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reasons. Real felt boots from Zoar in the US and jackets with
wool tweed and felt for active sports, duffle-inspired in wide
boxy shapes. Fjällräven’s oilskin pants and parkas can be
rewaxed by hand and fixed with an iron, to improve and
maintain waterproofness in a traditional way.
Winter sports are a family affair
More winter sports companies are offering full collections, for
mom and dad and the kids in the same high-tech materials and
in the same colours and styles. Many can offer a collection from
head to foot in matching materials and accessories, from jacket
and pants where the zips match the contrast details, to skis,
gloves, hats and socks. Children’s feet grow too fast, think many
parents, so Roces of Italy showed ski boots with triple sizes that
can grow with the kids, ideal for rental companies to reduce
their inventory. Kids are becoming more fashionable all the
time, but for ease of use, nothing can beat kids’ boots with
touch-and-close fastenings; the two and three strap basic
models from Lowa and Viking are still extremely popular
especially with the boys.
Barefoot running and lightweight
Even though it is winter, there is still plenty of “barefoot”
running. Vibram’s 5 fingers shoes come in winter shoe and
boot styles. Vibram claims that they provide the best protection
in minimal soles, with their separated toe system. The 3D
cocoon enables plantar pressure to be optimised during
motion. It is flexible enough for barefoot running but strong
enough for walking over uneven and rough terrain. There is
strong grip at the heel area, and a moulded nylon mesh panel
in the midsole to prevent sharp rocks and objects penetrating.
The winner of the footwear award in the Performance
segment of the ispo Brand New awards this year was Starringer
with its Freeheel shoes, which it says encourage a new way of
winter forefoot running. The shoe looks like a wooly sheepskin
flip flop with the back cut off. Designed and made in Bavaria, it
prevents overheating, protects against the chill and adapts to the
user’s needs, with less perspiration, claim the makers. The shoes
are soft and resistant and only weigh 80 grammes per pair.
Gaiter effects are now being included in the upper design of
mountain trainers, part of the lighter weight trend. Salewa’s Alp
Trainer has deleted the standard padded collar and replaced it
with an elasticated top collar to reduce bulk and keep debris, as
well as grit and stones, out of the boots. Much of the upper is
Kevlar reinforced textile, to further reduce weight.
Rykä’s everyday fitness running shoes are inspired by the
barefoot running trend, but do not follow it. They are “everyday”
running shoes, very lightweight with lots of forefoot flex in the
dual density sole. The idea is that, with the one-piece upper
and tongue, they can create such a snug fit that there is no
longer any need for socks inside. Minimalist running shoes have
less cushioning, no support and are always neutral to allow the
feet to function as if barefoot. However, to suddenly change
from cushioned footwear to minimalist footwear can lead to
injury, until the body becomes accustomed to the new type of
running. Innov8 from the UK has developed a transitional
system of shoes so runners can progress to barefoot running;
these shoes can gradually encourage the user to change
running style. The company believes that heel strike when you
run is an unnatural action, and minimalist runners strike with
the forefoot.
Even socks are making “barefoot” possible. Akkua’s socks,
with different left and right and strategically placed rubber parts
can be used for gym sports. They are not split at the big toe,
but the first two toes are together, and then the other three toes
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WORLD FOOTWEAR | MAY/JUNE 2012
Starringer’s ispo award winning Freeheel Running Pad.
Roces Idea ski boot
grows with the child
for several years.