FAMILY
INUIKII was founded in 2013 by Cinzia Maag and her sons Danilo and Alessio with a clear ambition: to create footwear that combines expressive design with real functionality. What started as a winter boot concept quickly evolved into a distinctive label known for bold silhouettes and protective constructions.
“We have always believed that functionality should never limit aesthetics,” says founder and CEO Cinzia Maag. “Our goal is to create pieces that feel strong, comfortable, and personal — shoes that allow you to express who you are.”
Born in Perugia, Italy, and raised in Switzerland, Cinzia turned her passion for aesthetics into an internationally established company — still family-driven at its core.
We are particularly known for our winter shoes, yet our collection has steadily expanded. Alongside our iconic boots, we offer a growing sneaker line and summer slides, complemented by selected ready-to-wear pieces and accessories. Across all seasons, our vision remains the same: distinctive design, adaptability, and quality without compromise.
A key milestone in our international growth was the partnership with Swedish family Forsberg. The collaboration evolved into a strategic partnership and laid the foundation for our strong presence in Scandinavia.
Craft & Production
We work with carefully selected production partners who share our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and long-term collaboration. Our design work is based in Zurich, Switzerland, where we develop and refine our collections. We maintain close and regular contact with our production partners and personally visit our factories to ensure consistent quality standards across every product.
The Name
INU-IKII, a name of two words, celebrates the beauty of two ideas. “Inu” means beautiful, traditionally used to describe a woman, while “Ikii” captures the cold yet cozy qualities of boots, inspired by the Inuit word for “cold.” Together, INU-IKII evokes “the beauty of the cold,” honoring these roots with respect while embracing warmth, style, and timeless design.
Materials & Responsibility
Our collections are mainly built around natural and durable materials sourced from partners we trust and who share our commitment to high quality. Without premium materials, the balance between fashion and function would not be possible.
To learn more about our approach to materials and responsibility, please visit our Responsibility page.
Design DNA
Our shoes are recognizable at first glance. Our DNA lies at the intersection of fashion and functionality — a balance achieved through thoughtful construction and strong material choices. Signature elements include our unique winter silhouette combined with a sneaker-inspired sole, creating a solid yet lightweight base, bold and chunkier boot shapes that add presence, and shearling trims on transitional styles such as the Shearling Low Velcro, one of our defining designs. Every model carries this tension between protection and style — without one, the other would not work.
Community
We grew through social media and close relationships with partners and clients. That direct exchange shaped us from the beginning. We continue to value this proximity in our daily business and strive to stay connected to our community — listening, learning, and evolving together. Learn more about our community.