Searchable footwear, partnerships with global tyre specialists, boots that take you from the valley to the summit and back to the pub – the winter world of hiking and mountaineering footwear is a rapidly advancing technical beast. In the second of our reports from the recent ISPO outdoor trade show in Munich, we bring you five of the biggest stories in footwear for next autumn/winter…
Haglöfs Grym Keprotec GT
1. HAGLOFS GRYM KEPROTEC GT
In Sweden Grym means ‘awesome’ so it’s little wonder that this exceptionally light, comfortable, durable and waterproof, European-made trekking boot picked up an ISPO Gold Award at this year’s show. The judges were impressed by the Grym’s innovative construction – a unique mix of materials including Schoeller Keprotec, Kevlar and Gore-Tex. It also features RECCO technology that enables folks to find you should things turn a little grim (sorry…) out there….
Columbia shoes with Michelin rubber
2. COLUMBIA PARTNER WITH MICHELIN
Columbia have been working with traction control specialists Michelin to develop the exclusive new Michelin Ice Control Technology. With three unique outsole designs planned for AW 17/18, Ice Control has been developed to deliver superior traction, stability and grip in icy and wet conditions. The piece de la resistance in the new collection is the men’s and women’s Canuk featuring OutDry Extreme technology and Omni-Heat Reflective technology. Waterproof, breathable, warm and super grippy – sounds like a tough old boot.
Scarpa Ribelle Tech OD
3. SCARPA RIBELLE TECH OD
Another ISPO award winner, the Ribelle Tech OD mountaineering boot represents the current trend across the board of moving as fast and light as possible from the valley floor to the summit. Weighing in at a feathery 580g, the Ribelle may not be much heavier than a robust trail shoe yet it packs a hefty alpine punch thanks to the stiff Vibram sole, crampon compatibility and built in Sock-Fit Plus liner with waterproof/breathable OutDry technology.
Salomon Out Path Pro GTX
4. SALOMON OUT PATH PRO GTX
Part of Salomon’s new Hike+ movement for AW 17/18, the new Out Path Pro GTX looks like a brilliant all-rounder. Weighing in at just 390g, you could probably run in it but it’s best suited to hiking missions as it’s a pretty strong and rugged bit of kit. Durable, protective and stable, the Out Path Pro GTX protects ankles in uneven terrain thanks to Salomon’s new Active Support Technology while still allowing for a good range of movement out on the trail.
Keen Terradora
5. KEEN TERRADORA
The women’s specific Terradora collection is set to get even bigger and better in AW 17/18. Created to inspire women to get outdoors no matter whether they’re city, mountain or country-based, the Terradora hiking range has been designed for women from the ground up. With 5 styles to choose from – including the new Terradora Leather WP available in both a mid and low version – the Terradora range reinforces KEEN’s TrailFit fitness movement and delivers a stable, flexible and comfortable off-road ride.
REPORT BY SOPHIE NICHOLSON