Fade of the Day – Trapper’s Hiking Boots (10+ years)

Today’s Fade of the Day is a pair of Trapper Mountain Shoes that comes to us from Massimo Camocardi in Milan, Italy. Never heard of Trapper? It’s an Italian brand that stopped production in 1985, and although the brand closed ages ago, but that hasn’t stopped these boots from staying alive and kicking.

Massimo walked past a shop window in 1985 that said “Last Couple, The Factory is Dying” and decided to grab a pair while he still could. These boots, made of leather and Gore-Tex, were put to use over the years, notably while hiking in the Alps and walking the streets of Milan. Massimo has been careful with them, but after 30 years the Gore-Tex has lost its integrity, and despite still fitting like a glove the leather has hardened, making them house shoes and a talking point in the closet.

There are all different colors and shades of patina, but the reddish overtones are the most apparent. Although the sun has set on their life, it’s better to see them in their retirement than not at all.