Patagonia Drifter A/C Shoe Wins Outside's 2010 Gear of the Year Award

Entering its fourth year with footwear, Patagonia has won Outside Magazine’s prestigious Gear of the Year award for its go-anywhere Drifter A/C hiking shoe. The Drifter A/C is a breathable, durable multi-sport shoe and the air conditioned sibling of the popular Drifter GORE-TEX® that was born with the launch of Patagonia Footwear. It is featured in Outside’s Spring/Summer Buyer’s Guide that hit newsstands on May 4, 2010 and will reach 1.3 million outdoor, active enthusiasts.

The Drifter A/C’s breathable air mesh and leather upper is durable and handles varied terrain; its polyester air mesh lining keeps air circulating. The Bi-Fitâ„¢ 80% post-consumer-recycled insole board provides support and stability underfoot. The Vibram® Trail Ecostep® outsole with 30 percent recycle rubber outsole provides excellent traction.

“This award from Outside is a huge honor,” said Sue Harvey Brown, marketing manager for Patagonia Footwear. “While the team has received various ‘green awards’, winning the Gear of the Year is truly a reflection and validation of our mission to build the best product, while causing no unnecessary harm.”

To help promote the award and support the product, the Patagonia Footwear team will be sending shoe talkers and easel cards of the article to accounts that have ordered the product.

For more information on the Drifter A/C and reasons why Outside named it a Gear of the Year winner, see Outside’s video at http://outsideonline.com/gear/gear-video-sp.html?vid=b71bc19e-0eff-4e7b-8698-5194aec5c3cd.

Patagonia, with sales last year of $315M, is noted internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism. Its Environmental Grants Program has contributed over $35M to grassroots environmental activists since the program began in 1985. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically-grown cotton in its clothing line and in Fall 2010 77% of its products are recyclable. Known for a unique corporate culture, the company was named The Coolest Company on the Planet by Fortune Magazine in 2007.