Outdoor Insight

line," says Joe Peters, head of marketing at Vasque. "It's a fantastic growth segment for us," Christian Mason, VP–sales and marketing for Oboz, agrees. But these insulated looks aren't bulky, overbuilt pieces designed for warmth at all costs: Fall '19 pieces are made to move, whether that's on the trail or in town. At Vasque, that's meant launching warm, hike-ready styles with street appeal like the new Laplander style for women, which combines 400g of Thinsulate with a leather, suede and knit-mesh upper, as well as con- tinuing with franchises like the successful Coldspark UltraDry for men and women, which uses a reflective lining material in conjunction with a lower 200g of Thinsulate to keep the boots feeling fast and staying warm. "We see people's interest for lighter-weight winter boots on the rise," Peters says. For Fall, Oboz is adding the Sapphire eight-inch Insulated B-Dry, an all-leather zippered boot with 200g of Thinsulate insulation. But Mason says success in the insulated category is dependent on balance. "None of us can predict Mother Nature. We have a tight package — not excessive, not too edited down. We're feeling like there isn't a lot more expansion," he says. "At this point, our insulated business is healthy and sustainable, with great growth year over year, and we're seeing more and more outdoor and shoe stores carrying these kinds of hike-inspired boots for a lifestyle setting." l November 2018 • Outdoor Insight • 37 outdoorinsightmag.com "We're seeing more and more outdoor and shoe stores carrying these kinds of hike-inspired boots for a lifestyle setting." CHRISTIAN MASON, OBOZ 5 6 Bare Access Flex Shield Women's 43.1200° N, 85.5600° W The Bare Access Flex Shield provides maximum connection to the trail, with maximum protection from the elements. • The FlexConnect midsole provides multi-directional agility • A 0mm drop in the heel helps you feel the terrain • Our M Select shield upper resists water for the nastiest running conditions

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