Textile Insight

46 • Textile Insight ~ November/December 2018 textileinsight.com s retailers and brands head into the Fall '19 show season, footwear tech and fabrication will be taking center stage. Brand execs say textiles and manufacturing techniques that put a premium on sustain- ability and durability will be critical in meeting consumer demand for the season ahead — and so will lightweight, instantly comfortable options. Here, top brands call out the trends they're predicting for Fall: Green Matters Outdoor brands say committing to continued sustainable content isn't just a solid business move, it's a key way to appeal to younger active consumers. Greg Thomsen, managing director for Adidas Outdoors U.S., says expanding an outdoors-appropriate Primeknit fabric developed by the main brand is a key initiative for Fall '19 and future seasons. "The scalability of knits has a very high ceiling. If demand shifts from cut and sew into knits, it could result in a mea- surable reduction in waste," he says. "We are committed to steadily increasing the use of more sustainable materials in our production, products, and stores, and see this being important for the future of the industry overall." "For the younger consumer [sustainability] is top of mind, 100 percent," says Christian Mason, VP of sales and marketing for Bozeman, MT-based Oboz. "And that can be done through clear transparency through the supply chain. We're making a lot of headway, but it's not gonna happen overnight. But we're learning where we can make choices and we're intentionally setting ourselves to be better." Comfort is King "Technologies that are focused against comfort will continue to be the winners in the market. The industry is maniacally focused on making all aspects of their prod- ucts as comfortable as possible — it's what the consumer demands and expects," says Gregg Duffy, senior director of outdoor footwear at Stratham, NH-based Timberland. For the VF Corp-owned brand, that will mean doubling down on its AeroCore and SensorFlex platforms, which bring an athletic outsole and feel to hiking styles. Sam Barstow, co-founder and COO of Boston-based Forsake, said a younger consumer raised on sneakers is one of the drivers of the trend. "Outdoor is getting more and more athletic, and there's a movement toward lightweight constructions and hiking boots that aren't so heavy, no bulky products you can't wear all day. Since younger consumers are wearing running shoes for outdoors, we're adjusting." Joe Peters, head of marketing at Red Wing, MN-based Vasque, agrees. "We continue to see the push for lighter-weight footwear, so the implementation of lighter uppers and outsoles have cer- tainly taken a strong hold on the industry. We've introduced the Vibram Litebase technology for Spring '19 and are looking for additional in-line and incre- mental styles where this lighter outsole might be a good fit." Built to Last But even as consumers clamor for light, easy-to-wear styles, they're looking for products that will go the distance. Outdoor brands are working to make it happen. "Quality materials are in demand. Consumers are rejecting the throw- away economy and are searching for products that perform better and last longer," says Bill Dodge, CEO of Garmont International North America. "Shoppers have learned what materials hold up and what don't, and this goes for shoe construction as well. Consumers have just gotten smarter, and they're tired of replacing stuff." With that in mind, Garmont is launching a new hike fran- chise, Resolute, modeled after their Nemesis tactical boot. With a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, PrimaLoft insulation in the Resolute Winter cold-weather model and the brand's anatomical ErGo Last construction, the boots are designed to stick around. Smithfield, RI-based Muck Boot takes inspiration from the brand's rough-and-tumble roots in the barn and com- mercial fisheries in Alaska. "Some of the materials and construction techniques might not be apparent to the average consumer, but there's an increased durability and performance that our pro level and commercial level users notice," says Dave Mesicek, head of marketing and e-commerce for Muck parent company Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. "And if we're good enough for them, we're good enough for anyone." In future seasons, Mesicek said, the brand will be introducing new rubber compounds designed for improved traction, and new con- struction techniques that cut down on waste and improve product performance. Vintage looks and details play into the outdoor shopper's appe- tite for durability, says Adam Garrett, VP of product for Rockford, MI-based Chacos. Garrett added, "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." l FOOTWEAR | FALL '19 Outdoor Options Footwear Brands Sound Off on Trends to Watch this Show Season. By Jennifer Ernst Beaudry A Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX Chaco Fields Chelsea WP Forsake Patch Garmont Resolute Mid WP Oboz Livingston Mid Timberland Field Trekker Vasque Breeze Lite Low "For the younger consumer, [sustainability] is top of mind, 100 percent." Christian Mason, Oboz "Shoppers expect immediate comfort." Gregg Duffy, Timberland. "Shoppers have learned what materials hold up and what don't, and this goes for shoe construction as well." Bill Dodge, Garmont

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