Footwear Insight

22 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2018 WOOLY WONDERS From Boots and Slippers to Comfort and Athletic Shoes, Weather-Wise Wool has Crossover Appeal. By Suzanne Blecher I n 1993, Danish mother "Nanny" Glerup decided to parlay her work on the farm into a new hobby — making slippers. The thermal and microbial values of her silky, luxurious Gotland sheep wool played perfectly into footwear, keeping toes warm and dry. Her product resonated so well with family and friends that she went into a small-scale production — two pair a day. Twenty-five years later, the business has blossomed into shoes, slippers and boots, thanks to updates such as adding leather and a "better grip" rubber outsole for traction on any surface. Keeping wool relevant and on the trend forefront is a concept captivating consum- ers. The fiber's background – having been used for thousands of years in footwear and apparel – provides a good heritage story. In addition, "it's natural, renewable MATERIALS and makes a great fit," shares Barry Ryan, director of sales for Glerups. "Wool is a perfect balance of tech- nology and heritage for our brand," adds Birkenstock Americas VP–mer- chandising, Jacqueline Van Dine. "We are committed to creating premium quality products from natural, sustain- able and durable materials like wool," which is featured in its Arizona and Kaprun styles, she says. Veteran Fiber, Modern Twist "Today's consumer is increas- ingly aware of what goes into their products, whether it's the materials making up their clothing and shoes, or the ingredients in their food," notes Katie Moore, design director for Dr. Scholl's. Properties of wool – such as comfort, easy wear, being washable and lightweight – play off of Dr. Scholl's strengths. For Fall 2018, Moore has taken wool-blend uppers and com- bined them with Hillo heel cushions, flexible outsoles and the brand's new Be Free Energy Technology insole (with three distinct comfort zones) to create trend-right offerings. While "most people think of wearing wool in apparel items like a wool sweater or pants, to incorporate it into a pair of women's boots – in both rugged and casual ways – is a nice surprise," comments Lindsey Lindemulder, mar- keting manager for Cat Footwear. Cat's Ceil boot is a knee-high number in a wool and leather combo that's "super- fresh," thanks to unique styling and an antimicrobial microfiber lining. A rebound foam insole provides com- fort, while a durable rubber outsole make the boots long-lasting. Senior director of men's casual foot- wear for Timberland, Don DeSalvio, says that "wool seamlessly com- plements our rugged and refined aesthetic. It is a material with person- ality, durability and function." For Fall, DeSalvio's design team, in partnership with the American Woolen Company, developed a next generation of fabric that's water-resistant, soft, durable and can withstand the elements. A three-fiber weave mixes soft and light- weight merino wool, along with nylon and elastane, to create NXTWool fabric which "allows you to face whatever the city throws at you." Waterproof Britton Hill 6-inch Warm Lined Boots bring together premium full-grain leather and NXTWool for a design fitting for seasonal shifts in weather. SensorFlex technology provides all-day comfort. The Jayne Warm Gaiter Boot mixes rich leathers with ultra-soft NXTWool uppers for a rugged look with a touch of femininity. Recognizing a gap in the market going from Spring/Summer abruptly to Fall/Winter, Bearpaw launches its first Trans-Seasonal collection. The line features 100 percent wool uppers and wool-lined sockliners that "look great, are lightweight, breathable, adapt to cold/warm temps and wick moisture," says Edna De Pamphilis, global market- "Wool is a material with personality, durability and function." Don DeSalvio, Timberland "To incorporate wool into a pair of boots – in both rugged and casual ways – is a nice surprise." Lindsey Lindemulder, Cat Footwear Bearpaw's Trans-Seasonal Solstice Style footwearinsight.com

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