The relationship isn’t obvious, but there’s a historical link between the common road tire and the trendy rubber boot from French outdoor lifestyle brand Aigle.
In 1844, after years of experimenting with various materials and chemicals, Charles Goodyear perfected vulcanization, a process by which natural rubber acquired more strength, durability, and flexibility while eliminating its inherent sticky, tacky feel.
The Aigle flagship store in Uptown Mall.
A few years later, a fellow American by the name of Hiram Hutchinson met Goodyear, and in 1850, obtained a license to use the vulcanization process. He wasn’t interested in manufacturing tires, though, he was interested in making rubber boots; to this end, he founded Compagnie du Caoutchouc Souple in 1853, shortly after migrating to France.
Boots at the Aigle factory
Among the company’s first patented products was a waterproof protective boot called A l’Aigle, which means “to the eagle,”
nside the flagship
Hutchinson’s original goal was to provide France’s large rural population, especially its agricultural workers, safe and reliable footwear; in this
More than a hundred and sixty years on, Aigle is still best known for its sturdy yet comfortable boots (which have transcended their original purpose to become an unexpected fashion staple), but has also developed a range of products for sports and leisure including sneakers, hiking and hunting boots, polo shirts, jackets, and parkas. Uptown Mall, Ayala Malls Vertis North, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia; 541.8730; @AiglePH on Instagram.
This story was originally published in the April 2018 issue of Town&Country.
