Outdoor Insight

28 • Outdoor Insight • January 2019 outdoorinsightmag.com a taller profile. It also has a waterproof breathable membrane, speed hooks for easy lace adjustment, an ESS shank for lightweight support and 4-millimeter multidirectional lugs for grip. The sell: This winterized hiker is made with environmentally preferred pre- mium leather. The North Face Safien Mid GTX, $150 "EXTS debuts with this boot. It's a three-part outsole system that marries lug design, lug orientation and superior rubber compounds that are proprietary to The North Face." – Ethan Fried, Footwear Product Manager What works: The lightweight hiker gets its legs from the shock-absorbing XtraFoam midsole system. The sell: TNFs Exploration Trax System (EXTS) grip system launches in this boot — a max comfort hiker. Irish Setter Ultra-Lightweight VaprTrek Hunting Boot #2837, $159.99 "We've transformed our popular VaprTrek lightweight boot and the comfort is engineered to last for all-day hunting or hiking." – Charley Bryant, Product Merchant What works: Revamped boot has an upgraded slip-resistant RPM outsole, rubber pods that enhance traction and a polyurethane foam footbed. The sell: It's light in weight but heavy on tech. ArmaTec TX coating in the heel and toe adds abrasion resistance. ECCO Exostrike, $350 "People are moving more and more toward functional products that can also serve in their everyday use. The Exostrike has tons of unique features that make it perform exceptionally well on the trails and in the cold weather but looks equally as great with a pair of jeans at your local coffee shop." – Thomas Dixon, Sales and Product Manager, Outdoor, USA What works: The Exostrike urban light hiker has been reworked for Fall '19 with a PrimaLoft lining, Michelin outsole and Phorene midsole that adds rebound and shock absorption. The sell: The upper is made with the world's first Dyneema-bonded leather. Oboz Women's Sapphire 8-Inch Insulated B-DRY, $175 The Women's Sapphire 8-Inch Insulated B-Dry boot bridges the gap between casual and technical winter footwear by providing women with a stylish option that performs in cold and snowy weather." – Christian Mason, VP–Sales and Marketing What works: This winter boot walks in style in town or on the trail. A zippered side makes it easy to put on and take off. 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a thermal insole keep feet warm. The sell: The O FIT insole places feet in a neutral position for all-day comfort and support. The thermal version of the style has a wool top sheet and Mylar bottom to help keep feet warm. Salewa Wildfire Edge Mid GTX, $219.95 "In addition to being a highly techni- cal shoe, the mid design with cuff lets outdoor professionals bring their flair to the boardroom." – Michael Eisenbrown, Communications Manager What works: From toe to heel, this boot is a sure-footed winter warrior. It has a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining, a debris-deflecting stretch gaiter, and a unique lacing system that lets wearers toggle between climbing and hiking fits. The sell: The Pomoca Speed MTN sole provides superior grip and friction. Xtratuf Bristol Bay, $175 "For over 50 years, seasoned commercial fishermen have relied on Xtratuf protec- tion on the water. The new Boatyard Collection, including our Bristol Bay style, focuses on the fisherman's needs in his off season — from mending nets and win- terizing boats to heading into town." – David Mesicek, Chief Marketing Officer What works: Lace-up chukka is made of saltwater-resistant full-grain waterproof leather. It has a non-marking, slip-resis- tant outsole and an insole made with molded pressure-relief channels. The sell: Comfortable, yet rugged enough to live up to the brand's Alaskan heritage. Vasque Coldspark UD, $139.99 "Coldspark is an excellent three-season option for active users in all but the most extreme temperatures." – Brian Hall, Director of Product Design What works: This insulated, waterproof hiker has everything needed for cold- weather wear, without the extra weight. The sell: Lightweight warmth with the fit and feel of a boot without insulation. Muck's Arctic Après II Lace Mid, $185 "This is a go-to, versatile boot that will never disappoint. Matching stylish design and performance... Our test wearers have told us it will sell through very well."– David Mesicek, Chief Marketing Officer What works: This women's style is designed to keep feet warm, dry and comfortable in cold, wet and snow. It gets traction on wet and dry ice; and its premium neoprene bootie is easy to clean, durable and good looking. The sell: The Glacier Trek outsole uses vertical glass fibers in pods for traction on ice. (And the pods are a contrasting color to better call out the tech.) O U T D O O R Irish Setter Muck Oboz Ecco Salewa Xtratuf Vasque The North Face

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