Vasque® Aether Tech Wins Outside’s Gear of the Year

Red Wing, MN – Vasque outdoor footwear announces today they are the recipient of the coveted Outside Buyer’s Guide 2008 Gear of the Year award for their just released Aether Tech trail running shoe.

Taking the accolade for Best Trail Shoe, the Vasque Aether Tech hits the trail as the lightest and fastest shoe to date by the company. The shoe is built for short to mid-distances and offers a blend of comfort and technology at a mere 12.2 ounces. The Aether Tech utilizes the BOA® Technology closure system for those interested in a faster, cleaner lacing system. The innovative tongue mount reel is positioned in the front of the shoe to insure even tension with a secure, comfortable fit. Vasque is the first company to utilize the tongue mount reel in a trail running shoe for enhanced efficiency.

“I knew we had a winner the first time I took the Aether Tech out on our local river bluff trail circuit,” says senior product manager Brian Hall. “We worked hard to develop a shoe that could master the unpredictability of the trail while simultaneously delivering a mid-sole package that was light, stable and extremely comfortable.”

Trail running is a major initiative at Vasque headquarters. A large amount of resources have been allocated to the R&D and marketing of their trail running collection. This year, Vasque is giving back to the running community with the North American Trail Tour (NATT), a program that supports 112 grassroots trail races throughout the United States and Canada.

“As a manufacturer of high-performance, technical trail running shoes, we feel it is equally important to join forces with those who are making a difference at the trailhead,” says outdoor division director and Vasque brand manager Mark Dinndorf. “This award validates all our efforts internally and externally, and we’re thrilled and honored to receive it.”

Also garnering high honors in the Outside Buyer’s Guide is the Vasque Ranger GTX. Touted as the Killer Value in the light hiker category, the Ranger is a highly breathable, waterproof, lightweight hiker built for the price conscientious consumer.

About Vasque
As a company that designs footwear to fit the specific needs of its customers, Vasque has a team of accomplished athletes that report straight from the mountains and trails. This hands-on relationship ensures that Vasque shoes perform in real conditions time after time. The Vasque commitment to developing products inspired by those who wear them has naturally created forty years worth of long-term brand loyalty. The current product line includes award-winning trail running, crossover, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and a just released kids’ collection. www.vasque.com

About Outside
Outside is America’s number one active lifestyle magazine, with over two million readers a month. For 30 years, we’ve been dedicated to covering travel, sports, adventure, health and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. Along with many other accolades, Outside is the only magazine to receive three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence. Please visit us at www.Outsideonline.com.

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