Cloggens Steps Up with New Generation of Comfort Casual Shoes

Portland, Ore. (April 19, 2006) Cloggensâ„¢, an innovative newcomer to the footwear scene, is pioneering a new level of performance, fit and style in molded comfort shoes. Cloggens debuts with its fall ’06 line, which brings major product “firsts,” including patent-pending Comfasolesâ„¢ footbeds, and a women’s specific last. Combining sleek, athletic footwear-inspired designs with enhanced cushioning, stability and moisture management, Cloggens is upping the ante in this popular lightweight shoe segment.

Cloggens co-founder Troy Lewis was intrigued by the success of Crocsâ„¢, a leading molded comfort footwear brand, but saw an opportunity to improve on overall performance through technology and innovation.
“Rather than coming in with a ‘me too’ product, we looked at what was missing and how we could bring something different to the table,” explains Lewis. “With the consumer demand for comfort at an all-time high, Cloggens focused on making shoes that feel and fit even better, are easier to wear, have more style and added features—all at a great value.”

Lewis notes that as more brands have begun entering this special segment, there have been concerns about patent infringements.

Cloggens has a strong respect for other companies’ patents and have not, nor will we intentionally, infringe on another’s property. By the same token, we will vigorously defend our own patent-pending designs, which we worked hard to create.”

The company developed a women’s specific last and unique comfort insoles to address key factors such as the significant difference between women’s and men’s feet, as well as improved cushioning, moisture-management and breathability.

Consumers are already embracing this lightweight, molded comfort footwear, but want something that fits better and offers more comfort and style,” adds Lewis. “That’s what distinguishes Cloggens from the rest of the brands out there.”

For retailers, the Cloggens brand is a welcome addition with its advanced- performance features, fashion-forward styling and competitive pricing.

Cloggens shoes are made from a lightweight, durable and easy-to-clean patented
C-Formaâ„¢ material for a variety of indoor and outdoor wearing occasions, from walking the dog or shopping at the mall to beachcombing or just kicking around the house.

The company’s exclusive Comfasoles footbeds help solve the problem of sweaty feet, and the interchangeable insoles are anatomically sculpted to naturally support the arch as well as enhance flexibility and cushioning. The cupped heel ensures that every Cloggens shoe moves in unison with the foot, while protecting and stabilizing the heel.

The anti-bacterial and anti-microbial upper is odor-resistant and offers maximum cooling and comfort with strategically placed venting in the toebox. The heel strap’s proprietary design includes snaps, which allow the strap to easily detach for added versatility. A durable, abrasion-resistant outsole is non-marking and incorporates Cloggens’ distinctive lug pattern to prevent slipping and increase traction.
Based on the enthusiastic response from retailers, both domestic and international, the company is unveiling its spring ’07 collection at the WSA and Outdoor Retailer trade shows in August. The new line will include three new men’s and women’s models as well as an expanded color palette in the inaugural Baja and Rio styles.

For fall ’06, Cloggens introduced the sporty Rio, which features a groundbreaking women’s specific last, a slightly raised heel and sleek design. This model comes in seven colors and in women’s whole sizes 5 – 12. The all-terrain Baja combines modern styling with support and comfort—a perfect shoe for anytime wear. Presented in six colors, the Baja comes in unisex whole sizes 1 – 13. Both shoes have a suggested retail price of $34.99 and will be available internationally in a variety of stores and through select online retailers beginning in May ’06.

Located in Portland, Ore., Cloggens was created in October 2005 to offer consumers a better line of molded comfort shoes. In a few short months, the company has assembled a team of footwear industry veterans and brought to market this new generation of lightweight “shoes for humans.” More information can be found on the company’s web site, www.cloggens.com.

###