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PATAGONIA & MERRELL Footwear Fall 2011 Media Preview

Fifth Avenue, NYC

Words/Images Judith Ecochard

Media previews are more focused than tradeshows/conventions----in that the collections are usually edited down to what will actually ship to retailers.

And so always worth going to even if we have covered the initial displays...in this case Outdoor Retailer.

BEFORE it became acceptable to name one's offspring after destinations and fruit, techy performance brands got those linguistic selections going ---as in the case of the always eco-minded "do no unncessary harm"Patagonia.

Under the Wolverine World Wide corporate umbrella for its footwear...Patagonia focused on winer performance and M/W casual styles.

We revisited some styles from OR Winter---

FIONA QUILTED (High and Mid)...highly water resistant, inside zips and 100% recycled ripstop nylon uppers and 100% percent recycled 100% polyester linings---stretch neoprene for rear leg custom ---Vegan friendly. :)))))









...and focused on what we liked---a lot-including the ladies western inspired Addie collection...the Rider (pictured below), Boot, Tie, Slip-On, Clog, Weave and Tri.


What we would wear tirelessly-the Better Clog Boot lightweight, side zip with that acclaimed Patagonia Air comfy cushion in the heel.

20% recycled outsoles for traction and durability


Better Clog Jane 













SPECIAL NOTE: the Tin Shed men's casual bunch -a logger inspired waterproof collection---features outsoles that are resoleable friendly---spare landfills and keep those kickers perfectly molded to one's feet...also can mail back to partner Mountain Soles (www.mtnsoles.com).
Waterproof and comfort---exceptional quality with recycled components too

TIN SHED 8-welt construction designed to resole locally





















TIN SHED 6 Waterproof -all day comfort, full grain leather upper with organic waxed cotton laces.

PURE casual ---including the TAWA (4th down) a flexible comfy lace-up made with environmentally conscious made suede, waxed cotton canvas and hevea latex sole (form the tree)


















Naked Maui casual slip-on loafer style with natural hemp upper






www.patagonia.com

For 30th birthday brand Merrell---we already covered the new Barefoot collection in collab with Vibram---and the modern take on the best-selling kicker the waterproof Wilderness Canyon  Boot...always recognizable by the bold blue laces and solid Goodyear Welt construction, Vibram wilderness soles...plus laces in 2 additional colors included.
WOMEN'S and MEN's-Merrell Air Cushion in heel, Y-shaped Arch Shank supports and flexes, shock absorption pad for forefoot protection, cushioning ultra lightweight EVA foam midsole, built in flex window upper---keeps ya moving in comfort.


At the preview---we focused in on several models...

Vintage flavored ...Eco-friendly Eagles and Solo Origins on left.  Barefoot styles on right. (For the 411 revisit previous review)

Boots-waterproof and urban stylish...
Wilderness Valley


Wilderness Remix -waterproof leather upper with removeable legwarmer made of 200 grams of Merrell Opti-Warm™  insulation. NICE

Winterbelle= Waterproo,f Opti-Warm™ and Merrell Conductor™ fleece- insulation, grip sticky outsoles & fun color pops

Katia Waterproof

Eleena Waterproof

Natalya Waterproof





















AND what we want----the terrific clog inspired LUXE line. They are easy to wear, comfy, hit the ankle/leg/foot just right so as to not shorten the legs ...and modern enough to keep this Age of Aquarius staple forever desirable.


"The perfect balance of comfort and craft"


AND warm, with a bit a durable grippy heel to rise above the slush after a snowfall that lasts in Manhattan---all of a New York minute usually.


INFO: www.merrell.com