AKU Expands Collection With More Low Profile, Athletic Hiking Boots For Spring/Summer 2016

AKU (ORSM Booth # 29108W), a family-owned Italian footwear company that designs and manufactures high quality hiking, trekking and mountaineering boots, has added several new low profile boots to its 2016 collection. AKU’s 2016 collection will appeal to the core day hiker who enjoys a more athletic inspired, low profile style. All the AKU boots are lightweight, have enhanced breathability, and feature a variety of technical components such as Vibram soles and Gore-tex liners for utmost comfort on the trail. The AKU collection will be available in specialty outdoor stores across the U.S. and online in March 2016. 

“AKU’s new low profile hiking shoe styles feature the technical attributes people expect from AKU, but have more of an urban style, and look just as good in town as they do on the trail,” says Sam McCoubrey, general director at AKU. “We’re not compromising trail functionality with this new collection, AKU features Vibram soles, Gore-tex liners and our own proprietary technologies and construction methods that are proven to make AKU boots perform better than the competition. We think the purist hiker and backpacker will also appreciate what we consider ‘hiking fashion’ when they are not on the trail.”

NEW STYLES FOR 2016:

MIO SURROUND GTX (men’s) – MIO is a multifunctional hiking shoe that is perfect for mid-mountain trails and other active outdoor pursuits. Engineered with the new GORE-TEX SURROUND technology and constructed with side ventilation outlets, moisture and warmth can escape faster so feet stay dry and comfortable all day long. The Vibram Megagrip outsole offers excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces, as well as stability and flexibility on all types of terrain. The AKU IMS-2 midsole system creates a thicker midsole in molded EVA to create the right balance between ground control and shock absorption. All these features result in a lightweight and ultra-breathable hiking shoe that is comfortable in warmer conditions. Color: Black/Turquoise; MSRP: $200

NEF GTX (men’s) – The NEF GTX is a versatile European-inspired lifestyle shoe with hiking shoe features. With a full suede upper, it is suitable for everyday use in the city or on the trail. The AKU IMS-2 midsole system, with molded EVA to conform to the foot, offers all day comfort. The Vibram Megagrip outsole offers excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. The reinforced eyelets make for smooth lacing and a snug fit. Colors: Grey/Orange, Sand/Green; MSRP: $190

GEA GTX (women’s) – The GEA GTX is the perfect shoe for short hikes and day trips for women. This European-inspired lifestyle shoe has technical hiking shoe features that will be appreciated both on the trail and around town. With a full suede upper and the AKU IMS-2 midsole system the GEA fits nicely, right out of the box, without a long break in period. The Vibram Megagrip outsole offers excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. The reinforced eyelets make for smooth lacing and a snug fit. Colors: Dark Grey/Lilac, Grey/Light Blue; MSRP: $190

AGUANA LIGHT (men’s & womens) – The Aguana Light is the perfect lifestyle shoe for the outdoor enthusiast who enjoys the hiking look, even when they are not hiking. This casual shoe from AKU is not intended for technical performance, but embraces the outdoor lifestyle with comfort and breathability for everyday use in warmer and/or wet climates. The upper is constructed with quick-drying mesh and microfiber for durability. The Vibram Megagrip outsole also makes it a good shoe to wear on wet surfaces. Colors: Black/Green, Grey/Red; MSRP: $170

About AKU:

AKU was founded by Galliano Bordin in Italy in 1955. Since then, the company has grown from a small workshop into a company with more than thirty years’ experience in the design and production of high-quality trekking, mountaineering and outdoor footwear. AKU’s production plant is located in Montebelluna, Italy in the province of Treviso. AKU footwear is currently sold in 23 countries. For more info, please visit: www.aku.it/en/

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