The shoe factory Alfa Skofabrik made the first prototype of a new marching boot for the Norwegian Army as early as the 1960s. The boot design was based on a proprietary technology that kept the sole watertight.

Ten years later the M/77, with a high leg and spray-moulded PU sole, went in production. The M/77 is still being manufactured in considerable number and is used by the Norwegian Army and Police. In addition, it is sold as a hunting and walking boot on the private market.

The jury's verdict:

The Alfa M/77 is a boot with which very many people in Norway are familiar. A full 95 per cent of the all the boots manufactured each year are purchased by the Norwegian Army, and this is the way things have been since 1977. The boot has a unique, simple design, with thick, water-resistant leather uppers and a seamless sole. The last is based on measurements of the conscripts’ feet.

Tests show that far more soldiers manage to gain their marching badge when wearing the M/77 The boot requires a minimum of maintenance. It is also very cost-efficient to manufacture and has formed the basis for every type of hunting and mountain boot the Alfa Skofabrikk currently manufactures. In 2007, a total of 52,782 pairs of the M/77 were sold, of which around 95 per cent were uniform boots.

Company: Alfa Skofabrik AS

Design: Alfa Skofabrik AS

Award / year: Classic Award for Design Excellence - 2008

Category: Industrial design