Get Your “Doggln” On!
With the nights drawing in and the mercury starting to fall, winter is the perfect time of year to get warm and cosy at home. If you are one of those who suffer from cold feet, we strongly recommend a visit to Günter and Marion Hartl in the Zillertal Valley. For generations, the family has been producing hardwearing slippers named “Doggln” from felt, merino wool and loden. Slip on a pair and prepare to be amazed!
Video: The story of how the Hartl family’s Doggln made it to Paris Fashion Week.
Doggln from the Zillertal Valley are anything but normal slippers. Instead, they are handmade works of art made from 100% natural materials sourced mainly from the local region. As such, they have achieved cult status in Tirol. The slippers can be personalised with individual embroidering, making them an ideal present. Designs range from the traditional Tyrolean eagle to a skier in action on the pistes.
What are the origins of Doggln?
In days past, farmers’ wives would stick old pieces of cloth from worn-out clothing such as trousers and jackets together with a paste made from rye flour and water to create this footwear typical of the Zillertal Valley. The technique for making Doggln has changed very little. The Hartl family has been producing these legendary slippers for four generations. Authentic Doggln are like no other slippers or clogs in the world.
How are Doggln crafted?
Four layers of wool – felt and loden – are stuck together. These layers are then hand stitched to the interior sole, which is made of three-ply merino wool. The top layer, made of finest loden, is then glued on. The felt sole of pressed merino wool is glued, pressed and smoothed. In classic Doggln, the tongue is cut out at the end of the process and trimmed by hand. It takes six to eight hours to create a pair – with three days of rest to allow the glue paste made from rye flour and water to dry.
Doggln are hardwearing slippers which last up to 20 years – and your feet will thank you! The natural materials allow the feet to breathe and naturally regulate moisture. There are three different styles to choose from, the authentic and original Doggln with arch support, the popular clog with raised rim and the slipper, which is ideal in the home because they are so easy to put on and kick off. Over the course of time, Doggln mould themselves to the shape of the wearer’s feet. Upgraded with a durable rubber outsole, they can also be worn outdoors. The model with Zillertal Loden uppers is waterproof, designed to withstand everyday wear and keep your feet comfortable.
Pure nature and perfect craftsmanship are what Doggln from Zillertal Valley are all about. Made from natural and sustainable materials, they can be put on the compost heap at the end of their life. After all, the sheep wool they are made of is biodegradable and is used these days by some gardeners as fertiliser. With personalised stitching and a range of eye-catching styles in bright colours, a pair of Doggln is a new take on an old classic.
Asia has lived in various European cities before she moved to Tirol to live the dream of being outdoors as much as possible. She loves nothing more than spending time in the mountains and exploring the cultural scene of Tirol. She is pulling back the curtain of local knowledge on crafts, architecture and design so you can discover Tirol beyond the ordinary.
