Everything you need to know about Diemme footwear

The brand that has elevated the hiker boot to a high-style status - Diemme. Adding that edge to your outfit, the versatility, androgynous style and practicality of the boot are all contributors to the popularity of the style. And even as we entre the next season, we don't see it slowing down any time soon.

So, if you're in the market for some new hiker boots you've come to the right place, as we take you through everything from style to sustainability in our Diemme buyer's guide.

#1 What Does Diemme mean?

The name Diemme originates from the two founding brothers, Dennis and Maico. Put the two names together and voila! The two brothers bring 25 years' worth of experience within the outdoor and performance industry so you can be sure they know their stuff! As well as this they have experience producing for brands including Maison Margiela, Bottega Veneta and cult Japanese brands Nonnative and Victim.

#2 How to pronounce Diemme?

Unsurprisingly, one of the most searched questions on the internet about Diemme is how to pronounce the brand's name. So, we asked our Diemme International Sales contact Adrian for an answer once and for all. The verdict - the correct pronunciation of Diemme is DIE-MME.

Diemme Men's Balbi Suede Chelsea Boots - Burnt Moss

Diemme Men's Roccia Vet Full Grain Leather Lace Up Boots - Black

#3 Where are Diemme Boots made?

All Diemme products are 100% made in Italy, in the Calzaturificio Diemme factory in Oné di Fonte, Veneto. The small Northeastern town is known for its rich heritage of producing the best in performance footwear. The Italian footwear industry is comprised mainly of small family-owned companies. The combination of this network of small-scale supporting industries, and highly skilled workers, is what makes it possible to produce limited production runs of high quality artisan products.

#4 What's the Diemme production process?

Each pair of Diemme shoes are made from seven to eight different parts. Each part is hand cut from the leather before it's stitched together, and from there the shoes move through the production line and the differing stitching processes. Altogether it can take a total of 30-35 hands to make a one pair of shoes and 380 pairs can be produced in one day.

#5 How do Diemme Boots fit?

Another popular question asked when buying a pair of Diemme shoes is are they true to size? Well, depending on the style that you go for, you may need to size down. See our breakdown below.

Style	Heel Height	Platform Height	Shaft Height	Leg Opening	Fit Type
Roccia Vet Brown Suede	3.5cm	2cm	13cm	24cm	True to size
Monfumo Sand Nubuck	4cm	2.5cm	14cm	22cm	Run 1/2 size small
Monfumo Sand Nubuck Haircalf	4cm	2.5cm	14cm	20cm	Run 1/2 size small
Monfumo Black Suede	4cm	2.5cm	14cm	20cm	Run 1/2 size small
Alberone Black	4cm	2.5cm	14cm	22cm	Run 1/2 size small
Maser Hiker Sand Nubuck	4cm	2.5cm	10.5cm	20cm	Run a full size small
Civetta	3.5cm	2cm	18cm	25cm	Run 1/2 size small
Roccia Vet Dusty Pink Nubuck	3.5cm	2cm	13cm	24cm	True to size
Maser Hiker Black Suede	4cm	2.5cm	10.5cm	20cm	Run a full size small
Roccia Vet Leather Hiking Boot	3.5cm	2cm	13cm	24cm	True to size

#6 What are Diemme Boots made from?

Style	Material	Upper Material	Lining	Foot Bed	Sole Material
Roccia Vet Brown Suede	Leather	Suede leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Monfumo Sand Nubuck	Leather	Aqua nubuck leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Monfumo Sand Nubuck Haircalf	Leather	Haircalf	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Monfumo Black Suede	Leather	Suede leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Alberone Black	Leather	Suede leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Maser Hiker Sand Nubuck	Leather	Aqua nubuck leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Civetta	Leather and textile	Nappa, aqua nubuck and cordura	Cow leather	Vegetable leather	EVA and rubber
Roccia Vet Dusty Pink Nubuck	Leather	Aqua nubuck leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Maser Hiker Black Suede	Leather	Suede Leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Roccia Vet Leather Hiking Boot	Leather	Full grain	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber
Everest nubuck Hiking Boot	Leather	Aqua nubuck leather	Cow leather	Vegetable latex	EVA and rubber

#7 Are Diemme Boots waterproof?

As with any leather shoe, nothing can be called 100% waterproof. However, what Diemme do offer is Aqua nubuck which is the most water-resistant quality available. The aqua nubuck is already treated upon delivery and will need repeated treatment after use to keep them as water-resistant as possible.

Aqua Nubuck

The Italian Waterproof Nubuck is a boot material that is strong, soft and with the characteristic matte, velvety appearance of nubuck. However, where most nubuck leathers are very delicate and susceptible to stains, the waterproof nubuck is much more suited for wet conditions. It will be waterproof straight out of the box, but will need to be reapplied with some form of hydrorepellent spray with time and use.

Full Grain

Full grain leathers have a high quality hides without any blemishes or faults, as opposed to a leather where you have made surface treatments to correct any scratches or scars. This type of leather is commonly described as leather where you use the full thickness of the skin. The leathers are typically between 2.0 and 4.0 mm thick and the outer grain surface is left intact before applying the surface finishes. When you keep the natural grain intact you are able to maintain the natural properties of the skin, which means that it will be stronger, more durable, it resists moisture better, and it will develop a natural patina over time.

Haircalf

Haircalf is more expensive than the average leather and the cost is in the finish of the hair, since it needs to be treated, most of the time it is cut down short and it is dyed or printed. In general, the haircalf leather is more expensive than the leather counterpart because it is harder to work with during manufacturing. Care: The care for haircalf is pretty simple. Don’t get gum or oil on it and you can clean it nicely with a dry cloth. If you get something on it, use a slightly damp cloth and dry it with a dry cloth immediately after. Always go with the grain of the hair. It can also be sprayed with the same silicone spray for suede.

#8 How to care for Diemme Boots

When it comes to looking after your Diemme shoes, the most important piece of advice is to repeatedly treat them as and when necessary. As mentioned above the boots will be treated upon purchase but ensure you have some hydrorepellent spray handy. In regards to haircalf boots, it's pretty simple. Don’t get gum or oil on it and you can clean it nicely with a dry cloth. If you get something on it, use a slightly damp cloth and dry it with a dry cloth immediately after. It can also be sprayed with the same silicone spray for suede. Make sure you air dry and use a shoe brush in the direction of the hair.

#9 Are Diemme sustainable?

Sustainability and provenance are key aspects of the Diemme mentality. Buy less, and buy better. Higher material quality, better production and construction quality, are made by workers that are rewarded for their skills.

Every Diemme pair is handcrafted by expert workers at every step of the process. Diemme currently employs 25 workers at the factory and utilises two other factories in the local area for sewing and cutting. The Italian footwear industry is comprised mainly of small family-owned companies. The combination of this network of small-scale supporting industries, and highly skilled workers, is what makes it possible to produce limited production runs of high-quality artisan products. The brand is committed to always using leather which is a bi-product of food production and uses vegetable latex on their footbeds.

Diemme Men's Grappa Hiking Shoes - Black

Diemme Grappa Hiker Light Suede and Cordura® Trainers

#10 Diemme collaborations

With owners like Diemme's it's not surprising that the brand has had some impressive collaborations. Not only this but Diemme also work together with highly regarded labels such as Off-White for private label projects where they produce shoes in the Diemme factory. Here are some of our favourite collaborations from Diemme.