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There are brands that appear to fill a niche in the market. And there are those that appear because someone had a very specific vision of what good footwear should be. ROA is in the second category.
The Italian brand, founded in 2015, draws its name and DNA from Forcella della Roa — a mountain pass in the Dolomites. The silhouette of the peak in the logo is not a random graphic detail, it is a declaration: the footwear designed here must perform on real terrain. Everything else follows from that.
Where ROA comes from and why the Dolomites
The Dolomites are one of the most demanding mountain ranges in Europe. Rocky, with volatile weather, and a surface that can shift from dry stone to wet mud in a single day. Designing footwear with this environment in mind is a different level of requirements than standard hiking boots for tourist trails.
ROA has from the start combined two worlds that rarely speak to each other: outdoor footwear technologists and fashion designers. The result is clearly visible — boots with massive Vibram soles, reinforcements in critical areas, and moisture-resistant materials that still look like something you want to wear not just on the trail.
What sets ROA trail sneakers and boots apart
Every ROA model passes through the hands of both footwear engineers and designers. This combination is directly visible in the products — and it is the main argument for why these trekking boots ended up on the shelves of concept stores, not just outdoor shops.
Vibram soles are standard in the ROA assortment. Vibram is a Swiss sole manufacturer used by the best mountain and trekking brands in the world. Traction on wet rock, durability on asphalt, stabilization on uneven surfaces — this is not marketing copy, it is a difference you feel from the first step on uneven ground.
ROA footwear combines natural materials with technical fabrics. Depending on the model, you will find leather, technical nylons, and ventilation meshes — always selected for the specific conditions of use for each model.
What is available at NEWBORN K
NEWBORN K has a wide selection of ROA — footwear, clothing, and accessories. The brand is represented exclusively in our concept store, we work with ROA directly.
Footwear includes Katharina boots in green and black — a massive Vibram sole, technical nylon, and a silhouette that works both on the trail and in the city. Neal boots — classic trekking boots with mesh and a Vibram sole for those looking for a true outdoor character. Sandals and sneakers with the signature ROA construction for lighter months. Fedaia slides in beige and black — for recovery and everyday wear.
Clothing includes: Logo hoodie in beige, 3D Knit sweater in brown with a characteristic knit structure, Fireflies long-sleeve in brown, Dot Air shirt made of technical material, and Logo T-shirt in white. As well as socks in several variants.
The entire assortment is available at a discount of 40-55% — these are carry-over models that do not lose their relevance because ROA's design is not seasonal.
Trekking boots that don't need a mountain context
Over the last few years, it has become clear what outdoor brands have suspected for years: people want footwear built for real conditions even when those conditions are wet Kyiv cobblestones rather than the Dolomite ridge. A massive sole, technical materials, functional construction — all of this carries over directly to urban use.
ROA naturally occupies this space. A Vibram sole that doesn't slip on wet pavement. Materials that will withstand years of intense use. A silhouette that reads as a deliberate choice rather than sports equipment. In this sense, ROA fits organically into the same logic as other brands in our selection — Salomon with trail sneakers that have become part of the urban wardrobe, norda with Canadian running shoes on Vibram and Dyneema soles, Klättermusen with Scandinavian outdoor clothing that works equally well in the woods and in the city. We wrote more about this in our piece on running culture and gorpcore.
If you are looking for footwear with a similar philosophy but a different aesthetic — it is also worth checking out Rombaut, a Belgian brand with a sculptural approach to shoe form.
NEWBORN K works with ROA directly — all goods are authentic. You can also visit us in person at 20 Velyka Zhytomyrska St. in Kyiv — for footwear, it is always worth trying on. More about how we curate our selection and what a concept store means in our understanding can be found in our author column.
The full collection is available online: ROA at NEWBORN K.
FAQ
What is ROA and where does this brand come from?
ROA is an Italian brand of trekking footwear and outdoor clothing founded in 2015. The name comes from Forcella della Roa — a mountain pass in the Dolomites. The brand combines outdoor footwear technology with an approach to design characteristic of Italian fashion.
Are ROA boots suitable for everyday wear in the city?
Yes. ROA has always designed footwear to work equally well on the trail and in an urban environment. The massive Vibram sole provides traction on wet surfaces, and the design is neutral enough to fit into everyday outfits.
What soles do ROA boots have?
Most ROA models use Vibram soles — a Swiss manufacturer considered the standard for trekking and mountain footwear. Vibram provides traction on various surfaces, durability, and stabilization.
Are these really Italian trekking boots?
Yes. ROA is an Italian brand that draws inspiration from the Dolomites. Models are developed by outdoor footwear technologists together with fashion designers.
Where to buy ROA trekking boots in Kyiv? At NEWBORN K — a concept store at 20 Velyka Zhytomyrska St. in Kyiv with online delivery throughout Ukraine. NEWBORN K works with ROA directly, all goods are authentic.
Which ROA models are available at NEWBORN K?
Katharina and Neal boots, sandals, Fedaia mules, as well as clothing: hoodies, long-sleeves, shirts, T-shirts, and shorts. The entire assortment is at a 40-55% discount.
How does ROA differ from other trekking footwear brands?
ROA combines outdoor technology with fashionable design — something that is rarely achieved without compromises. Vibram soles and technical materials are the foundation, but the silhouette and aesthetics make ROA boots appropriate far beyond the mountain context.
