Red Chili
Your equipment for climbing and bouldering
Sustainability score
About Red Chili
In the adventurous realm of climbing, where the wild heart meets the stern face of nature, the Red Chili brand has stood tall for over a quarter of a century. Founded by the tenacious nature boys, Stefan Glowacz and Uwe Hofstädter, who shared a rope team for many years, the company has its roots firmly planted in the real experiences and challenges climbers face. From agonizing trials with ill-fitted and painful climbing shoes to the exhilaration of conquering a challenging climb, the journey of Red Chili mirrors the spirit of every climber it equips.
Evolved from the remote rock faces to the dynamic environments of climbing and bouldering gyms, Red Chili is fueled by an unyielding passion for climbing, crafting gear that climbers fervently depend on. Their climbing shoes are more than mere gear; they stand as steadfast companions, accompanying climbers in every step of their journey, be it on plastic or rock. Each pair, infused with individual character and handcrafted to perfection, promises not just support but a camaraderie that helps climbers overcome their problems and reach new heights.
Taking residence in the historic environs of Isny im Allgäu, the birthplace of all Red Chili creations, meticulous craftsmanship meets groundbreaking innovation. The in-house studio serves as a hub of relentless tinkering, testing, and fine-tuning, forging products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Red Chili athletes, holding their approval as the gold standard. Each creation is a testament to the company’s commitment to diversity, catering to the unique needs of every climber, including the burgeoning aspirations of children and young adults with growing feet.
At the very core of Red Chili lies a deep-seated responsibility towards the environment and society. The membership with the Fair Wear Foundation since 2021 highlights its pledge to uplift working conditions globally in the textile and garment industry. Further echoing this commitment is the adoption of sustainable and recycled materials in both their clothing and shoes, a testimony to the brand’s earnest endeavor to foster a future where fashion meets responsibility.
The vibrant history of Red Chili is as dynamic and evolving as the climbing scene itself, responding to the burgeoning demands with technical prowess and innovative materials. The feedback loop with their climbing and bouldering teams remains a vital artery, pulsating with fresh ideas and real-world insights that feed into their development process, a harmony of experience and innovation giving birth to products that resonate with the pulse of climbing life.
The emblem of the red pepper, a symbol of zest and fiery passion, perfectly embodies the essence of Red Chili. In their modern shoe studio in Isny im Allgäu, where once stood Uwe’s garage harboring the first blueprints of dreams, now resonate the sounds of craftsmanship, creativity, and the ceaseless pursuit of perfection, weaving a rich tapestry of stories of trials, triumphs, and the sheer joy of climbing. It is here that every day, through a symphony of fresh ideas, occasional breaking of conventions, and the consistent maintenance of quality, Red Chili brings to life products infused with the lifeblood of climbing and bouldering, capturing the spirit of freedom, adventure, and the joy of scaling new heights.