The Outdoor Retailer 2010 Winter Market continued to impress as gear companies put new, innovative technology on display. Tecnica has a couple of new ski boots for this year, including four models that feature Air Shell Fit Technology. Remember old Nike Air basketball shoes, or the inflatable Thanksgiving turkey from Saturday Night Live? Well, Tecnica is bringing that idea back, but without the cheese.
On the back of the boot, there are two pumps that control the air level in separate air bladders between the liner and shell. The idea is to fill in the gaps between foot, liner and shell to create a more comfortable, customizable, and better performing boot. There are also two release buttons that deflate the bladders so you can adjust the fit on the fly.
Air Shell Fit Technology will be introduced in 4 models, 2 men’s and 2 women’s, within the Phoenix Series: for men, the Phoenix 100 Air Shell and Phoenix 90 Air Shell and for women, the Viva P 100 Air Shell and Viva P80 Air Shell.
Tecnica is also releasing a new line of high-performance racing boots that will appeal to regular consumers. A lot of good skiers prefer a low volume, stiff boot but hate how difficult it can be to get those kinds of boots on and off. Some days it feels like an entire bottle of vegetable oil is needed squeeze into World Cup boots, so Tecnica set out to solve that problem with the Inferno by inventing the Quick Instep System.
This system involves a softer piece of plastic co-molded in the instep area that easily allows the foot to slide in and out of the boot without sacrificing downhill performance. In fact, downhill performance is beefed up with the Inferno as it also features a carbon steel frame “Power Chassis” that is integrated into the sole of the boot. The advantage if this is lots of rigidity and better power transfer between ski and boot. Add a Power Lock Strap with a buckle and the Inferno has everything hard-charging skiers need in a stiff race boot.
In addition to ski boots, Tecnica is coming out with new light hiking and trail running shoes. The Tarantula is part of the Enduro line and is meant for outdoor athletes who like shoes that are light and fast.
The Viper Low is more speed hiker than runner, but is also very lightweight and versatile. They seem to be appropriate for running on the singletrack or going on day hikes with a light load. Both shoes feature “rolling rocker” to maximize forward energy transfer by rounding the soles. According to Tecnica, rolling the energy forward makes the shoes faster, smoother and provides better grip. For more information about Tecnica and their products, visit their website at www.tecnicausa.com
Smartwool is a company well known for their wool socks and base layers, but new this year at Outdoor Retailer are Merino wool, thermal mid-layers. According to Smartwool, wool is a better material than polyester for outdoor recreation because wool wicks away perspiration in its vapor state, before it can turn into sweat. Plus, wool doesn’t stink like polyester after hard workouts. Combined with their wool baselayers, Smartwool is offering a complete wool layering system to keep people warm and dry.
Also new this year from Smartwool are graduated compression socks. These socks apply pressure from the ankle to the knee, which helps with circulation and increases blood-flow to the heart. An added benefit of this is faster body recovery after a hard day outside. Compression socks have been around for a long time, but Smartwool is the first company to make them with Merino wool. For more from Smartwool, visit www.smartwool.com
Dale of Norway is a 130-year-old company whose wool sweaters conjure up images of snowflake knit designs on sweaters grandpa used to wear in the ski lodge. The company still sells these sweaters, but they’re also creating very cool technical outerwear… that’s knitted. Take the KnitShell Jacket for example. It’s knitted Merino wool, but it’s windproof and water resistant enough to be worn as a ski shell. Dale, along with Gore, has come up with a way to combine windstopper material with wool, creating an ultra-breathable jacket that will also stay dry.
I had my doubts about this, until the Dale of Norway rep poured water into the jacket to prove how water repellent a knitted jacket can be. I was impressed.
Dale of Norway is also releasing technical mid-layers like this Merino hoody that I was really drawn to.
Of course if you’re in the Merino wool business, you have to make a baselayer. This 100% Merino long sleeve shirt comes in three different colors and looks great for anything from skiing to winter trail running or biking. For more info, check out the Dale of Norway website.
At the Outdoor Retailer 2010 Winter Market, Thorlos is offering retailers a new line of performance socks for runners and skiers. On the running side of things, there is the Experia socks with Thorlo Pads. The company has put thick pads on the heels and front of the sock to cushion the foot and protect from impact and shear during activity. By putting the thick material where it is needed while leaving the rest of the sock thin and lightweight, the socks provide protection along with a snug fit.
Thorlos is also releasing ski and snowboard socks made from Thor-Wick yarn, made from 100% recycled material, namely water bottles. The Thor-Wick material wicks moisture away for dry, warm feet and are environmentally friendly. They come in several different styles based on the ability level of the skier. For more about Thorlos, visit them online.
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