Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1073733
36 • Footwear Insight ~ January / February 2019 footwearinsight.com Bogs Freedom Lace-Up, $150 "Bogs is known for waterproof and insulated boots and the Freedom collec- tion extends our core DNA to the casual leather boot category." MEGAN VINTON, DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT What works: This sleek lace-up is part of a whole family (including Chelsea and ankle styles) all featuring waterproof leather uppers, a rubber rand and a furry lining. These looks will keep toes toasty to minus-22 degrees. The sell: Bogs' Rebound cushioning is engineered for all-day comfort and energy return, and it doesn't compact in the cold. Bearpaw McKinley, $119.99 "[The McKinley has] on-trend aesthetics, materials and colors that will perform while looking great." AARON BROWN, VP–PRODUCT AND SOURCING What works: The 11-inch waterproof boot has a full rubber shell and a quilted nylon upper with a gusseted tongue. Polyurethane leather tabs hold D-ring lace eyelets trimmed with metal studs. The sell: 200-gram Hibertech insulation, a wool-blend lining and a sheepskin footbed make for cozy wear. Baffin Cortina, $229.99 "The Cortina is stylishly warm and waterproof." MARK HUBNER, VP–BRAND AND PRODUCT What works: This rugged, fur-lined winter boot steps out in high style with quilted details and a mixed leather-and-fabric upper. And it has a proprietary fixed insu- lated lining for great fit. The sell: Baffin's Icebite outsole grip, which is usually reserved for the brand's more active boots. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker, $200 "This new take on a hiker blends our latest and longstanding advances in footwear designed for the trail." GREG THOMSEN, CHIEF OUTDOOR OFFICER What works: This hiking boot with trail runner DNA is designed to handle longer distances and gradual elevation changes. And it's the brand's first to marry two of its signature technologies: an adaptive, energy-returning Boost midsole and a flexible Primeknit upper. (It also lever- ages Adi's partnership with Continental Rubber for a grippy outsole.) The sell: The Primeknit stretch upper is water repellant, breathable, comfortable and snug. OUTDOOR Altra Tushar, $199 "For those who want a tra- ditional hiking boot but want comfort and flexibility like a running shoe paired with modern foot health features that keep the feet relaxed and in their natural position all day long, the Tushar is the only option on the market." GOLDEN HARPER, FOUNDER What works: Named after the rugged mountains in Utah, the serious mountain hiker style has a cushioned, zero drop midsole and the brand's FootShape toebox. The sell: Aggressive outsole flex grooves and grid-like InnerFlex grooves on the midsole provide max- imum flexibility and a soft poly- urethane midsole make it a smooth walker, even on uneven ground. T H E B O O T B O O K These styles hit the ground running with on-trend design and heavy-duty features that don't add an ounce.