Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1486062
RIEKER FELICITAS 22, $170 Felicitas 22 has a removeable so insole, is faux fur lined and features the brand's TEX water resistant membrane. "is style features Flip Grip cleats for icy conditions." — Rich Rask, president, Rieker Shoe Corporation NAOT HELM, $199.95 e Helm bootie features double zippers for accessibility, along with a padded heel cup and instep for comfort. Naot's removable, anatomic cork & latex footbed is wrapped in microfiber and leather and molds to the shape of the foot with wear. It contains a 1.5" polyurethane sole with a metal shank which is extremely lightweight, durable & abrasive to prevent slipping. "e Helm bootie is one such versatile style that can be worn through any season. Whether it's with a jacket in the winter or a sundress in the summer, the idea of weather evolving due to climate change is more than a mere concept. Versatility is something we see our consumers turn to our shoes for every day." — Ayelet Lax Levy, president of USA, Naot Footwear ECCO BIOM 2.1 X MOUNTAIN, $200 BIOM Technology encourages the foot to move more naturally and efficiently, and has an anatomical fit, plus a low profile that helps the wearer feel connected to the trail. A flexible outsole unit (the PHORENE midsole) delivers energy return and bounce, while the ECCO PERFORMANCE RUBBER+ outsole provides grip and traction. It features a reinforced sole construction for extra stability, along with a rock plate to protect the foot from stones and rocks. "Our new BIOM 2.1 X Mountain is our next take on the rapidly growing athletic- hiking market. With this very flexible product, customers can move at a fast pace even on rainy days. It features Gore-Tex to keep the product 100% waterproof and windproof – for off-road activities or the urban jungle." — Felix Zahn, product director, ECCO TWISTED X 4" HIKER BOOT e Blend85 footbed is made with 85% recycled foam and also features ecoTweed lining, made from recycled plastic water bottles. e creation of leatherTWX starts with clippings from the floor of the factory that are swept together, ground up, bound, and then able to be reused and repurposed. e waterproof boot is oil and slip resistant. "We're seeing a lot of trends related to waterproof and water-resistant products, so this product has a waterproof membrane for the consumer who lives an active outdoor lifestyle. Someone that wants to go from work to the mountains or work to hiking." — Lee Lemon, VP of sales, Twisted X Times are a-changing and brands, ranging from comfort brands to outdoor specialists, are doing their best to be soothsayers of footwear trends for 2023. We asked a range of brands about a few specific outdoor trends in particular and let them weigh in on which trends are connecting with their brand ethos and trail-ready product launches. 10 • Footwear Insight ~ November/December 2022 Rieker Naot footwearinsight.com TRENDS CLIMATE ADAPTABILITY Accepting ever-changing temperatures and designing accordingly. WHAT'S TRENDING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? ECCO Twisted X Planning for the future of outdoor footwear in 2023 means considering climate, sustainability and crossover appeal. By Suzanne Blecher FORWARD MOTION