Outdoor Insight

FOOTWEAR TRENDS 18 • Outdoor Insight • January 2018 outdoorinsightmag.com ADAPTABLE, COMFORTABLE and just protective enough, sneaker boots have been increasingly seen as the answer not just to a consumer who wants multi-use product, but as a handy solution for weather uncertainty. And since the trend across categories in men's footwear for casual, not-too-techy looks shows no signs of slowing, it's no surprise that Fall '18 sees the sneaker boot flourishing — and even showing some diversification as it grows. Some brands are emphasizing the boot's casual, brown-shoe cre- dentials. Wolverine 1000 Mile, which takes the century-old style of a vintage boot as its north star, is launching the Original Sneaker for July 2018. Retailing for $265, the men's style pairs the same Horween leather found on the brand's boots with a decidedly new cupsole bottom and a sneaker-inspired sock liner designed to give the shoe the ride of a sneaker. OluKai is taking the look in a similarly refined direction. The $140 NaluKai Kapa boot pairs a clean-lined water-resistant waxed-canvas upper with a compression-molded EVA footbed for a throwback, sneaker- like feel. Keen is straddling the casual-per- formance line. As it looks to conquer more year-round business and get deeper roots into the lifestyle side of the business, it's looking to styles like the Glenhaven Sneaker Mid. The $130 look takes design lines from classic oxfords, but the ankle- covering mid cut and grippy TPO outsole keep it in touch with the brand's performance roots. But it's not just boot uppers with sneaker bottoms anymore — some brands are emphasizing the athleti- clook overall. Forsake, which launched in 2013 with the explicit mission of welding sneaker style to boot attributes, is going even lower and more ath- letic for fall. The $120 Range Vent for men has the Vibram Megagrip outsole, composite shank and what the brand describes as an "extra- wide footprint" of a boot — and even brings that boot DNA into the upper, with a classic mesh-and- leather upper familiar to anyone in the outdoor space. The silhouette, however, is pure sneaker — as are the breathability and lightweight feel. By Jennifer Ernst Beaudry 2018 promises to be a year of change for the Outdoor Retailer trade show — the first year in Denver, the first year with a combined Outdoor Retailer+Snow Show format. The show kicks off against the backdrop of one of the most tumultu - ous years in retail in recent memory. And while the weather, always the shadow looming over the winter show, remains unpredictable, footwear vendors are banking on some clear trends. Versatility, the perpetual watchword, remains criti - cal — consumers continue to want to use their shoes for both work and play, and demand high-style options that work for both. Here, Outdoor Insight IDs key trends that will be in play on the OR show floor — and some of the key styles that represent them. FOOTWEAR TRENDS TO WATCH BOOT IT UP Fall '18 sees the sneaker boot flourishing — and even showing some diversification as it grows.

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