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18 • Outdoor Insight • Winter 2021 outdoorinsightmag.com THE BOOT BOOK Boots are ready to meet the moment in the new year. Amidst a challenging 2020, the work and outdoor categories kept their heads above water due to consumer demand. And for 2021, new boot styles across the board are hitting on all cylinders. "Throughout the pandemic, our work and work boot categories have been strong and continue to grow stronger," says Prasad Reddy, CEO, Twisted X, noting that he believes brick-and-mortar stores will make a comeback in 2021, "specifically specialty stores like the work and outdoor categories. The customer is looking for expertise, someone who can provide specific answers and personal service." Among the top trends to watch, according to brands, are a demand for lightweight tech and for women's-specific designs. "We are seeing a continuing trend toward lightweight boots that are also great for the outdoors and all-weather environments, but fit like a casual lightweight hiker," explains Brent Jennings, VP of marketing for Warson Brands, which has the license for Reebok and Rockport Works among others. In the work category, women from the boardroom to the plant floor are looking for collections that are not a takedown of their male counterparts. "Women's footwear may share some DNA or general concept, but it is best to start with a women's specific design and look at their individual needs in the application – work, hunting or hiking," notes Mike Roundhouse, VP and general brand manager of Rocky Boots. Soyala Breen, Ariat's Senior Director of Footwear Merchandising for Work adds, "By putting the same research, development and design attention into the women's category, women can feel equally professional and comfortable on and off the worksite." Footwear Insight chatted with outdoor and work boot brands to unveil what else will be trend-worthy this year. Trail Blazers. Lightweight technology, women's-specific offerings and sustainability lead the way as meaningful boot trends for 2021. By Suzanne Blecher and Cara Griffin