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Escape channels
As a result, boots such as the Norsehund Alpha and the
Norsehund Omega have airflow channels built into them to
help air escape when the foot moves inside. This is
combined with a lining made from fleece material with a
proprietary treatment to give moisture-wicking functionality
and move sweat away from the foot. Merrell says its thermo-
regulation system, Opti-warm, helps to make winter boots
“functional”, another reference to the relationship between
warmth and dryness.
The Alpha has a removable booty, which Merrell says offers
the highest level of air flow. This is less obvious in the Omega,
which has no booty, but here too the design provides a better
level of airflow than boots without ColdSmart, allowing air to
escape and preventing the foot from becoming moist and
then cold because of the trapped moisture. “A key
component to foot comfort is moisture management, as you
walk in your boots, air is forced to move around your foot,”
Merrell states, “and the channels built into ColdSmart allow
this movement of air to continue, which in turn keeps the foot
temperature regulated.”
Like a wolf
Thermo-comfort aside, another feature of the new collection
and of ColdSmart is that it uses high-surface lugs (seven
millimetres in depth) on the sole to keep wearers from
slipping. The footwear brand says ColdSmart Traction will allow
the boots to work like a wolf’s paw for traction, while a
moulded TPU shank gives added support. The perimeter lugs
on the Norsehund Omega Mid Waterproof are designed to
grip ice and wet surfaces while the positioning of the inner lugs
gives added traction and prevents a build-up of snow on the
outsole, another measure for keeping wearers on their feet in
slippery conditions.
Products in the women’s winter sport range include the
Whiteout 8 Waterproof and the Snowbound Mid Waterproof
mid-height boots. The former has a mix of full grain leather
and fabric in the upper with a waterproof membrane
underneath to provide a breathable barrier to moisture from
the outside. It has Opti-warm synthetic insulation and a
ColdProof Ortholite footbed for insulation. Traction comes
from the six-millimetre sole lugs while the midsole has a silver
reflective film for added warmth in another proprietary system,
ActiveHeat Insole. It also has a compression moulded EVA
footframe and air cushion in the heel to absorb shock and add
stability. At the front, the Snowbound Mid Waterproof has a
TPU shell for added protection while the upper has a strobe
construction to offer flexibility and comfort. The synthetic lining
material in this model is thinner to reduce the boot’s overall
weight, but Merrell is keen to emphasise the high level of
technical detail all the way through the new range.
Wolverine World Wide announced at the start of May that it
was acquiring the performance and outdoor segments of
Collective Brands. Wolverine chief executive, Blake Krueger,
said at the time that he envisaged that one of the new brands,
Saucony, and Merrell would complement one another well.
Naturally, this will also mean some internal rivalry between
the two.
Mr Krueger describes Saucony as an authentic athletic
brand with deep roots in running and of “great strategic
importance”. He says: “Saucony will continue to carve out
market share. Together with Merrell, it will be very powerful
across the growing categories of training, running, trail,
minimalist and barefoot. Both brands are rooted in
technology and innovation and will provide a broad offering
for retailers and consumers.” The team at Merrell clearly
wanted to waste no time in showing that its commitment to
innovation is as strong as ever.
35
TECHNICAL TURNS FOR MERRELL
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 | www.footwearbiz.com
The Norsehund Omega (left) combines a full grain leather upper
with Merrell’s Opti-warm synthetic insulation.
The Norsehund Alpha (right) is a tall winter boot with a TPU shell
on the upper for durability and protection.