Likewise, these same principles also apply to the winning style summoned to the winner‟s podium under the strict eye of the expert jury. The prize-winning styles here are a pair of shoes in the truest sense of the word: two ankle boots, one for men and one for women, both bearing the same unmistakably sporty and elegant signature style. The design is modern and yet functional at the same time. The origin of this famous and popular international label is not hard to guess: details and fastening ideas suggest inspirations drawn from winter sports.

It is not by chance that the styles bear the very promising names „Kitzbühel‟ and „St. Anton‟. Connoisseurs associate these classy locations in the Austrian Alps with skiing and the jet set par excellence. So much is certain: in these trendy ankle boots both him and her are sure to cut a “bella figura”. Made from vegetable-tanned calfskin, in style terms the ankle boots draw on the successful fashion of the 50s. Traditional ski-boot fasteners, lacing and side zippers not only look stylish but also ensure a custom fit every time.

The utmost in functionality meets here with exclusive design. The women‟s boots captivate us with their clean, sleek silhouette and innovative heel design. The 60 mm heel is covered with very hard-wearing TPU while boasting a cushioning PU core. Heel protection and stability are thereby guaranteed. Not only are these boots ideal for walking, they are also great for driving: as the rubber encasing the heel gives it protection. Sporting these winning styles you won‟t slip up: ensuring a safe tread even in snow and ice are non-slip rubber outsoles. For the men the utmost comfort is guaranteed thanks to a replaceable calfskin leather footbed. The profiled rubber outsole sitting on an extremely lightweight, cushioning PU midsole offers comfort every step of the way. 18 mm in width the elastic strap fixed over the sole on the trendy and fashionable „punto diamante‟ style triggers inescapable associations with the ski-boots of times gone by.

Heritage and fashion – this is a balancing act accomplished with flying colours by the designers of the two winning shoe styles. The blend of fashion, comfort and function is perfect. In other words, quite simply: „chicissimo‟. The winning styles reflect all the more the company‟s successful philosophy that is reinvented with every new season but which never forgets its roots.

The winner of the 2012 German Shoe Prize is the company Bogner Shoes with its design team Rainer Zink, Mario Cesetti and Konrad Huber.

GDS, Düsseldorf
(16/3/2012)