A.S 98

A.S.98 Brand Overview

Origins & Heritage

• A.S.98 originated as AirStep in 1998 and was rebranded to A.S.98 around 2014 to refresh its identity while building on its creative roots
• The brand is part of Olip Italia, founded in the 1980s by Piero Oliosi, and now run alongside his sons Cristian and Camilla. This family-run company is based near Verona in Colà di Lazise, and it operates a factory in Bosnia, capable of impressively high production volumes without sacrificing quality.

Craftsmanship & Materials

• A.S.98 draws from the rich tradition of Italian shoemaking: handcrafted in Italy, especially in Verona, using premium full-grain leathers from carefully selected Italian tanneries.
• Despite large-scale production (thousands of pairs per day), their commitment to material quality and artisanal precision remains strong.

Aesthetic & Design Philosophy

• A.S.98 is known for its bold, rebellious, and non-conformist style—combining rock, punk, military, and vintage influences into footwear with unique personality
• Each collection exudes a rock-inspired attitude with strong character and imaginative details that stand apart from mainstream designs.

Comfort & Longevity

• Footwear is designed with cushioned footbeds, ergonomic support, and soft, breathable leather linings, often described as comfortable right out of the box.
• Many customers report that their A.S.98 pairs last 10 seasons or more, with leather developing a distinctive patina over time.

Customer Reception & Canadian Market Presence

• Reviews—especially on the A.S.98 Canada site—keep popping up with praise like "leather is soft and great quality", "super comfortable", "stylish", and "solid craftsmanship"
• The brand ships widely across Canada with free shipping, and boasts a high 4.9/5 customer rating.

Notable Brand Advantages

• Bold Design DNA: A.S.98 stands out with daring, expressive designs that break orthodoxy.
• Italian Craftsmanship: Handmade in Italy with artisanal attention and premium leather.
• Comfort & Durability: Ready-to-wear comfort and longevity that delivers great value over time.
• Heritage & Integrity: Family-led brand rooted in tradition yet always pushing creative boundaries.