Footwear Insight

38 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2023 footwearinsight.com "Consumers are looking for versatility in their footwear, prioritizing styles that can be worn in various situations and through diverse climates," says Jessica Liut, Director, Brand, Baffin. "Providing a go-to style customers can reach for all season long – no matter where their day may take them – is a big focus for our team and has guided the design and production of our upcoming product launches in both FW23 and SS24. By combining the proven technology and high-performance features Baffin is known for with trend inspired design and finishes, consumers get the perfect blend of a fashion forward accessory and a utility product." Davide Degano, VP of product, Kamik, offers, "Today's consumers are looking for versatile boots that can adapt to any outdoor situation without sacrificing style or durability. For the past 125 years until today, Kamik continues to manufacture boots in our Canadian factories and to deliver products that are timeless, sustainable, and built to last. For Fall/Winter '23, the collection was focused around versatility, comfort, and protection to allow our consumers to embrace the everyday outdoors." All-day performance and comfort are critical in work offerings, according to the Warson Brands team, which counts Reebok and Volcom among its licensed work brand offerings. "Consumers are continuing to look for boot options with enhanced cushioning and support," explains Sam Sproull, brand marketing manager, Warson. "ey are spending long hours on their feet, and without proper footwear they are more vulnerable to injuries and fatigue. Our feet are our foundation, it is essential to wear boots that are supportive and comfortable." e work-specific square toe style is taking center stage for orogood. "With the importance of the square toe in the work footwear category, we feel this is a natural expansion for our brand," notes Ty Harris, national sales director, orogood. "We now offer square toe wellingtons, built with quality materials and orogood crasmanship. Our loyal customers can now choose a square toe, and we feel confident this will bring new customers to the orogood brand. " Classic and timeless is the name of the game for Propét, as seen in its new Cortland boot. Says Armie Pasa, design, Propét Footwear, "Having comfort in our heritage, we designed the Cortland with our consumers in mind, combining rugged durability, weather resistance, and personalized comfort for any adventure. We aspire to guide our customers to embrace the great outdoors and conquer any terrain with these boots as your trusted companion." At outdoor brand Zamberlan, the brand is "seeing nice momentum with lower cut, hybrid styles" like the brand's Free Blast and Salathe, says Graham Gephart, director of marketing, Zamberlan. "These shoes combine performance features like added foot protection, Gore-Tex membranes, and Vibram outsoles, with lighter weight, versatile designs that are equally at home on technical pursuits as traveling or around town. These 'car-to-summit' styles bring added comfort to Zamberlan's mountain DNA, for much greater confidence and longevity than challenging a street shoe in a rugged environment." n BOOT BOOK Reebok Work Nano X1 Adventure Work Boot

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