Footwear Insight

THE PERFECT COMBO TRENDS Today's hybrid lifestyles have consumers looking for performance in their comfort shoes and comfort in their performance shoes. Need a shoe that works for everything from the trail to the office? No problem. Brands are combining comfort elements with out- door style and innovation to meet consumer needs. For individuals who desire a shoe for constant wear, we've tracked down some all-encompassing styles that accommodate. Which style are you offering this season that can transfer from the trail to the workplace? "The Kona is made with water resistant leather, so it is great for the outdoors. It also has an easy, sleek look that translates into the workplace. e laces, along with a side zip, have a great fit element with an ease to get on and off. e Kona can be worn with either hiking pants or a skirt for the office." – Ayelet Lax Levy, VP of North America, Naot "e Howser Harvest features a so fleece lining that transfers into a comfy, versatile, inside-outside hybrid shoe. A removable polyurethane insole maintains its cushion- ing for feel-good comfort. A high-traction rubber outsole is made for outside wear." – Erik Burbank, VP, KEEN Effect "Comfort is our prized possession and truly what we do best. e Twisted X Men's 4" Waterproof Hiker Boot, in particular, was designed to handle everything from a rugged mountain trail to a 14-hour day in the workshop. The result is a versatile hiking boot that can take you anywhere." – Lee Lemon, VP of Sales, Twisted X "e Rowan is a Chelsea boot with a rugged lug outsole that is waterproof. It has our Alegria DNA: memory foam, cork and a so polyurethane blend footbed that molds to the foot and offers superior arch support. It is a versatile style that can be worn on park trails or can easily pass as office casual." – Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "As part of the men's Modern Utility collec- tion, the Comox is inspired by 'work safety,' yet is equally equipped for everyday play. e boot balances style and purpose, while allowing the wearer to be comfortable." – Karen McSorley, senior brand manager, Kodiak "e Merger meets the need of consumers with hybrid lifestyles, where the lines have been blurred between work and personal time, between fashion and outdoor function. e combination of proven technical fea- tures, light weight and youthful, urban styling makes the Merger the ideal crossover style." – Peter Sachs, general manager, LOWA Boots "The Racquel is packed with features and benefits that are built for walking and everyday wear, making it perfect for transitioning from light trail to work. It is incredibly lightweight and supportive." – Kelsey Jayne, footwear design director, Dansko "The Xerocole Desert Hiking boot tran- sitions from the most demanding desert hikes to the casual office space. These full-grain leather, neutral toned boots are vegetable-tanned. The insole (handmade in Portugal from cork crumb) is topped with natural latex foam for all-day comfort." – Jax Mariash, VP of marketing, Erem "ECCO continues to design our Outdoor collection with hybridization and multi-pur- pose in mind. Our customers are showing an increasing demand for styles that are both functional and athletic for outdoor pursuits, with a clean, urban aesthetic that easily blends into urban cityscapes as well." – Erik Walcott, head of specialty sales – global, ECCO "For Spring '23, the new Ousel is a true crossover that merges strong on-trail capa- bilities with casual elements for a seamless transition from the trail to the workplace." – Rich Hohne, director of brand + consumer experience, Oboz "ese kicks can be rocked either inside or out- side. Collapsible heels made of so, responsibly sourced leather make for an easy slip on and off." – Seth Pulford, director of marketing, Sanuk Some key trends we are seeing in the marketplace include sustainability, well- ness and inclusion. Which bucket does the style included in this article fall into? SUSTAINABILITY "e Howser Harvest (for men and women) is craed from upcycled leather car seats, CASUAL COMFORT GOES HAND-IN-HAND WITH OUTDOOR STYLE. BY SUZANNE BLECHER footwearinsight.com May/June 2022 ~ Footwear Insight • 23

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