Outdoor Insight

30 • Outdoor Insight • January 2019 outdoorinsightmag.com Fila Hail Storm 3 Mid, $90 "This boot varies from the traditional work boot by offering safety features in a contemporary hiking design with memory-foam comfort. The silhouette is perfect for those who need the toe protection but still want working com- fort and fashion." – Joe Amoruso, Work Category Manager, North America What works: Fusing function and fashion, the boot's contemporary design is spot on the job with a sure-grip rubber outsole and a memory-foam insole. The sell: It looks like a hiker, but the composite toe makes it fully work-ready. Wolverine Ramparts, $200 "We meticulously manage the creation of the Wolverine Ramparts, bringing in raw materials and inspecting every part of the process. That, plus the engineer- ing, design and technology, make it a premium USA-built work boot." – Rick Appelsies, VP–Product Management What works: This traditional full- grain leather work boot in either CarbonMAX composite or soft toe is ASTM and EH rated. It boasts a high- abrasion TPU lug outsole that is three times stronger than others and a removable dual-density PU footbed. The sell: Made in the USA, it's jam-packed with technology: the DuraShocks comfort system cushions returns energy; a breathable mem- brane makes it waterproof, and the direct-attach construction is super durable. Skechers Work Relaxed Fit: Holdredge-Rebem, $90 "The Holdredge-Rebem offers the latest athletic styling, comfort and value that Skechers is known for. It meets the demands of today's work customer who wants the comfort and look of his casual shoes on the job." – Dayne Hess, National Sales Manager, Work What works: This steel-toe boot combines comfort and safety with a sporty, ankle-height hiker look. The leather and ripstop mesh fabric upper is stylish, and the gel-infused memory foam insole provides comfort, The sell: Its athletic design is on-trend and the boot's slip-resistant outsole puts safety first. These looks are heavy lifters with style to spare. W O R K Merrell Strongfield Mid WP CT, $170 "We know the work our consumers do daily demands durability they can trust, so we built the Strongfield to give them protection and stability, along with comfort, so they can confidently focus on the work at hand." – Greg Glover, Product Director for Work What works: This composite-toe boot is EH and ASTM rated. It has a waterproof coated leather and mesh upper, and a slip-resistant, heat-resistant outsole with Merrell M Select Grip rubber that protects feet up to 500 degrees for brief periods. It also boasts a heel air cushion that absorbs shock and adds stability. The sell: The brand's Toughframe midsole technology has medial and lateral stability arms that act as an exoskeleton for durable protection. Twisted X MXCC003 Men's Cell Stretch, $134.99 "Twisted X has worked for two years to develop a new patented comfort tech- nology called Cell Stretch. We believe this provides ultimate comfort in our work boots. The midsole in the boot stretches to conform to the contour of the foot and also provides energy rebound with every step." – Prasad Reddy, President What works: This composite toe slip-on works like a big, heavy boot but looks and feels like a lightweight sneaker. The sell: A distressed saddle leather upper ups the style quotient. Georgia Boot Rumbler, $180 "Georgia Boot consumers wear our work boots after their shift is done. We aim to provide footwear that fits their needs on and off the job." – Melissa Lewis, Marketing Manager What works: The hiker-style boot gets down to work with a performance- ready outsole, comfort technologies and a TPU-infused nylon upper that is breathable and abrasion resistant. The sell: The rubber outsole contains an internal cushioning EVA midsole encapsulated in a TPU heel stabilizer that protects it against chemicals, abrasions and wear and tear. Rocky XO-Toe, $179.99 "This boot has the best of the best in materials, design and technology." – Hannah Sammons, Marketing Manager What works: Built with 3000-denier Fila Wolverine Merrell Twisted X Georgia Boot Rocky Skechers

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