Hestra

Hestra, officially known as Martin Magnusson & Co AB, was founded in 1936 by Martin Magnusson. The Swedish company, which is still family-owned, initially made its mark by manufacturing gloves designed for the hard work of lumberjacks. These first gloves were crafted from strong leather and reinforced with rivets to withstand the rigorous demands of forest work​​.

The emergence of slalom skiing in Hestra in 1937 opened new opportunities for the company. A slalom slope was established at the local mountain Isaberg, and skiers started arriving to enjoy the new sport. Recognizing this new market, Magnusson began designing gloves specifically for skiing. In 1941, the first Hestra ski glove was introduced​.

Over the years, the company maintained its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The second generation of the family took over the company in 1963, continuing the tradition of excellence​​. Today, Hestra is known for producing some of the finest gloves for Alpine and Freeskiing, with its flagship store located in Stockholm, Sweden​​.

Hestra has remained innovative and responsive to the changing needs of its customers. In 2017, the company upgraded its Patrol Gloves, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving its products​​. The company's product line has expanded over the years to include almost every type of glove imaginable, from the wool and leather Guide glove that harks back to Hestra's original products, to the technical Ergo-Grip Active, a breathable leather glove designed for active pursuits in the mountains​.

Hestra's commitment to quality is also seen in its collaboration with professional skiers to produce gloves that meet the highest performance standards. These collaborations have resulted in products that not only meet the needs of top athletes but also serve the broader consumer market well​​.

Notably, the company introduced the Fall Line collection, a range of freeride-oriented gloves that received the FREESKIER editors' pick in its inaugural year for its comfortable design and subtle styling. This all-leather, breathable glove represents the ongoing innovation and high standards that are characteristic of Hestra​​.

Importantly, all Hestra products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind to customers and underscoring the company's confidence in the durability and quality of its products​​.

From its humble beginnings in Hestra, Sweden, the company has evolved into a globally recognized brand, known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Despite its growth, Hestra remains family-owned and true to the values that have guided it since 1936.