The typical multilayered fabric slippers from the Gressoney valley were originally used even for farm work

“D’Socka” and “pioun”, which is what they are called in the Walser and Franco-Provençal dialects, are fabric slippers traditionally produced in the Lys valley (Gressoney).

The first written documents which mention local clothing and this particular type of footwear date back to 1800. The slippers, used for field work in the past, were made using old garments with a rather heavy fabric. For holidays, brightly coloured fabrics were used and they were embellished with embroidery for the women.

Today, beautiful heavy wool cloths or the “drap” are used to sell them. The sole is made of different layers of fabric which are assembled to add thickness and then quilted vertically or horizontally depending on where they are made. The slippers are available for men, women and children.

Currently, the “D’Socka” co-operative from Gressoney-Saint-Jean, which specialises in making typical slippers from the Lys Valley as well as tailoring beautiful regional costumes, is taking care of promoting, adding value to and selling these products.