New from Vasque at the 2014 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is the Inhaler Collection. So named because the company says these boots and shoes practically breathe.
Inhaler Series
Coming in Spring ’15, the Inhaler collection will include a mid-version with GORE-TEX® and a Low version that comes with or without GORE-TEX®. The Inhalers are built upon an Equalizer Last with an EVA midsole. But what makes them so light weight and breathable is a structural ventilation of mesh, perforated foam and air-permeable toe and heel counters for maximum air flow. Plus, the combination of the “Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Pneumatic outsole” and “Megagrip rubber” will provide superior traction.
Vasque says both the mid and low versions of the Inhaler are built upon the same bottom package. The mid-version is called the Inhaler GTX, and is only available with GORE-TEX® and comes in two colors for men and two for women with an MSRP of $159.99. The Inhaler Low is available in a GORE-TEX and non-GORE-TEX version and comes in two colors for men and two for women as well. MSRP $139.99 w/ GORE-TEX and $119.99 w/o GORE-TEX.
Trail Bender SST and Pendulum II
In addition to the Inhaler line, Vasque unveiled the new Trail Bender SST and Pendulum II trail running shoes. They say these kicks are purpose built for “rocky, rooty, winding trails where agility and underfoot protection are a necessity.”
Vasque describes the Trail Bender SST as a “maximalist” (maximum minimalism?) trail runner with conformable EVA pods and a 4mm PU foam footbed that molds to a runner’s foot. A bonded static air mesh upper and lacing system hold the foot securely and the Vasque Morpheus outsole, with stability and multi-directional lateral lugs help with balance and traction. Question is, will they bend the trail to your will? We can find out this spring as the Trail Bender SST will be available in both men’s and women’s in two colors for each. MSRP $139.99.
The Pendulum II is an update to the popular Pendulum. This version, however, is supposed to be a lighter, faster, more technical trail runner. Vasque says the Pendulum II falls right in the middle between maximalist and minimalist with a completely bonded upper that eliminates issues such as hot spots and blisters. Plus, the Pendulum II’s midsole is designed to completely conform to a runner’s foot for excellent fit. The Pendulum II also comes in a GORE-TEX® version with Gore Flex construction for a natural, conformable fit in a waterproof/ breathable trail runner.
Look for all of these new shoes and boots from Vasque early next year.