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FASHION & CONSUMER DEMAND
32
WORLD FOOTWEAR | MAY/JUNE 2012
T
here is no end to the brilliant strong solid colours that
we have been seeing recently in sports fashion, for all
active sports including skiing and running. Much of the
new ski wear is brilliantly coloured, with contrast
colour welded waterproof zippers and laminated membranes,
generally in solid block colours, but also in some vibrant prints.
There is fuchsia, lime, orange and cyan blue, both for men and
women. It is a package solution that many companies offer
today. It is not enough just to offer a great trendy product when
the main clothing players offer everything from ski suits to
helmets, gloves, and socks, like Craft of Sweden, all in the same
colour palette.
Keep warm
Some lightweight trail running shoes for winter 2012 come
with electrical pre-heating inside, warmth that can last up to
eight hours. Ski boots and inner sock liners that heat up are also
becoming more common. Omni-Heat technology from
Columbia Sportswear is now tried and tested and was an award
winner at ispo again this year. The boots have two types of
technology, with a battery pack that warms up the boots, or
reflective heat technology. This technology appears on hiking
boots and on trail runners. Battery packs are getting lighter and
slimmer and the technology is becoming more portable where
packs can be recharged in a car cigarette lighter socket. French
insock company Sidas provides a complete package, from a
boot liner that can be warmed with a small battery on a strap,
to gel cushions on the shins to stop chafing. Insocks for ski
boots are heat-moulded for a perfect fit, and now the company
is offering shell boots too.
Luxury and bling-bling
The ispo Vision section represents top quality sportswear
designer labels such as Ludwig Reiter, Sportalm, Lacroix,
Bogner, Armani and with materials that include cashmere.
Luxury is not always understated. Since rich people enjoy winter
sports, too, there are clothes and boots for them to show off in
from brands such as Lacroix, Armani and Bogner. Boots are
often shiny with a bling-bling look, like black patent moon boots
with gold print or leopard print satin and Swarovski crystals that
decorate and sparkle. The Porsche Design collection from
adidas is “very exclusive”, yet still technical. The newest Bounce
running shoe has the famous Bounce technology sole with
engineered pivot mechanism and metal springs, inspired by car
suspension, in a new semi-translucent finish the better to see
the mechanism. Downward strike is converted into horizontal
velocity. The upper mesh is laminated all over with
reinforcement pieces but is still breathable. Inside there are as
few seams as possible for no-sock comfort. Only 500 samples
are being made worldwide.
Heritage looks
At the same time, there is a look back to the past with real
rubber boots especially making a strong comeback, no doubt
inspired by Hunter’s ongoing popularity and the growth of duck
boots, especially in colder climates. Canada-type shell boots,
with a real rubber foot part and leather shaft were totally
updated with felt or cow hair on the leg part by Sorel of Canada,
creating a high-grade new look in boots. And it is the look of
real natural rubber here that attracts because it is matt and the
boots can be multi-coloured and textured. Consumers feel that
rubber is a natural material, with not just a traditional look but
also the impression that it is more environmental sound than,
say, PVC. Old traditional materials such as felt and wool tweed
appear on lots of cozy winter boots and shoes.
Celebating its 80th year, Bogner delivered a wide range of
retro-inspired clothes for younger people; not just Dolomite
authentic boots but natural cow hair even old sailcloth type
parkas in century-old Norwegian style from Amundsen. The real
wool for underwear in retro styles is not just added for technical
There are many seemingly contradictory trends in winter sports footwear, but they
can complement each other too. Very obvious trends at ispo 2012, the international
sports fair in Munich, were colourful, retro, luxury, barefoot, and family winter sports.
Columbia Bugaboot with built-in heating system.
by Penny Leese
Sports trends – colourful,
retro and luxury