7. Re-sole regularly
   The sole is the part of the boot that is subject to the most stress, and therefore most easily damaged - exposing you to the risk of discomfort due to loss of ergonomics or injuries caused by loss of grip on the ground: this is why boots should be resoled regularly, as soon as the first signs of wear are seen.
8. Store them correctly
   The way you store your boots in the wardrobe when not in use also makes a difference in keeping them in the best condition:
   - don't wrap them in plastic, just keep them in their box;
   - tie the laces to keep their shape;
   - leave dry newspaper inside;
   - don't leave them in places that are too hot, too cold, too humid or exposed to excessive temperature changes.
9. Beware of sweat
   If you go on particularly long or strenuous walks, take several pairs of clean socks with you: as the boot is waterproof, the moisture created by the foot's sweat cannot escape and stays all inside, risking damaging the shoe; changing socks often helps to absorb this moisture and avoid damage.
10. Check the soles
    When you pick up your boots, even if they have not been used for a long time, check the condition of the soles: even non-use can ruin them, and expose you to the risk of discomfort or injury.
11. Also take care of hooks and buttonholes
    When applying cream or wax, don't forget the hooks and buttonholes: to prevent them from being ruined by wear and tear, simply remove the laces and treat them with a light coat of Vaseline or wax.

Gronell boots are crafted from genuine premium leather and other high-quality materials, combining superior technology with expert craftsmanship.

They are made from various types of premium, genuine leather, including high-quality Swiss cowhide (tanned with a specific "Gallusser Juchtenleder" recipe) and nubuck leather.  The specific type of leather depends on the model, with some using traditional leathers and others opting for water-repellent Nubuck for models like the Tibet boot.

Yes, they are hand-made in Italy.

Choosing the right mountaineering boots for the type of activity you do is also crucial: for example, mountaineering boots are very different from hiking boots, just as a boot that is too light or too heavy could cause problems if used in the wrong season.

Kinetic TCX is not a stitching boot, so it is not welted.  We use welts only in stitching city shoes as “Europa”.

Yes—it's a composite-style system, not a traditional full-length steel shank. The Nylon Dual Flex insole works with the PU shock‑absorbing midsole to provide structure and support while maintaining flexibility, rather than a rigid board.  How long is the shank?  Manufacturer documentation doesn’t specify an exact length. Composite and nylon shanks are often partial-length, designed to support the arch without making the boot overly stiff.

The top lacing hooks normally only break if they are subjected to a lot of strain when tightening the laces.  If the boots are caked in mud, this would possibly contribute to the stiffness of the leather, making them harder to lace together. Please try not to use the top hooks as a lever point when tightening the laces, otherwise they may break. The top hooks do have to withstand quite a lot of strain from the laces even when walking, so added stress is likely to break them.

The top hooks are generally covered under warranty if they break soon after purchase.