Knickerbocker Enlists Fracap to Produce Two New Hiking Styles

While many brands scramble to find ways they can scratch the gorpcore itch, there are makers who have been making timeless and non-pretentious outdoorswear since before Good Ol’ Raisins & Peanuts was even a thing. Take footwear stalwart, Fracap, for example. Founded in 1908 by Antonio Capello, Fracap has been making functional boots for over a century, beginning with work boots for farmers and progressing into hiking boots in correlation with Italy’s rich mountaineering history.

A brand much younger in comparison, Knickerbocker NYC has a keen eye for classic pieces and aims to contribute to American style in an authentic and meaningful way. That said, it’s only natural they tapped up a storied maker like Fracap to produce two exclusive styles.

This transatlantic collaboration has given rise to low and high footwear options, both of which blend elements of classic hiking and Monkey Boot silhouettes. The KF102 Monkey Boot is essentially a refined Monkey Boot that riffs on the classic Hiker Boots with its lace-to-toe, hooked lacing system and Vibram sole. Simple? yes. Effective? Hell yes.

The KF101 is a low-cut, shoe version of the aforementioned KF102. We don’t get low-cut hiker or monkey styles very often, so these are a treat, especially with that padded ankle collar and contrasting welt.

Made in Italy, both styles are available in a choice of vegetable-tanned black leather or brown suede, and come finished with calf leather insoles and lining. All of these details are great, but the bedrock of these styles is the welt construction, which stitches the top part of the boots to the midsole to ensure strength and durability.

Available from Knickerbocker NYC, with the KF101 priced at $325 and the KF102 priced at $350.