Footwear Insight

50 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2018 footwearinsight.com Terra Vertex 6000 / $179.99 Safety How it looks: Taking cues from what's popular in the athletic shoe industry, the Vertex 6000, available in brown, tan and black, has a min- imalist look with a sleek one-piece quarter-to-vamp pattern on its full-grain leather upper that offers a near custom fit. From the collar down, the boot has only three seams: two for the large contoured external heel counter and back strap and one for the medial vamp overlay. They are triple-stitched. How it works: The waterproof boot features a moisture-wicking and abrasion-resistant aerolining with a nappa leather heel pocket; 200- gram Thinsulate insulation and Cleanfeet odor-control treatment; reflective 3M Scotchlite piping; a high-traction, slip-resistant heavy-duty rubber outsole; a direct-injected shock-absorbing mid-density polyurethane midsole with a thermoplastic polyurethane toe bumper; a premium dual- density PU/TPU Revive Footbed; and an ASTM and CSA Grade 1 composite Nano-toe with a com- posite plate for electrical hazards resistance. What's Trending Matthew McCaig, Brand Manager "In the mid- to heavy-duty safety category, we're seeing a consider- able shift at play, and comfort is really coming to the forefront. Not that it wasn't an important factor before, but now more than ever, safety products need to provide substantial comfort in all elements that are used to make the shoes. Our customers wear our prod- ucts in a wide variety of extreme environments, often for extended periods of time. It is critical that we provide them not only with the protection they require but also with products that are going to keep their focus on the tasks at hand, not on discomforts associ- ated with poor footwear that could adversely impact their perfor- mance." Timberland PRO Ridgework / $150 Hybrid Work How it looks: Part work boot, part hiker, part sneaker, the light- weight, metal-free Ridgework is a power player. How it works: It is made of Ever- Guard waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane and fea- tures a composite toe powered by CarbonShield technology, a Stable Stride heel-locking tech- nology stability platform that minimizes shifting on uneven sur- faces, an Anti-Fatigue Technology polyurethane footbed for shock absorption and energy return, a dual-density ethylene vinyl acetate midsole and a mesh lining with anti-microbial treatment for odor control. What's Trending Brian Strother, Senior Designer "Timberland PRO is making use of 3-D computational software systems, which allow us to model real-life conditions, empowering technical design and engineer- ing teams to analyze and then optimize performance and safety standard conformance (toe/ underfoot/metatarsal protec- tion, traction, support, and so on). Many companies today are focused on the aesthetic use of 3-D technology, which while conve- nient, really does not leverage the full potential of the tool." Wolverine I-90 Durashocks / $155 to $160 Work How it looks: Made of full- grain leather and detailed with triple-needle stitching, the boot references the traditional yet chan- nels the athletic shoe, muting the pairing with subtle colors. How it works: Its outsole has a long-lasting, high-abrasion ther- moplastic polyurethane lug. Its DuraShocks technology, in more than 25 million pairs of Wolverine work boots around the world, features a cushioned footbed that absorbs shock and returns energy. What's Trending Yahn Lebo, Product Line Director "As new consumers enter the work boot market, we see that they're looking for traditional boots with athletic cues and comfort features. Our goal is to continue to develop technologies that support various athletic feels and functions, such as standing, walking and moving throughout the day. The designs have tended to push back to a more conservative and tradi- tional look. Colors are muted, and we feature quality details like triple needle stitching and nicer lining materials. These tactile changes help the boot look and feel more crafted." O TACTICAL It's ready to report for active duty • The tactical boot may be light in weight, but it's not lightweight when it comes to getting the job done right. Available in a couple of colorways that aren't black or dark brown, it is rugged as well as ruggedly handsome. 5.11 Apex 8-Inch Waterproof Boot / $249.99 Tactical How it looks: Its waterproof leather finish is stylish, and its rugged outsole is one tough worker. (Pictured on page 41.) How it works: The boot, which can be resoled, features a Vibram megagrip outsole for stability. Inside, a D3O Lite midsole and D3O structured footbed provide maximum comfort and heel/ arch support, and an eVent BBP waterproof membrane lining and Kevlar reinforced heel keep the elements at bay. What's Trending Brendan Rynne, Global Category Manager, Footwear "We recognize trends across footwear types when building our product lines each season. 5.11 recognizes the importance in utilizing more and improved technology, greater comfort, less fatigue and longer durability. The Apex Waterproof 8-inch boot features D3O technology, which reacts specifically to each con- sumer individually for cushioning and support." Magnum Wild-Fire Tactical I Waterproof / $90 Tactical/Duty/Service How it looks: Lightweight and athletic, it has sneaker features. How it works: A comfortable last shape, an Ortholite impres- sions memory foam sock liner and a cushioned XLR8 midsole are paired with the same dura- ble materials from the brand's more traditional performance- uniform boots. What's Trending: Luke Schnacke/Product & Sales "Customers are looking for comfort, functionality and value." Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical RB8808 / $150 Tactical How it looks: Made of coyote brown cattle-hide leather to match the uniform of the U.S. Army, it has a garage to tuck away laces when pants are bloused and features a rubber outsole with a rope guard for traction and durability. (Pictured on page 41.) How it works: AR670-1 compliant for the military, it is lightweight (Sublite foam midsole technology maximizes cushioning while minimizing weight), comfortable (a Sublite dual-density foam midsole has a responsive cushion, and a MemoryTech footbed conforms BOOT B OO K

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