Confidence from outdoor footwear industry
In the run-up to the OutDoor trade show in Germany, organisers polled footwear brands to gauge market sentiment. "There’s continued high demand from end consumers, although it’s more strongly differentiated and quality-orientated than it was two years ago,” said Rolf Eberhard, marketing manager at Lowa.
Keen says it is bringing a new concept to OutDoor. The Uneek lifestyle sandal consists of not much more than two cords and a sole. Sales director Thomas Lange said the sandal is a "revolution that questions conventional shoemaking”.
Columbia is building on multiple areas of use, "Our Ventrailia is a multi-talented all-rounder, whether for short hikes, easier sections of climbing or trail running,” it said.
‘Approach’ shoes – a cross between a technical and lifestyle product – are growing in popularity and Hanwag and Italian producer La Sportiva (pictured) have expanded their approach categories. "Our 'Scratch' and 'Mix' models have good wear comfort and a casual design that also makes them ideal for leisure and urban use - as such they bridge the gap between performance and lifestyle footwear,” said Robert Demetz, La Sportiva’s sales manager.
OutDoor takes place in Friedrichshafen between July 10 and 13.
