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is clear. Asics has been searching for the best outdoor
company to complement their core business and Haglöfs has
foreseen a need to find a partner with the knowledge and
capacity to assist the company in a global expansion.
“Even though there are differences in size as well as in
origin there are many similarities uniting Asics and Haglöfs.
Both brands have a premium position and we share the
same philosophy in everything from how we develop to how
we differentiate our products. At the same time it's important
to point out that even though we will now become family
both companies will keep their own identity.”
As part of its expansion plans, Haglöfs is now setting its
sights on more markets, specifically in Asia. As part of its
Asian establishment plan, Haglöfs opened a subsidiary in
South Korea earlier this year. It is also aiming to become “a
leader in the areas of technical outdoor and sustainability in
all key global markets”.
“Sustainability and negative changes to the earth’s climate
and ecosystems are key issues for Haglöfs and humanity in
general. Sustainability is a natural and integral part of
Haglöfs’ day-to-day business,” the company states. With this
in mind, the new sandals have been made in what the
company describes as a sustainable way, with sustainable
materials. The webbing of the sandals is made of 100%
recycled polyester. The footbed and midsole also have 15%
cork which has been added in order to reduce the proportion
of petroleum-based materials.
Supporting the foot
All three of the new sandals are water-repellent, non-
absorbent and quick-drying, as well as having toe
protection, Haglöfs says. The footbeds also feature Polygenie
Natural Silver Salt Technology as odour control.
The Haglöfs Röse “combines the stability of closed shoes
with the comfort of sandals,” the company states. “A
closed-toe front gives increased protection and the
sandal’s stability also makes it suitable for longer hikes in
the mountains with gear.”
The Kobbe can be used for everyday use or hiking. It is a
little more closed than the Sele, providing more support
when hiking with a backpack. Finally, the Sele is an open
sandal which, according to Haglöfs, is as light to wear as a
flip-flop.
The Sole footbeds in the shoes feature an orthopaedic
base layer that moulds to the foot. This support gently lifts
the arch into its optimal position. When the arch is properly
supported and the body is aligned, performance is enhanced
in a number of areas, according to Sole. Repetitive shock and
alignment, balance and weight transfer, power and speed,
and energy transfers and endurance are all area in which
Sole claims its footbeds aid the wearer.
The sandals represent another step in Haglöfs’ expansion
of its product offering. For spring 2012, the company will
launch a number of trail walking models developed in
partnership with Asics.
SANDALS WITH SOUL