Outdoor Insight

RUGGED? FEMININE? WHY CHOOSE? The women's boot category is getting a kick this season with performance styles for hiking and winter weather that don't skimp on style. Garmont's new Atacama GTX hiker is a great example. The women's-only style is designed for female biomechanics, with a wider forefoot and a molded footbed with heel and midfoot inserts. The waterproof upper in durable mesh keeps out dirt and looks slick — and the style's sleek lines scream "fast." In the winter boot category, styles that can keep women warm and stable are a dime a dozen. But brands are giving women reason to buy – even if it doesn't snow – with boots they'll want to wear regardless. The $240 Danner Raptor 650 insulated style has winter-weather cred to spare: Vibram Megagrip outsole, the brand's proprietary Danner Dry water- proofing and Primaloft insulation. But what the wearer sees is pure style: a slim mid-calf silhouette, quilted fabric upper and cozy faux-fur trim. The two new insulated styles that Oboz is adding for Fall '18 to the women's Juniper collection follow the same equation. A women's-specific fit, wool-lined thermal insole, Thinsulate insu- lation and winter-ready rubber on the outsole are the weather-ready bread-and-butter of the $165 Juniper 8-inch Insulated Waterproof and $155 Juniper 6-inch Insulated Waterproof. But thoughtful details like the deep blue and vibrant pink textile accents, easy-on zipper on the 8-inch style and a knit lining peeking out of the collar of both models elevates them to covetable ward- robe pieces. Bogs's new Vista collection is designed for women who want outdoor performance with city style. The women's styles feature a stacked rubber heel and a curvy, feminine silhouette in both the $115 low and $120 mid boots. A four- way stretch heel counter, microfleece lining and Bogs' signature waterproof construction make them work in rainy or snowy weather. And Kamik is looking to styles such as the Sienna2 to appeal to women who want their cold-weather boots to be a critical part of their look. The $120 Fall launch is weather-rated down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to 200 grams of Thinsulate and a waterproof leather upper — water-resistant flannel plaid and classic duck boot styling keeps the look lighthearted. 20 • Outdoor Insight • January 2018 outdoorinsightmag.com TRENDS Brands are giving women reason to pick styles up – even if it doesn't snow – with boots they'll want to wear regardless. FIERCE & FEMME 1. Garmont's Atacama GTX hiker, $179.95; 2. The $120 Vista ankle boot from Bogs; 3. Juniper 8" Insulated Waterproof boot, a $165 style from Oboz; 4. Kamik's $120 Sienna2 boot; 5. Danner's $240 Raptor 650 Insulated boot. 5 2 3 4 1 FOOTWEAR

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