The Daily - August 10, 2021 - 49

Big Trends
T E C H N I C A L F O O T W E A R
Clockwise from top:
Lamo, the Original Muck
Boot Company, Oofos,
Dansko, Oofos, Lamo
High Steppin'
At the Show, you will fi nd boots, shoes,
and sandals with technical features that
transition to everyday adventures.
By Berne Broudy
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS THAT
recreationalists and athletes enjoy
the outdoors, and spring '22 footwear
strives to give everyone more
functionality with shoes that come
in lighter packages that are comfort-focused
and feature-rich.
" The trend we are seeing is one
toward simplicity, " says Xavier
Kawula, senior product manager at
Rocky Brands, the parent company
to the Original Muck Boot Company.
" The pandemic caused people
to see how they could do more with
less. Footwear that does only one
job does not cut it. The Original
Muck Boot Company's Chore
Farm Leather ($160) was designed
and built to withstand the formidable
challenges of the working farmer.
It's a collection of boots that will
outperform anyone's expectations. "
" Today's more technical outdoors
person needs the features
for navigating rugged terrain and
backpacking longer distances, as
well as lightweight construction
for single-day summit pushes, "
says Peter Sachs, general manager
of Lowa Boots. The Cadin II GTX
Mid ($330) uses Vibram's Alp Track
Numen Megagrip sole, which has a
three-dimensional tread direction
for slip resistance, and toe and heel
platforms for semiautomatic crampon
compatibility. A cushy midsole
is comfortable on long days and
short ones, and a full-length stabilizer
gives hikers the protection and
rigidity for technical terrain and
via ferratas. The lightweight split
leather upper is form-fi tted with
zonal lacing.
" We've seen an increase in the
desire for casual outdoor styles
that allow for spontaneous adventure, "
says Edna De Pamphilis,
marketing director at Lamo. The
brand's light, comfort-focused
men's Trent ($79) and women's
Sienna ($86) both use Lamo-Lite
EVA outsoles and 100% Australian
sheepskin insoles, and they
have adjustable hiking laces and
waxed and nylon PU uppers.
People are asking for functional
performance features in a variety
of diff erent materials, " says Kelsey
Jayne, Dansko design director.
" We focus on providing the best
underfoot experience while adding
in great styling, recycled webbings,
and adjustability. " Dansko's
Racquel ($110) has multiple
points of adjustability and an
energy-return EVA footbed with
arch support, a super lightweight
EVA midsole, and a high-abrasion
rubber outsole.
Steve Gallo, president of Oofos
says that hikers and climbers are
packing Oofos recovery sandals in
their backpacks to prepare themselves
for the next day's workout.
Oofos Oocandoo ($100) brings
active recovery to the everyday
adventurer. The lightweight shoe
uses Oofoam and an Oofos patented
footbed in a versatile style
ready for any excursion.
OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER 2021 /
49
The Daily - August 10, 2021

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