Pivetta leather hikers

Well, I had these bad boys rebuilt and they are as comfortable as ever. Purchased in my hometown 24 years ago at the big "sporting goods" store, these Pivettas have been through the worst conditions imaginable. I think there must be well over 2000 miles on them. Those miles include the east coast mountains like the Presidential Range in NH, the Adirondacks, through many segments of the AT, the continental divide, Tetons, Yosemite, Utah, etc… Rocks, boulders, logs and other natural (and unnatural) hurdles never seem to affect these puppies.

Until last year these boots were my primary hikers. A trip that took me through 9 miles of 4-foot deep stream crossings (over 20 of them), finally took its toll on the inside leathers. The scree collar and heel had to be rebuilt, as well as the leather connecting the padded tongue to the side of the boot. Although tattered and torn, the cobbler had done a miraculous job resurrecting these classics. The master craftsman name is Dave Page in Seattle.

The Pivettas were made in Italy. I believe they are no longer being exported or manufactured. The original vibram soles were stitched and screwed onto the boot. Another equally sticky vibram lug sole has since replaced them. No welts are seen, rather they are hidden until one views the inside.. The outside is assembled using one piece of heavy leather. Waterproofness is not a problem due to years of treatment. Now I just coat it once a season with nikwax paste, and touch it up with REI's silicone spray. The stiffness of these babies allows strap-on crampons to be used if the terrain gets icy.

I own Vasques, Raichles, and a few other very good boots, but the Pivettas are like an old friend once laced up and ready to roll. I am looking forward to using them during the next 24 years.

These are the best boots I've ever owned. Given to me for Christmas in 1975 as I recall. They've taken me across California with great stops on Little Yosemite and the San Gabs. Up the coast to Seattle. Across the pond to Ireland where I now live. 46 years later, they surpass anything else I've owned.

The best

Background

See above

I purchased these boots new in 1978. These boots were the only brand to buy back then, as they could hold crampons the best compared to other brands. On the downside, they are heavy compared to most all boots today. I used snowseal to keep them waterproof, and have a pair of sealskin socks on hand if necessary. They've seen too many miles to recall and are in excellent overall condition. The soles are original, screwed and glued and still in good shape as well. The collars and uppers are bullet proof and will be for many more years. No other brand, from today or yesterday, compares to the quality and long-term survivability of these boots in my opinon.

Best boots I have ever had. Last summer I picked them up after years of not using them, and wondered why I was ever tempted by part Gore-Tex, flimsier soles, less weight, etc.

But now what? Are there no other boots like these? Narrow enough to fit a woman's foot, with a perfect steel shaft for rough trails and cross-country?

They are starting to crack at the bend from the ball of the foot, and have been resoled once. I don't think there are many years left in them. Does someone in Italy make a handmade replacement? Please let me know.
laurel@sierranevadaalliance.org

Just now getting ready to replace the boots that I have had, used and taken care of since 1980! I live in the Pacific Northwest, and they have camped, hiked, and survived countless wet days and nights. Even took them to Europe for a year of fooling around in 1986. I now use them for yard work as an avid gardner.

Saddle Soap and Bees Wax are the key to making these last.

I won't replace them with anything but another Pivetta pair (even used? Heard they went out of business)

RIP to a great company.

Does anybody know what happened to this company? Damn, these were great boots. Did the entire PCT in a pair back in the late '70s, and they lasted another 20 years, resoled them three times.

Don't care that they were a bit heavy, would trade a few ounces for that level of quality/reliability.

Background

50 Years.

I bought my boots in 1980 (23 years ago). I have hiked rough trails, worn them in everyday factory manufacturing plants, horseback riding, and every weekend for all these years. Finally last year I had to replace the heavy duty soles. I want another pair. I have a hard to fit foot and Pivetta has never caused a blister, even during the initial break-in period, which for me was none.

I wore these boots daily in Kluane state park (Yukon) for 2 months. Rough terrain, rougher boots. I watched my buddies stylish Vasque boots blow out as mine kept on trucking. 10 years later, I still wear them (less time to hike these days).

High recommendation if you can find them and you don't mind heavy boots.

They've also lapped my wife's Danners.

I bought my Pivettas in 1976 and have worn them on too many hikes to recall. I've purchased new boots since but never could rid myself of these Pivettas. They feel and great as they look and have held up over the years. They are still my preferred knockabout shoes. I only wish I could find a pair today.

I bought my P-5's in 1980-81. I can't say enough good things about these boots. I've hiked on rough trails, crossed many streams, cut timber in them, and I even wear them to the office. I've tried other brands but have found no contenders. One tough pair of boots.

I bought my Pivettas in 1976 and they have held up well, including rarely getting wet in them. Now I'd like to get them resoled. They are unusually constructed for today--real welts and stitching. Does anyone know of someone reputable that has experience in resoling these types of boots?

Steve