Zonkey Boot
Shoes designed in Vienna, hand-sewn in Veneto, creative hybrids
Philosophy
Artisanal brand founded in 2010 by Michael Rollig (ex-Saint Crispin's) and Alexandra Diaconu. Designed in Vienna, handmade in Veneto. Hand-welted, Norwegian stitching, spectacular patinas. Very limited production, for connoisseurs.
History
Michael Rollig, an Austrian, first co-founded Saint Crispin's, the cult brand of handmade shoes produced in Romania. In 2010, he left Saint Crispin's and created Zonkey Boot with his partner Alexandra Diaconu, a Forbes journalist. The name? A zonkey is a zebra-donkey hybrid, an animal that doesn't exist naturally, like their shoes, which blend Viennese, Hungarian and Italian traditions. Rollig designs the lasts in Vienna, production happens in a Veneto workshop in Italy. Everything is hand-welted, patinas are done by hand, and each model is produced in very limited quantities. On Styleforum, Zonkey Boot has a dedicated appreciation thread with rapturous fans.
Iconic Products
231 Marco
Norwegian derby in grain leather, Zonkey Boot's most recognisable model. Visible Norwegian stitching, unique patina on each pair.
174 Galway-style Boot
Country boot with Austro-Hungarian spirit, mix of leathers and textures. Hand-welted, each pair is a unique piece.