Scarpa footwear

SCARPA, an acronym for Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, was founded in 1938 in Asolo, Italy, by Rupert Guinness, the 2nd Earl of Iveagh. Initially established to consolidate the expertise of local shoemakers in the Dolomite region, the brand transitioned to a new era in 1956 when it was acquired by the Parisotto family. Under their stewardship, SCARPA evolved from a small artisanal workshop into a global powerhouse in the technical outdoor industry.

The brand is renowned for its technical innovations, including producing the first Gore-Tex lined boot and pioneering the use of plastic in mountaineering and telemark ski boots. Today, the company remains deeply committed to its Italian heritage, maintaining its headquarters and core manufacturing facilities in the Asolo and Montebelluna districts of northern Italy. While a significant portion of its high-performance range is still handcrafted in Italy, the global scale of the business means some components or specific lines may involve international manufacturing partners, though strict Italian quality standards are maintained across the board.

Now entering its third generation of family leadership, the brand continues to be owned and operated by the Parisotto family. They have expanded the company’s presence internationally, including establishing a major North American subsidiary in Boulder, Colorado, to manage distribution across the Americas. As of 2026, the company continues to operate as an independent, family-owned entity, resisting the consolidation seen elsewhere in the sporting goods sector.