Footwear Insight

24 • Footwear Insight | Sports Edition ~ May 2021 footwearinsight.com APPAREL Outside the Box These brands are putting their own spin on the running apparel category. By Cara Griffin Kari Traa's Active Style Norwegian-based women's apparel brand Kari Traa has a range of active and outdoorsy activewear that has the right combo of tech and style for today's running consumer. The new Butterfly Tee, Tank and Capri from Kari Traa are made to help runners "maintain their cool" on the trail or off. Designed with butterfly patterns, these stylish activewear pieces are made with moisture wicking fabric and deliver next-to-skin comfort, eliminating chafing. The tee has a seamless construction and Flatlock seams. The tops pair with the Butterfly Capri for a completed look. Available in Shock, Ultra and Marin colors. The Tee, Tank and Capri all retail for $40. Nathan Runs Beyond Already established as a leader in running hydration, storage and visibility, Nathan now has its sights set on becoming a leader in performance apparel, too. The brand launched its first collection of athletic apparel this spring, describing the line as a combination of "superior performance and everyday comfort." Many details present in Nathan's hydration gear are also present in the new collection of running tees, shorts, jackets, joggers and leggings. The pieces have thoughtful storage and enhanced safety features — the line incorporates reflectivity in all pieces, with multiple points of strategically-placed reflective details. "Our entry into the apparel category is a direct result of our consumers' request for these products," says Mary Harden, director of brand marketing for Nathan. "We strive to create products that help athletes to perform their best, and this apparel collection is no exception. After extensive research, validation and, most importantly, incorporating feedback from our runners, we couldn't be more excited to share the collection we've put together." Nathan's initial apparel line not only includes a wide selection of men's and women's items, from water and wind resistant jackets to tees, shorts, and leggings, but the apparel collection also features an "inclusive fit" to cater to the body types of every kind of runner. Vuori's Effortless Cool Launched in 2015, Vuori merges technical clothing with a West Coast vibe — the brand's apparel is designed to be active, conscious and creative. New items of note from Vuori include the women's Stride Legging, $84, which features a firm hold with moisture-wicking fabric to make it a go-to running legging. It has a high-rise fit and an interior drawcord, as well as UPF protective fabric. Another good option for runners is Vuori's Draft Short for men, $74, which offers breathable fabric to make runs that much cooler — and it's built with quick-drying anti-odor fabric.

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