It is thanks to companies like these that Italy still exports more food-processing machines, washing machines, fridges, shoes and shoe-making machines, ski boots, ceramic tiles, jewels, woollen and silk clothes, radiators and boilers, optical frames and neck-ties than any other country in the world.

ECONOMIST: A survey of Italy

First-floor guests will pray that their upstairs neighbors remove clunky ski boots promptly, and restrain children from scampering back and forth.

FORBES: To Ski Or Not To Ski

In America ski boots attract a zero tariff, but golf shoes can face a 10% rate, and steel-toe-capped boots 37.5%.

ECONOMIST: Trade