Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015 Preview: Footwear

Leading up to Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015, SNEWS is previewing some of the top trends and new products you’ll see at the trade show and All Mountain Demo in Salt Lake City, Jan. 20-24. Find this story and more in our O.R. Daily Day 0 Preview edition.

Think of it as form meets function 2.0. Footwear manufacturers have been designing more attractive high-performance boots, running sneakers and hiking shoes for years. That’s bound to be more evident than ever at Winter Market 2015, when the show floor will be chock-full of new products that effortlessly migrate from the woods into the city by employing both natural and synthetic materials.

From Ahnu’s West Portal, made with waterproof leather textured to resemble reptile skin, to Chaco’s ankle-height wool-leather-recycled rubber Hopi Boot (outfitted with an antiqued buckle), trudging through sleeting rain has never been more comfortable.

Cold-loving runners need not worry, as manufacturers are innovating with low-profile trail runners and light hikers designed to repel grit and improve dicey winter running.

“We’ve definitely been watching the rise of the ‘maximal’ movement,” said Kristina Owen, product category associate for Salomon, which will be launching three S-Lab Line running shoes designed for muddy, icy conditions.

The next generation of winter trail running footwear features meticulously designed traction coupled with cushioned soles (so long, barefoot running!), along with constructions and technologies that allow for enhanced foot precision on technical, slippery trails.

>>Bogs adds a tall model to its Juno Lace line (MSRP $180). Featuring a bungee lacing system, this quilted, waterproof boot contains a plush fleece lining with DuraFresh to fight foot odor. Rated to -20 degrees, Juno Lace includes a contoured EVA footbed and an anti-slip outsole for enhanced comfort and traction.

>>Salewa’s Alpine Trip GTX (MSRP $189) for men and women employs Gore-Tex’s new Surround Technology, which keeps feet dry inside and out by repelling water and allowing sweat to exit through a breathable sole. A low-profile cut, muted Italian waxed leather upper and accent color stitching target this shoe for crossover and adventure travel purposes.

>>Chaco’s Women’s Hopi boot (MSRP $160) is made from natural materials like variegated wool and full-grain leather, with a wool and fleece lining. Available in four colors, it sports rustic details like a subtle chevron accent, aged hardware and 3-millimeter lug depth soles.

>>Salomon aims to deliver a high-end winter running shoe with its S-Lab Wings Soft Ground (MSRP $180). A tight upper weave keeps out grit, while enlarged and strategically placed lugs ensure multidirectional traction on technical terrain. Paired with greater cushioning and a lightweight, thin midsole layer for flexible rock protection, these are “perfect downhill racing weapons,” said Owen.

>>Ahnu’s West Portal Boot for women (MSRP $185) is crafted from stylish full-grain, waterproof leather with an embossed-reptile finish. Most at home in wet, slushy urban streets, the boots boast blown-rubber soles that contain air, making them more flexible, shock-absorbent and lighter than boots with injection-molded soles.

>> Available in three heights, Ranger’s Pike boots (MSRPs $90-$125) are waterproof, thanks to their rubber and neoprene materials and sturdy construction. A fleece liner adds comfort and long-lasting wearability.

>> Ecco’s Yura hikers for men and women (MSRP $150) feature a low-to-the ground design that contains technical chops and casual styling. A suede and Gore-Tex upper keeps feet dry on muddy climbing approaches.

–Jenna Blumenfeld

These are just a few of the new products to debut at the show. Be sure to check out much more new and trends in the O.R. Daily, Days 1-4, published live at the show, and available digital format each day of print on SNEWS.