If it’s one thing a girl loves…its shoes. So imagine how much I love walking around the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011, and looking at shoes that are not only functional but fashionable. I swung by the Acorn, Baffin, Bear Paw and Rockport booths to see what was new to the market.
At the Acorn booth I stumbled upon the tech travel moc for both men and women. Five years ago, Acorn first started making the tech travel wrap for women. With great success the shoe took off into an under sought product category, travel/recovery shoe. These are ultra-lightweight, comfortable slip-ons that have a heel to toe cushion and a micro-suede outsole. You can stuff it into a carry on tote and wear them on the plane, train, or automobile. Or just wear them around the house or campsite when your toes need a little love.
The Baffin booth was a two for one with their breakout eco-friendly shoe line PUR. With the launch of the Trail to Rapids line, Baffin is excited about this new outer sole with water draining technology. A metallic, mesh bottom allows for water to drain without debris getting in. This technology is available in several styles of shoe for both men and women. As for the PUR line, shoes are made from vegetable tanned leathers, reusable resources where possible and other recycled goods. This line specializes in organic, comfy shoes, that conform to the foot. These shoes look basic but comfortable.
Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, BEARPAW is known for its slippers and boots, they want their loyal followers to have a simple lightweight shoe for the summer. They are launching a spring 2012 line in December. This will be the first footwear they carry that doesn’t have sheepskin lining; a big move to become more mainstream. BEARPAW will be offering canvas shoes with intricate designs and flip flops that will have the tell tale “bearpaw” on the sole. These shoes are meant to be worn after a long hike and let your foot breathe after a day in performance footwear.
Last, Rockport was highlighting their new Nautical line that will launch in February for Spring 2012. This walk-able performance footwear is targeting the metro professional. This line has water draining ports, that keep water from squishing out the tops of the shoe. Adidas science, adiPrene is used to make this nautical shoe functional and comfortable. Don’t forget Rockport has a 30-day walk-ability guarantee, if you don’t like them you can return them in that time, no questions asked.