Outdoor Insight

20 • Summer 2022 outdoorinsightmag.com • Outdoor Insight Twisted X 4" Hiker Boot The Men's 4" Waterproof Hiker Boot was designed for versatility. Built to handle both a rugged mountain trail and a 14-hour day in the workshop, these boots are handcrafted with a leather TWX upper (including 80% recycled leather) and a breathable waterproof lining. A Blend85 recycled foam footbed and three-quarter length composite insole provide all day cushion and support, while a full-length molded EVA midsole offers shock absorption for the whole foot. Aggressive lugs provide traction for challenging terrains. MSRP $149.95. Oboz Ousel The Ousel (named after the Ousel Falls), the next iteration of the popular women's Sapphire, is an approachable day hiker designed for a mellow backpacking jaunt or walk through the park. The shoe features lightweight single density cushioning and Oboz A3 TPU two piece chassis paired with an OPlate for torsional stability and protection against stone bruising. The Spring '23 style offers sustainability benefits including recycled webbing and Repreve laces. An updated women-specific last provides a snug heel fit. MSRP Mid $135 (B-Dry Waterproof Breathable Membrane $150), Low $120 (B-Dry $135). 24/7 Mountain Lifestyle OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR Forsake Rogue Spring/Summer '23 will mark a new achievement for Forsake with the launch of the brand's first sandal, Rogue. This open-toe adventure shoe, inspired by the Rogue River, is designed for both performance and sustainability. The midsole is made from Bloom EVA foam with a top-sheet depicting a rafting section of the river. The outsole is a blend of Bloom and recycled rubber with a slip-resistant lug design for added grip on wet surfaces. A three-strap design with an air-mesh heel pad offers comfort and stability. MSRP $85. A new sustainability initiative from Wolverine-owned brand Merrell, called This Is Home, includes a takeback and resale program called Merrell ReTread. Merrell partnered with ReCircled to implement Merrell ReTread, which the brand says will save 300,000 pairs of footwear from landfills. Initially launching in the U.S. and Canada, Merrell ReTread allows consumers the opportunity to give back Merrell footwear to be repaired and refurbished for resale, broken down for use in new products, or recycled for alternative uses. To participate in the Merrell ReTread program, consumers can visit retread. merrell.com to obtain a free return label to ship their used Merrell footwear to ReCircled. Once the shipment is collected, consumers will receive a $20 off promotion code to purchase new Merrell footwear or apparel. The ReTread program will continue to expand globally, with plans to launch in EMEA later this year. The ReTread program is just one of several sustainability pledges Merrell has made through its This Is Home initiative. The sustainability goals Merrell is striving to meet or exceed by 2025, include: 100 percent of products will contain organic, recycled, or renewable materials; 100 percent responsibly sourced apparel materials; Reduce shoe and apparel samples by 50 percent; Reduce plastic packaging; Complete 10,000 volunteer hours; and Save 300,000 pairs of footwear from ending up in landfills through ReTread program. Merrell Aims to Save Footwear from Landfills with ReTread Program

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