Outdoor Insight

*ULY s /UTDOOR )NSIGHT s OUTDOORINSIGHTMAGCOM C ombining comfort and perfor- mance has long been key for hiking shoes, but is now gain- ing ground in climbing shoes as well. A new approach shoe from Salewa takes this hybrid design up a level with its new Switchfit System in the Wildfire Edge shoe for Spring 2019. "Tech approach footwear is all about getting the right balance between climbing performance and hiking walkability," explains Giordano Vechiet, product manager–footwear for Salewa. "Mountain guides and climbers tell us that they either opt for a narrower fit — good to climb in, but uncomfort- able on hikes and descents. Or a more comfortable fit — nice for walking, but with less climbing precision, especially at the toe and when edging." The brand's Switchfit system in its Wildfire Edge shoe (above), aims to please climbers and hikers. The system is designed to be simple and smart. Simply lace the additional eyelet on the Wildfire Edge and then tighten it up. This way, the foot is pulled forward into the toebox, compressing the toes similar to a climbing shoe. Once done climb- ing, the wearer returns the laces to the original, standard position, for a wider toebox and more hiking comfort. Q A NEW APPROACH SALEWA WILDFIRE EDGE MSRP $185 Look for Insect Shield products from these trusted brands " As a recovering Lyme disease patient, and mother of two based in the beautiful, but tick-rich state of Maine, I do everything I can to protect our family from ticks. I'm comforted knowing that Insect Shield technology is protecting us always while we enjoy the outdoors. Tested. Proven. Mother approved. " n. Mother appr prov oved ed. - Heather Hurst Founder & President, Project Lyme Tested & Proven

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