Fracap Brand Guide

Tradition, heritage and a distinctly personal identity- just a few qualities that are rarely found in the fast pace of today’s fashion scene- are all supremely evident in every pair of boots that Italian master footwear craftsmen Fracap create.With a history that stretches back over half a century to 1948, Fracap have supplied the world with some of the most functional and effortlessly beautiful boot silhouettes available.

From the traditional style influences of their supply chains to Alpine Troops, to their adoption by sectors of urban youth, Fracap boots bring an intimidating can do attitude to any look, bringing with them a progressive blend of durability, resistance and unassailable utilitarian style.

Despite Fracap’s official formation in 1948, their history runs much deeper than just some 60 plus years. It was Antonio Cappello who, in 1908 during his first day as a shoe craftsman, began a legacy that would see his two sons begin one of Italy’s most cherished boot brands. Taking part in a tradition that runs deep within the culture of Monteroni di Lecce, a small town in southern Italy, Antonio Cappello became a master of his trade, producing footwear of supreme quality that helped to make his hometown famous

However, it was Antonio’s sons, Alfredo and Giovanni Cappello that chose to take the legacy of Monterino di Lecce one step further with the founding of their brand Fracap.
The two brothers dedicated all of the newly created brand’s creative energy towards the production of footwear that promised to always be robust, durable and perfectly suited for agricultural work. The two brothers’ were happy to continue with this direction, as Fracap served some of Italy’s hardest workers- until 1987, when their children, Alfred, Anthony and Michael, took over at the helm of the small factory. The trio instantly sought to expand the vision of Fracap boots to a much grander scale. A new line of boots followed, and their success was palpable. With features that were considered to be the hallmark of only the best footwear of the time, such as Goodyear welting which saw the sole sewn to the upper of the boot, Fracap boots began to make a bolder statement of quality throughout Italy.
Such was the reception of the new improved Fracap boots; some of the most important Italian military corps, such as the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police all adopted the styles into their uniform regime.

Using this newfound sense of purpose, Fracap diversified yet again in 2002, concentrating its efforts on crafting boots that would be perfect for civilian life. Stylish and astute, these boots would perfectly represent the direction that Fracap had taken since its birth, translating it effortlessly into a design that was ready to conquer the streets.
The result was defined in the M128- a hiking style boot that featured quintessential outdoors style features such as brass lacing hard wear and contrasting rope laces.

With every pair of Fracap boots still being hand built in Monteroni di Lecce, Italy, the iconic niche brand is now being carefully managed by the third generation of Cappello’s.
With the purpose of the customer always in mind, Fracap still employ the same theory when it comes to production. Their creations feature only the very best raw materials, which, when possible, are always sourced from traditional Italian tanneries. The company’s extensive history in master craftsmanship has been passed down through the generations, and is still wholly evident in every pair of Fracap boots that leave the factory doors.

By keeping tradition intact, the Cappello family has led Fracap to foreign shores, seeing their family’s boots being worn all over the world, from the urban far east culture of Japan, to the fast paced streets of New York and the elusively stylish cobbles of London- Fracap boots are stretching their legs as they become one of the most notable producers of boots in modern fashion.

With supreme creations still coming from the hands of some of Fracap’s most distinguished artisan boot creators, the everlasting combination of skillful construction, quality materials such as world famous Italian leather and distinctly masculine styling has seen demand for this niche brand’s intimate designs soar. Accommodating a sense of unique styling that seems to carry an affinity with an eternally stylish cold weather style, Fracap boots are showing no signs that their 100 year old recipe for desirability is aging, as they continue to dominate a footwear style that offers on the best in quality and design, all underpinned by a distinctive sense of Italian style.

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