Introducing AKU: From Italian Outdoor Craftsmanship to Forestry Safety Footwear
For decades, arborists and tree care professionals have relied on trusted names in protective footwear. Now, a heritage outdoor brand with deep Italian roots is stepping into the forestry safety category with a performance-focused solution worth attention.
Who Are AKU? A Brand Built on Heritage and Innovation
AKU is a family-owned Italian footwear manufacturer founded by Galliano Bordin in the town of Montebelluna, the historic heart of Italy’s outdoor and sports footwear industry. The business began over 40 years ago, evolving from a small shoemaker’s workshop into an internationally respected brand known for technical trekking, mountaineering, and outdoor boots.
From the outset, AKU blended traditional Italian craftsmanship with technical innovation. The company was among the first in outdoor footwear to adopt GORE-TEX® membrane technology for waterproof performance, and it continuously invests in research and materials to improve comfort, durability, and function in rugged environments.
Today, AKU operates production facilities in Italy and Romania, serving more than 30 countries worldwide, and still emphasises European manufacturing and traceability of materials.
AKU’s Evolution: Outdoor Adventure to Professional Utility
Traditionally, AKU’s product range has targeted outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, mountaineers, and hunters with boots designed for durability and comfort in challenging terrain. Its mountaineering and trekking models, such as those built on the brand’s natural stride philosophies and advanced sole systems, have earned a loyal following among users who value performance at long distances and varied conditions.
More recently, the company has strategically expanded into professional and tactical footwear segments, including boots designed for military, rescue, and work environments. This diversification leverages AKU’s longstanding expertise in rugged footwear design and translates it into protective solutions for demanding outdoor professions.
This evolution demonstrates AKU’s ambition to broaden its appeal beyond traditional outdoor markets — a development that aligns well with the needs of arborists, forestry crews, and tree surgeons seeking footwear that balances protection, comfort, and all-day performance.
Check our our full PPE range HERE
AKU and the Forestry Professional: The Cimbra GTX Story
Leading AKU’s entry into work-specific footwear is the AKU Cimbra GTX — a Class 3 chainsaw-resistant safety boot engineered for forestry, logging, and other high-risk outdoor environments.
Unlike generic outdoor boots, the Cimbra GTX integrates certified chainsaw protection to EN ISO 17249:2013+AC:2014 Class 3 standards and full safety compliance to EN ISO 20345:2011 S3 for occupational protective footwear.
Key features that make it stand out include:
- Rugged Perwanger suede leather with protective full rubber rand for abrasion resistance in brush and debris-filled work zones.
- Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort lining ideal for unpredictable UK weather and wet woodland conditions.
- Lightweight aluminium safety toe cap and fabric-composite anti-perforation inserts that balance protection with reduced fatigue.
- Aggressive Vibram® outsole with excellent grip across uneven terrain and stable midsole support for long shifts.
The Cimbra GTX represents a deliberate shift from pure outdoor recreational footwear to the demands of trades where safety meets comfort — particularly important for professionals such as arborists who spend sustained periods on their feet and need reliable protection without compromise.
For a deeper dive on the day-to-day cost of your chainsaw boots (Trust us, its lower than you think!), CLICK HERE
Why Tree Surgeons and Arborists Should Take Note
AKU’s heritage in high-performance outdoor boots means the brand understands how boots must perform over long days in challenging terrain — a background that directly translates to the needs of forestry professionals. The Cimbra GTX builds on this foundation, merging technical outdoor design with occupational safety standards.
For tree surgeons and arborists who might feel limited by current market offerings, AKU presents a fresh alternative with a strong pedigree in comfort, anatomical fit, and European craftsmanship — click below to shop or feel free to contact us HERE for more information.
We've also written about the essential parts of any Tree Surgeons PPE, which you can read HERE
