Materials and technologies

Viking uses natural rubber as an ingredient in our rubber boots and in some of our footwear’s outsoles. Natural rubber comes from the sap of a rubber tree, and it is harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree and collecting the fluid in a process known as tapping. In liquid form, natural rubber is also known as latex, which is then refined into rubber for commercial processing.

Hevea brasiliensis is the Latin name for the rubber tree. Its impressive properties have been known since the early 1700s, but it was the discovery of the vulcanization procedure in 1839 that led to the commercialized cultivation and harvesting of the rubber tree.​

Viking uses three different grades of leather in a selection of our footwear. Full grain refers to the top layer of the hide and includes all the natural grains and characteristics of the skin. This is the strongest and most durable grade of leather. Suede is the most common term for split leather, where the hide is split into several layers, and the inside is sanded. Nubuck refers to leather where the top layer is sanded, which gives a slightly denser and less hairy surface than suede. Suede and nubuck, while they may need to be cleaned a little more often, are both very durable grades of leather and withstand rain and dirt perfectly well.

We only use leather obtained from utility animals as a co-product from the food industry in our products. All leather we use is required to have a Certificate of Origin and must either obtain a gold or silver rating by Leather Working Group (LWG) or be recycled, preferably according to Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).

Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit membership organization with the objective of providing a path to a more responsible and transparent leather supply chain through their standards. LWG provides multiple audit standards which assess the environmental performance and compliance of leather manufacturing facilities and engages different actors in the leather value chain.

Viking uses Polyurethane (PU) in our performance thermo boots. PU is a highly versatile material used in our footwear to provide lightweight comfort, flexibility and durability. Our thermo boots are made from high-quality Elastopan® PU from BASF, a global leader in material science and performance. This polyurethane incorporates millions of tiny air bubbles, which keep the boots lightweight and provide excellent insulation. Elastopan® PU systems offer high-performance, high-quality products purpose-designed to be abrasion-resistant, durable, slip-resistant, waterproof, and maintain their flexibility even in the coldest conditions.

Viking uses Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in outer soles and reinforcements on thermo boots. TPU is a high-performance, flexible and durable material known for its excellent wear and non-slip properties. Despite its strength, TPU is lightweight and offers a responsive feel that enhances comfort while also providing excellent traction to prevent slips, even on smooth or wet surfaces.

Viking mainly uses cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in our apparel. Conventional cotton is often grown with a significant amount of chemicals, such as heavy metals, chlorine, and synthetic dyes. These substances can leave chemical residues even after washing, potentially leading to skin allergies. In contrast, the organic cotton in our products employs safer alternatives for dyes and whitening agents. The organic cotton material used in Viking’s products is preferably certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Viking uses wool in a selection of our winter footwear and apparel. Natural wool fibers adjust to their environment and excel at regulating body temperature in both hot and cold conditions, outperforming most other natural materials. Wool also efficiently wicks moisture away from the skin, making it an ideal choice for both training and exploring the outdoors. The wool material used in Viking’s apparel products is preferably Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified.

Viking uses merino wool as a part of a two-layer construction in our range of base layers for kids: bamboo rayon on the inside acting as a no-itch soft layer next to skin, and merino wool on the outside providing insulation and maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

Viking uses down in a selection of our apparel products because of its unique technical properties in cold and dry climates. Down consists of light, fine clusters that trap air, providing excellent insulation.​ Down is lightweight, compressible, and highly effective at retaining heat, making it ideal for cold, dry conditions.​ Feathers add structure and durability to our products.​ A blend of down and feathers offers high-quality, lightweight comfort.​

The down material used in Viking’s products is preferably Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified.

Viking uses polyester in a selection of our footwear and apparel. Our synthetic textiles are chosen to deliver durability and designs that withstand the demands of daily wear, offering strength and resilience while remaining lightweight and breathable.

The recycled polyester material used in Viking’s apparel products is preferably made following the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Post-consumer recycled bottles are commonly used to produce recycled polyester today, due to the lack of commercial availability in textile-to-textile recycling. Using post-consumer plastic bottles for recycled polyester fabric reduces the reliance on crude oil compared to conventional polyester, but it can also contribute to diverting plastic from closed-loop-recycling systems.

Viking uses polyamide in a selection of our footwear and apparel. Our synthetic textiles are chosen to deliver durability and designs that withstand the demands of daily wear, offering strength and resilience while remaining lightweight and breathable.

The recycled polyamide material used in Viking’s products is preferably made following the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Most recycled polyamide is currently made from pre-consumer waste, some also from discarded fishing nets, due to the lack of commercial availability in textile-to-textile recycling. Using recycled polyamide fabric reduces the reliance on crude oil compared to conventional polyamide.

Viking uses BIONIC-FINISH® ECO on our water repellent outerwear and playsuits. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is a fluorine-free technology that effectively protects textiles from rain and water-based stains. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO provides excellent water repellency with minimal application quantities, keeping the feel, look, and breathability of your clothes intact. In addition, it is highly resistant to regular washing at home.

Viking uses PrimaLoft® in a selection of our outerwear and winter footwear. PrimaLoft® products provide industry-leading performance designed for repeated compression and durability over time. PrimaLoft® insulation is lightweight, durable, breathable and thermally efficient. The water repellent, high-density construction maintains thickness and continues to deliver excellent warmth under compression and wet conditions. PrimaLoft® insulation is bluesign® approved.

Viking uses 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation in a selection of our winter outerwear. 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation is a leading thermal technology known for its lightweight and effective warmth. The synthetic insulation works by trapping and holding body heat, creating a barrier against cold temperatures. Its high-performance fibers are designed to deliver warmth in a range of conditions, making it ideal for use in footwear and winter apparel. Additionally, 3M Thinsulate is resistant to moisture, ensuring that its insulation properties remain effective even in wet conditions.

Viking uses Solarcore® in a selection of our winter footwear. Solarcore® utilizes the thermal properties of Aerogel – the NASA licensed material used to insulate spacecraft in the -450° F vacuum of space. Unlike other insulation materials on the market, Solarcore® becomes warmer when compressed, allowing your feet to radiate heat in every step. Solarcore® insulation is extremely flexible and ultra-thin, providing maximum temperature control without the bulk.

Since 1992, Viking and GORE-TEX have collaborated to facilitate an active outdoor lifestyle by offering reliable and durable waterproof footwear. The GORE-TEX lightweight and breathable waterproof laminate, that is always GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ is, simply put, as waterproof as footwear technology allows while still providing comfort and performance.

The next generation GORE-TEX products introduce an innovative new membrane in 2024 based on expanded polyethylene (ePE), which delivers the same waterproof, windproof and breathable guarantee as prior membranes while being PFAS-free*. The ePE membrane is light and thin, yet strong, and offers durable performance that stands the test of time. *Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances.

GORE-TEX fabrics are bluesign® approved and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified.

Viking’s own footwear insulation technology, Watershield, is a PFAS-free* waterproof membrane developed to keep explorers of any age comfortable all day long. Thanks to superior, breathable, and waterproof materials that wick away moisture, feet are kept dry and active no matter what type of weather. *Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances.

Viking uses Vibram sole technology in a selection of our hunting, hiking and tracking footwear. Vibram is renowned for its exceptional durability and superior traction, offering enhanced stability and functionality on both dry and wet terrains. The technology utilizes high-quality rubber compounds and advanced tread patterns, ensuring long-lasting wear and resistance to abrasion. Developed for the user who frequently encounters slippery surfaces, Vibram is suitable for trekking and multisport as well as all season hiking and hunting. In short, it is the ideal high performance rubber compound for demanding activities.

UGC®, which stands for Ultimate Grip Concept, is a high-traction technology designed and developed by Viking in collaboration with Michelin. Featuring unique outsoles and lugs, UGC® is designed to maximize surface contact and foot support, ensuring superior traction on both wet and dry terrain.​ UGC® is the ideal choice for stability and performance in the field.

Viking uses the BOA® Fit System in a selection of styles across our footwear collection.  The BOA® Fit System is a closure mechanism designed to provide a precise, adjustable fit for footwear in the toughest conditions.​ The easy-to-use system uses a dial that allows for quick, micro-adjustable tightening or loosening with millimetre precision, even with gloves or in challenging conditions. ​Incorporating durable materials that replace traditional laces, The BOA® Fit System provides consistent pressure and a secure fit no matter the activity.

The components of the BOA® Fit System are extensively tested, and dials and laces are covered by the BOA® Lifetime Guarantee.

Viking uses YKK zippers in our apparel collection. YKK is a global leader in zipper manufacturing offering a diverse selection of zippers, including waterproof and heavy-duty options. YKK zippers are renowned for their durability and long-lasting performance in various conditions. Advanced technology and rigorous testing is employed to ensure smooth operation and resistance to wear and tear.