GORAL X THE IRON SNAIL

The SAMARA is named after the Samara seed, selected for its lightness and versatility - qualities that reflect the design of the shoe. Much like the Samara seed, which is carried effortlessly by the wind over long distances, the shoe is engineered to glide smoothly across any terrain. In nature, Samaras represent movement, resilience, and adaptability - traits that perfectly complement the performance of a hiking shoe. While we can’t take full credit for the name - Michael came up with it - it felt instantly right the moment he suggested it. 

When it came to selecting the leather for the collaboration, we wanted to keep things local and ensure the shoe was entirely made in England. That’s why we chose the world-renowned Charles F. Stead. Everyone involved agreed that their Waxy Commander leather was the perfect choice for a high-performance shoe. This premium, full-grain leather is renowned for its durability, luxurious texture, and distinctive appearance. With its signature waxed finish, it has a subtle sheen and a rich, deep colour that only improves with time, developing a unique patina with use.

 

The waxed finish not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides increased water resistance, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The leather’s ruggedness ensures it stands up to wear and tear, while still maintaining a soft, supple feel. Waxy Commander leather strikes a perfect balance between strength and refinement - ideal for a versatile shoe that seamlessly transitions from city streets to hiking trails.

 

To complement the leather, we chose Vibram Arctic Grip Soles, specially designed to excel in cold, icy conditions. Developed by Vibram, a leader in high-performance outsoles, Arctic Grip offers superior traction on wet ice and slippery surfaces. These soles provide the grip and stability needed to move safely and confidently, no matter the terrain or weather.

 

The small details are what truly set this collaboration apart. That’s why we chose to use a lustrous veg-tan lining, a full leather lasting board, our signature Blake stitch construction, and a leather heel counter. Everyone involved agreed that one of the common issues with hiking shoes is that the front often comes away over time, so we hand-stitch this area to ensure security, guaranteeing the highest quality and long-lasting durability.

 

As a fun addition to the collaboration, together with Micheal (The Iron Snail) we sourced wool from American Woolen Company, to create a one-of-a-kind shoe. The red plaid fabric was shipped directly from the U.S., making this iteration a true cross-country collaboration. While at GORAL we are passionate about leather, wool offers a range of properties that are ideal for shoemaking. This particular wool, known for its resilience and long-lasting structure, can endure for hundreds of years - making it the perfect material for a durable, high-performance hiking shoe like the SAMARA.

 

3PM GMT / 8AM MT - EARLY ACCESS

8PM GMT / 12PM MT - GENERAL RELEASE