Pivetta P-5

For those who are unfamiliar with this brand, Pivetta's were an Italian crafted boot made specifically for the American market. They were imported by the Donner Mountain Corporation (that's Donner NOT Danner). Donner was bought by Rockport in the mid 1980s. Rockport decided not to continue to import Pivettas. Steve Schnee at Schnee's boots in Bozeman, MT, considered becoming the importer but backed off, after that the Pivetta boot brand expired (sometime in the late 1980's or early 1990's).

I wore both P-5's and Muir Trails (light duty boots) for years. (Backpacker magazine named Muir Trails "classic equipment" several years ago. I have narrow feet and found that Pivetta's (in the narrow width) fit me perfect. I loved the boots and really regret that they are not available anymore.

I read Laurel's Pivetta comment and hate to say that there are VERY few boots available today that are similar to Pivettas. They were full-grain leather, leather lined, Littleway stitched, Vibram soled beauties, and those type of boots are not commonly made anymore.

I thought that Pivettas were the best boots around until I also had to replace them and chose Limmers. I now believe that while they were good, Pivettas don't come close to Limmers. Yes, I wish that the Limmer shelf boots were offered in a true narrow width, but I have found that my size 9.5 mediums fit well, and believe that they are the most comfortable boot around. The Limmer "Lightweight" model has even proven to be more durable than my old P-5's.

Read my comments about Limmers. Laurel, I think you should replace your aging Pivettas with a new pair of Limmers.

I love my Pivettas. The only problem is that in 1973 I only bought a single pair. I was outfitting myself for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and I bought a heavyweight pair of Vasques and the lighter weight Pivettas. In the occassional April snows of North Georgia I loved the cushioning and speedlaceing of the Vasques but they were heavy and I couldn't "feel" the trail. I switched over to my Pivettas as an experiment and they were a dream.

Now it's 2004, I'm getting closer to retirement, and the AT is definitely calling me again, and new Pivettas don't seem to be an option. Rats. But I appreciate the email exchanges here and will try to get a pair of Limmers off the shelf.

I still wear my 31-year old Pivettas. They've tramped up and down mountain trails in Alaska, Maine, Nova Scotia, and West Virginia. They've seen city streets in Europe, Africa, and Asia. I guess my Pivettas and I are equally worn out. We look a little high-mileage now but we're both comfortable and ready to go out again...and soon too, I think.

Many thanks to all who have commented here.

I wore a pair of Pivettas in 1973 while hiking 1400+ miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. They were the best boots I ever owned!