Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1443813
"We are seeing an increase in outdoor activity, and our focus is on comfort and performance... AKU consumers' values align with our sustainability efforts. In 2022, we will become carbon neutral across all our facilities." - Canice Harte, VP, sales and marketing, AKU Outdoor, USA "Key trends influencing 2022 and beyond include; the departure from materialism to wellness, community and family; responding to the evolving needs of the next generation of foragers, farmers, fishermen/ women within utility & versatility and lastly; sustainability and the importance of setting the path to making a difference on step at a time." - Jill Saunders, director of product management, e Original Muck Boot Company and XTRATUF "O u r c om m it me nt t o b e i n g re s p on s i ble – environmentally, socially and economically – is embedded in everything that we do. Sustainability, versatility, and key franchise models moving into different seasons are all things we're focused on." - Chris Hufnagel, global brand president, Merrell "While we do keep an eye on trends, we focus mainly on solving for a consumer need like wider calf options, extreme sizes, and our U-Turn technology which allows high arches ease of entry. We've applied cutting edge technology to a traditional pull-on boot, which has not been done before. We drew inspiration from professional bull riders, motorcyclists, as well as skiers and snowboarders to design a boot with the micro-adjustable BOA fit system." - Jake Rivas, VP of footwear design, Ariat "e pandemic escalated the consumer's desire for wellness, comfort and protection; it shied the way we dress. Today, comfort is a key factor in the decision-making process. Consumers want the ease of a long-lasting, durable boot, but still want to be able to dress it up or down. It's all about shoes that serve multiple purposes and work across multiple wearing occasions." - Steven Holt, brand president, Rockport "Sustainable materials, including recycled, renewable and organic, are a priority for Kodiak given the demand for more responsibly made products we are seeing from retail partners and consumers. We are prioritizing the use of eco-considered materials from our supplier partners like Evoco, Primalo and Vibram, allowing us to advance our mission to introduce performance footwear with less negative impact to the environment." - Karen McSorley, brand manager, Kodiak 2022 BUSINESS OUTLOOK With current challenges in the marketplace ranging from increased costs to supply chain issues; how are you navigating? What is your outlook for 2022? "Instead of pulling back we found strength in continuously increasing our inventory. While there have been delays in product getting here, we've been able to maintain inventory because we know we have even more on the way. Our focus has been, and remains, solely on delivering products to our retailers so that they can meet their consumers' needs." - Tricia Mahoney, CMO, Twisted X "Global supply chain constraints have led to delays in launches. e pause in some production timelines has allowed us to be more rigorous and thoughtful in our launch windows. ese challenges will mean that Oboz will have fewer launches in some up- coming seasons, but we remain steadfast on our product roadmap." - Rich Hohne, director of brand + consumer experience, Oboz Footwear "We are very optimistic about 2022. Kodiak is well positioned to support the demand for work safety footwearinsight.com January / February 2022 ~ Footwear Insight • 37