Raven with AKU Footwear at MSPO 2025

AKU’s roots date back to the 20th century, when Galliano Bordin, the son of a Venetian shoemaker, decided to establish his own footwear brand for discerning customers. The brand, initially known as DINSPORT, counted among its customers some of the most prominent figures in the Italian climbing community. Over the years, its growing reputation contributed to the company’s development and expansion into new markets.

Zdjęcia: AKU

Today, AKU is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of professional footwear, with a catalog that includes models designed for both demanding athletes and members of various uniformed services operating in harsh environments, ranging from the frozen north to arid deserts and the humid conditions of the jungle.

For many years, AKU footwear has been used by police, military, and other uniformed units, supplied both through private purchases and official tenders. One such model is the NS Spider and its newer version, the Spider II.

This model was developed for U.S. Armed Forces special units, including the Navy SEALs and Green Berets. Still available on the market today, it features a lightweight design with a high-traction sole and a breathable upper without a membrane, made of textile material and suede leather.

The flagship product line in the military range is the Pilgrim family of models. Built around a mid- or high-cut upper made of leather and breathable material, they are offered in versions designed for different applications. The Pilgrim GTX COMBAT FG M was selected by the British Armed Forces as their standard combat footwear (High Liability Combat Boots) for use across all services. The 2017 contract was valued at 11.5 million GBP.

Zdjęcia: British Army oraz Royal Marines via Facebook

The Pilgrim model can also be found in service with various uniformed units in Italy. In photos showing the Reggimento Lagunari “Serenissima” (left) and the Operatori Speciali del 4° Reggimento Alpini Paracadutisti (right), Pilgrim TSC models are clearly visible.

Zdjęcia: Esercita Italiano via Facebook

AKU’s Polish Distributor

Raven, a Kraków-based company distributing top brands of sporting and professional equipment, will showcase AKU military footwear at the upcoming International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce. Raven will present its offering at booth 2-B06.

We are the exclusive national distributor of more than a dozen well-recognized and continuously growing brands, such as Marmot, Aku, Hoka, Teva, Smartwool, and COROS. In addition, drawing on our industry knowledge and experience, since 2009 we have been developing our proprietary brand Rockland, offering outdoor and bushcraft equipment. Beyond the Polish market, we also distribute some of our brands to Eastern European countries, particularly the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Raven Sport

The Pilgrim Family

The Pilgrim family includes a wide range of models differing in materials and technical solutions, making them suitable for various operational environments. Full-grain or suede leather, the presence or absence of a Gore-Tex membrane for increased breathability, the use of bycast (polyurethane-coated leather) in key areas – all are featured in versions designed for a broad scope of applications.

PILGRIM HL GTX COMBAT and PILGRIM HL GTX COMBAT WIDE

This model was selected by the British Armed Forces. The upper consists of AIR 8000 breathable material, 2.0 mm full-grain leather, and bycast—natural leather coated with polyurethane for enhanced protection. Inside, they are lined with Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane, making them three-season boots. The footwear is recommended for conditions ranging from -10°C to 35°C and relative humidity from 0% RH to 80% RH, when used with appropriate socks.

The three-layer sole is antistatic, resistant to contact with hot surfaces, and resistant to hydrocarbons. The outer layer of the sole is Vibram Foura.

Weight per boot: 600 g.

DESERTICA DS

A model structurally optimized for intensive operations in hot climates. The upper consists of AIR 8000 material and suede cowhide leather, protected at the toe by a rubber rand. Freedom of movement is combined with high protection, thanks in part to instep stabilization designed for long marches under load. The Vibram Curcuma sole is intended to ensure effectiveness in both field and urban conditions.

The closed-hook lacing system minimizes the risk of snagging. Weight per boot: 570 g.

NS 564 SPIDER II

Footwear designed for the Navy SEALs, featuring a breathable upper made from a combination of AIR 8000 and suede leather. A special compound used in the sole is intended to provide high traction, while the low-profile midsole combines precise ground feel with adequate cushioning. Primarily adapted for operations in temperate and hot climates. The closed-lacing hook system increases safety during parachute operations, while the raised sole material around the toe area enhances foot protection.

Weight per boot: 480 g.

SENTINEL Line

The Sentinel line includes footwear with high-, mid-, and low-cut uppers. It was designed as a versatile product for use in various operational conditions. The upper is made of microfiber fabric lined with a multi-season Gore-Tex membrane (the Low model is also available without a membrane). The upper is intended to provide quick drying and easy cleaning. The combination of fabric and waterproof membrane makes the Sentinel line versatile, offering adequate breathability and protection against external moisture. The sole consists of an AKU Tenuta Grip outer layer, an EVA foam layer, and medium-stiff puncture resistance. The boots are equipped with a quick-lacing system with a pocket.

Weight per boot in the respective versions is:

• Sentinel High GTX – 580 g,
• Sentinel Mid GTX – 550 g,
• Sentinel Low/Low GTX – 460 g.

Sentinel footwear is certified for:

• OB – Occupational footwear, no toe protection, EN ISO 20347:2022 07
• A – Antistatic properties
• E – Energy absorption in the heel area
• P – Puncture resistance
• HI – Heat insulation of the sole
• AN – Ankle protection
• HRO – Heat-resistant outsole (contact with hot surfaces)
• WR – Water resistance
• SRA – Slip resistance on ceramic surfaces covered with a sodium lauryl sulfate solution

More information is available on the official Raven and AKU websites