Chala Alpini
The first barefoot sandal for demanding alpine terrain – without buttons or a toe post, featuring sturdy side straps, available in two widths, vegan or Black Forest Hof leather
We’ve been tinkering with the Alpini model for years, testing prototypes and refining designs – but nothing fully convinced us. In 2022, everything changed: a long-time customer visited us and brought a very promising form with a prototype. Together, we further developed it and finalized this exceptional sandal.
Here it is: the new Alpini. Designed for rugged terrain, trail running, and high-altitude hiking, it is a true adventure sandal built for any challenging journey, expedition, or travel trip.
The Alpini features completely new, highly abrasion-resistant Vibram® MEGAGRIP compact rubber soles. These are extremely durable, incredibly slip-resistant on wet surfaces, and provide excellent grip. The sandal is designed without a toe post or button system, instead using comfortable, virtually indestructible tube-style straps. The specially designed side flaps are covered with OnSteam® material for outstanding comfort.
For the first time, the lateral ankle straps are fixed, adding stability in rough terrain. The buckle can be precisely adjusted via four sturdy square rings and a high-adhesion Velcro strap. This prevents slipping or sideways movement, which is a common issue with most sandals.
The Alpini is available in fine Black Forest Hof leather or 100% vegan materials, and in six (or five for vegan) colors: Black, Red, Gold (vegan only), Blue, Brown, and Fir. Like the BF Premium, the Alpini comes in two widths, suitable for narrow or wide feet.
Alpini Adventure barefoot sandals are handcrafted with care in our Freiburg workshop and shipped in high quality, safely packaged in premium Chala Kraft paper to protect products, especially those with a wax finish.
- Order number: SW10046
Specifically designed for demanding alpine terrain
Three-layer sandal, 8.7 mm or 9.7 mm thick (
The new Alpini is available exclusively with a three-layer sole – essential for alpine terrain. You can choose between two options: the highly shock-absorbing 3-layer sole with a Poron XRD midsole and water-resistant anti-slip synthetic leather footbed (8.7 mm thickness), or with Poron XRD midsole combined with the exceptionally comfortable Black Forest Hof leather footbed (9.7 mm thickness). Both options reliably protect against impact and prevent sharp stones or debris from penetrating. The soles are bonded under uniform atmospheric pressure using solvent-free, water-based adhesive. This ensures optimal flexibility, excellent barefoot feel, significantly stronger adhesion, and reduces waste and production errors. The result is a high-quality sandal with durable tube-style side straps, now also available in two widths. Many customers have asked for this over the years – now it’s possible, allowing you to match the sole perfectly to your individual feet. The Alpini’s outsole features innovative compact rubber from the Vibram® MEGAGRIP series, specially developed for climbing, scrambling, and technical alpine terrain. It offers excellent grip, even on wet surfaces, and its traction improves further with slight friction. The aggressive tread ensures perfect stability on any terrain. All Alpini sandals are finished with a wax coating for durability and protection.
Choose between 100% vegan anti-slip synthetic leather or luxurious Black Forest Hof leather
The sporty color combination of subtle black anti-slip synthetic leather or richly colored Black Forest Hof leather, paired with the striking bright yellow Poron midsole, highlights the Alpini sandal’s promise: maximum performance, excellent slip resistance, stable side support, and outstanding grip on challenging terrain – whether hiking, climbing, or running. Even in wet conditions or under prolonged strain, your foot stays securely in place. The Poron XRD midsole does its job perfectly: it absorbs strong impacts and takes the initial shock without transferring it to your feet. There are a few fine differences, however. The vegan footbed material performs especially well in wet conditions, such as heavy rain, mud, or softened ground. The leather footbed, on the other hand, offers superior comfort – the high-quality leather feels wonderfully soft and natural against the skin. This way, there’s a perfect option for every foot and every preference.
With side strap guide for even more lateral support
The new Alpini comes completely without a toe post or button system and features exceptionally comfortable, virtually indestructible tube-style straps. These can withstand up to 1.5 tons of tensile force, providing excellent lateral stability and preventing slipping or sideways movement. At the same time, they protect your toes from scrapes and abrasions in alpine terrain. The specially developed side flaps are covered with OnSteam® material for outstanding comfort. For the first time, the lateral ankle straps are fixed, adding extra stability, especially in challenging terrain. The rear ankle system buckle can be precisely adjusted via four sturdy square rings and a high-adhesion Velcro strap. The heel is also equipped with refined reflective strips for better visibility. Slipping or sideways movement, a common issue with many sandals, is virtually impossible.
Lovingly handcrafted – as local as possible
Like all our products, the Alpini is lovingly handcrafted in our Freiburg workshop. It is a highly complex product that requires many individual steps and sewing processes. Each sandal passes through multiple hands before it is finally complete. The Alpini is designed for exceptional durability and can be easily cleaned under running water when heavily soiled. Thanks to the innovative compact rubber sole, it provides many years of reliable use while performing a crucial function: keeping your feet and toes safe across even the roughest terrain. Nearly all materials are sourced exclusively from the southern German region.
