When Olympic champion Tiril Eckhoff teamed up with Kastel’s designer Andreas, the goal was clear: to create a boot that could handle everything a real Norwegian winter throws at you — and still look good doing it.
The result is Kollen, a modular, waterproof, and warm boot inspired by the place that shaped Tiril’s greatest moments.
Why Kollen?
“Holmenkollen has always had a special place in my heart,” says Tiril. “I’ve spent more hours there than almost anywhere else — it feels like a second home.
Some of my biggest achievements and memories are tied to that place. There’s just nowhere like Holmenkollen, and that’s why I felt there was no better name than Kollen for this boot.”
What should a winter boot handle?
“It has to keep you warm in every kind of weather,” Tiril explains. “A Norwegian winter can shift from –20°C and snow to rain and +5°C. That’s why I wanted a boot that truly works in all conditions.”
Andreas agrees:
“For me, three things make a real winter boot:
1. Warm insulation.
2. Reliable grip on frozen surfaces.
3. Waterproof protection when the temperature changes.”
Kollen brings those priorities together: a soft Merino wool lining for warmth, a waterproof shell for protection, and a rugged outsole that grips when the streets turn icy.
Designing Kollen
“It had to be practical, comfortable, and really nice to look at,” says Tiril. “A boot that keeps you warm and dry, feels light on the foot, and looks refined. Something you can wear in the mountains, on a forest walk, or just on your daily errands.”
Andreas adds:
“When we started, I needed to understand her everyday pain points. For competitions, she’s covered — but what about the hours spent standing still at events in freezing weather? That’s where Kollen needed to deliver.
We built it to be adjustable — you can remove the shaft indoors or switch to the Norwegian Wool Shaft when you need more warmth. It’s about regulating comfort, just like athletes do.”
How will Tiril wear it this winter?
“I’ll probably wear it almost every day,” she laughs. “To and from training, work, errands, coffee with friends, or weekends at the cabin. It’s a boot that just fits into life.”
What makes Kollen different?
“The modular shaft is an amazing feature for winter,” says Tiril. “It makes the boot wearable all year. You can literally choose how warm you want them to be, depending on the weather and your own needs. That level of personalization is something I have never seen before in a pair of shoes.
A lot of winter boots can feel bulky, and heavy, but Kollen has this feminine, refined shape I’ve really missed. It’s practical, warm, comfortable — and still elegant.”
Andreas sums it up:
“Kollen is the result of years of learning how to make footwear warmer, more waterproof, and more modular. When you work with a world champion, you can’t do things halfway — you bring your best.”
The result
Built from real experience — from Holmenkollen’s cold winds to the rhythm of everyday life — Kollen is made to adapt.
It keeps you warm in every kind of weather and looks just as good at the café as it does in the snow.
Built for everyday champions
