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Outdoor Retailer-Cool Gears, Trends+Gadgets-Winter Traction

Outdoor Retailer, SLC

Cool gear, gadgets, trends… a few highlights of the latest OR show that took place in January 2014.

AHHHHHH…GET A GRIP! Part 9

-Although the past two winters made multi-seasonal footwear the mantra must for many outdoor brands-THIS past winter that supposed to end this week- was a reminder that icy conditions need special traction for those on the go…

Several new innovations were up to the additional challenges of moving upright- on slippery ice-providing extra grip akin to adding chains on automobile tires…a familiar requirement on Rocky Mountain ski resort roads…though even snowbird destinations probably could have used the past few months! 


Altra Footwear-Olympic trail runner---quite the outsole for a minimalist inspire running shoe

Jambu- uses German company Tecvision''s techy spike system- for its new retractible steel studded Flex Climber… as seen at Demo Day.


pull back and dial around-retractable tungsten carbide spike---men's+women's-water proof too w/ anti-bacterial lining and footbed


shuts flat into boot when not needed…in brown with orange pops in outsole… also in black leather with red pops…black+turquoise pops $299
More winter-ready Hyper Grip designs are made from partially recycled materials…and also feature micro-glass filaments embedded in the mix for extra traction on icy and wet terrain...
Other weather ready options feature Jambu's Hyper Grip City---selections include women's Perla water resistant oiled leather boot $159






Cube kid suede/vintage leather water resistant


Aero-lace ups water resistant vintage leather


Jambu's Hyper Grip Sport-waterproof low cut options men/women in nubuck/oily leather suede $199-$129


Hyper Grip Sport-on left---Tuscany for women-tumbled nubuck/oily leather $119



Icebug-a Swedish company delivers technologically proficient outsoles that banish fears of slippery surface mishaps-BUGgrip® and BUGweb®-paired with lightweight uppers designed for runners and walkers---or without with grippy RB9X sticky rubber…


JUNIPER BUGdri membrane- in-sport boot-waterproof and comfy warm-


sticky rubber- durable… with RB9X -without BUGgrip-reminds us of climbing shoes outsoles.$154.965






Mid cut walking boot-Juniper w/ BUGgrip® $169.95


Juniper with… BUGgrip®-super sticky rubber+patented 19 integrated carbide studs that flex+move independently-..



New-Aurora-winter trail runners-with BUGgrip  $194.95
w/ 19 studs...


Enlight Trail Runner-with RB9X traction-grippy +durable on the trail or  asphalt


Diana L keeps feet dry& warm Oily Nubuck leather boot-w/ warm Woolpower® 60% Merino wool lining…cute! With BUGgrip outsole $194.95. Made for BUGweb version $184.95



BUGweb®-six carbon studs special design fits into outsole $32.95 


tough, snag+brush resistant 900 denier nylon upper, heat sealed seams and RF weld construction=100% waterproof, removable EVA insole, adjustable hook+loop belt strap.
NEOS New England OverShoes---we just learned about this brand at the last OR show and there is a lot to admire …including …the above pictured River Trekker Hipper with its grippy Vibram Ninja™ deep treaded outsole.
Navigator-roll away gaiter extends 20", 840 denier polyester upper and 4mm polyurethane foam insulation-comfort+protection



The STABILicers® outsoles with 32 replaceable cleats per pair embedded in the sole-helps maintain traction in the worst winter conditions…featured in 3, waterproof and insulated shoes- Navigator 5 pictured above, Explorer, and Voyager--- with replacement cleats sold separately
STABILicers® outsoles
We saw Canada's Pajar winter footwear at a NYC preview…the brand is at OR-too.








Very cool- the Ice Grippers traction devices. When not needed-the grippers fold into their compartment  (swing it reverse)---in the outsole-



grippers swing -one way with metal grips up for icy terrain-the other way-flat smooth




a hand held hook to open the grippers' part-lock into place in the outsole...then easily flip over to other smooth side when not needed.
Salomon showed many styles featuring its proprietary CONTRAGRIP® rubber compound-for outsoles that provide excellent traction… including these state of the art warm Toundra Mid boots.
Salomon Toundra Mid WP-women-with Contragrip®-specific rubber compound with tread design based on snow tires….and Aerotherm® insulating tech developed for NAS, full membrane with gusseted tongue and protective rubber cap. Gore-Tex version-breathable+waterproof












Slopecruiser cp w/ Primaloft, Climaproof® waterproof membrane $140


secure snowshoes-












ADIDAS Outdoors-snazzy looking-the iconic three side stripes in a padded, insulated lace-up Slopecrusier-in new color waves for Winter 2014….has serious treaded outsoles with the brand's proprietary Traxion™outsole. Handsome street wear kicks---buy asap-these sold out in Fall 2013.
Traxion™outsole for traction lugged outsole


Wearing slippers outside instead of shoes-is not for just the daffy elderly ----but is now SOP on many college campuses.


FYI-Since we got a pair of the cozy ACORN Mocs a best seller for the brand's past 20 years…with the non-slip weatherproof outsole and sink into comfort foam footbeds- from heel to toe…we totally get it. The shoe versions of these the Acorn slipper- are a bit beefier in construction but equally as comfy.

PART 1
PART 2
PART 3 
PART 4
PART 5
PART 6
PART 7
PART 8