Footwear Insight

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TRENDS helping to divert waste from landfills." – Erik Burbank, VP, KEEN Effect "e Comox has 50% recycled plastic lining and 100% recycled plastic laces. Sustainable insulation is built by PrimaLo P.U.R.E., while a Comfortzone footbed carries an eco-com- ponent. Sustainable practices reflect Kodiak's Built For What Matters Initiative, which is a commitment to a greener future through continuous improvements and progress." – Karen McSorley, senior brand manager, Kodiak "In 2019 ECCO created DriTan, which is a proprietary process that reduces the use of water and chemicals in leather tanning, helping us work toward a goal for net zero water discharge by 2030. While the BIOM 2.1 series features premium textiles and ECCO nubuck uppers, consumers can find DriTan leather across a variety of ECCO styles." – Erik Walcott, head of specialty sales – global, ECCO "Named for Ousel Falls, a popular area hiking destination due to its relatively easy access and beautiful cascades, the Ousel features a full grain leather upper sourced from a Gold rated Leather Working Group tannery. Recycled webbing and Repreve laces are featured." – Rich Hohne, director of brand + consumer experience, Oboz "Erem is a 100% Biocircular company with all materials having a proven path back to nature. You will not find plastics or glues in our products. We are commit- ted to planting one million cactus pear cacti to combat climate change. This plant is a super plant of the desert with its low water needs, high carbon seques- tration properties, and fruit production." – Jax Mariash, VP of marketing, Erem "Sanuk is a proud partner of Leather Working Group. Our sockliner in the Cozy Vibe Low contains 85% biobased content. A Sugar Mat outsole is made with 55% Sugarcane EVA." – Seth Pulford, director of marketing, Sanuk WELLNESS "e Men's 4" Waterproof Hiker Boot was designed with comfort and safety in mind. Not only are they slip-resistant, but the boots are also cushioned and absorb shock to protect the wearer in a variety of terrains." – Lee Lemon, VP of Sales, Twisted X "Kona features a removable footbed that allows people with foot issues to build up the footbed, or replace with a n o r t h o t i c . N a o t s h o e s a r e a l s o highly recommended by many podia- trists for arthritis and plantar fasciitis." - Ayelet Lax Levy, VP of North America, Naot "is collection features so double-face recycled webbings in a range of colors and patterns. Walking has become a key component of wellness. These styles are perfect for long walks where you need comfort and performance." – Kelsey Jayne, footwear design director, Dansko INCLUSIVITY "C onrad is offered in both X-wide and XX-wide, so it is size inclusive." – Jennifer Sokso, director of marketing, Propet "Our medium width is actually a C width which accommodates the ma- jority of our customer base. We offer wide footbeds so that the same shoe can become a D width with a simple foot- bed swap instead of a whole other shoe." – Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "e Merger GTX Lo is on-trend in terms of optics, styling and crossover function for the new 'outdoorish' consumer who is looking for a shoe that can handle their hybrid ev- eryday-outdoor lifestyle. e MONOWRAP frame is an athletic, bold silhouette, yet comes in muted colors that make it simple to pair with both streetwear and outdoorwear." - Peter Sachs, general manager, LOWA Boots n 24 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2022 footwearinsight.com SANUK/COZY VIBE LOW SM RAD YARN Slide into comfort with a fluffy wool blend that keeps your feet cozy in cold weather and moisture wicked-dry for when they get toasty. The woven textile shoe contains a wool and Tencel blend shearling collar (and lining) with recycled polyester backing. MSRP $90. LOWA/MERGER GTX LO The Merger's polyurethane MONOWRAP frame is fused directly to the single piece ripstop nylon upper, providing lateral stability in an ultra- lightweight construction. It's lined with waterproof/ breathable Gore-Tex and features an aggressive lugged outsole for traction. MSRP $230. DANSKO/RACQUEL With the performance of a walking sneaker, a key detail of this style is the energy return EVA Footbed with Dansko Natural Arch Technology. It also features a propel forepart designed to support the walking motion while still providing a cushioned ride. Outsole rubber pads provide traction. MSRP $115.

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