Outdoor Insight

36 • Outdoor Insight • November 2018 outdoorinsightmag.com FOOTWEAR VINTAGE VIBES Where there's a trend, there's a counter trend, so even as utilitarian, modern street looks thrive, there's energy in throwback styles done in a fresh way. "We see a return to noble, classic materials — vintage or classic textiles and wovens, and retro and throwback print patterns," says Chaco VP–product Adam Garrett. Vintage looks and details, he says, play into the outdoor shopper's appetite for durability. "Consumers will be looking for real quality in materials, construction, and detailing as they buy fewer but higher quality pieces with the expectation that they last. Timeworn details and imperfections will be a badge of honor on both new and used products." At Chaco, Garrett highlights details such as the vintage plaid lining in the men's Davis Mid style as well as heritage textile Waffle, which is showcased in the $130 Z/Ronin, a '90s look sandal brought up to date by the fully of-the-moment waffle knit. "We see an aesthetic of vintage nostalgia," adds Juliana Sanfelici, senior footwear designer for OluKai. The brand's Hawaiian inspira- tion gives OluKai a lot of ammunition in the space, she adds. "There are prints and so many elements that we can add a modern twist to. But it's always with a modern twist: It's not just a vintage aloha shirt, it's when we bring in that modern flavor that makes it exciting." Gregg Duffy, senior director of outdoor footwear at Timberland, says that the heritage trend is apparent in the materials the brand is using — and offers its new Field Trekker style as evidence. "For Fall '19, bold and wild color has given way to a more natural color palette along with 'tech-casual' materializations. Heathered, wool, and natural finishes have replaced solid, shiny and techy details in both footwear and apparel." INSULATED EFFECT Warm winter product is another category that brands have flagged as an opportunity — even in the face of climate uncertainty. "[Even] with the traditional winter weather being increasingly volatile, we've doubled down on our insulated There's energy in throwback styles with modern details. 1. Oboz Missoula Low, MSRP $110. 2. Chaco Z/Ronin, MSRP $130. 3. Forsake Patch, MSRP $149.95. 4. Timberland Field Trekker, MSRP $180. Facing page: Insulated boots for Fall '19 are not bulky. They are made to move. 5. Vasque Laplander, MSRP $160. 6. Oboz Sapphire 8" Insulated B-Dry, MSRP $175. "We see a return to noble, classic materials." ADAM GARRETT, CHACO 3 T R E N D S 1 2 4

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