KITH founder Ronnie Fieg works in collaboration with Minnesota-based footwear brand Vasque to create the Skywalk VTX Boots. The shoes are defined by their highly durable build, making them almost indestructible. The silhouette is crafted with expertise from Vasque's 60 years of work. It is made from ballistic nylon paneling along the upper, which is a material historically optimized in the military.
Fieg shares with Highsnobiety, "Vasque has been a part of my life since I began working in footwear thirty years ago. When I started in retail, I had the chance to really learn about product by holding it, seeing it, and examining it. That’s something I fear is lost today. The curiosity to learn about a product in-person, rather than just reading about it online. Because when you are able to spend time with product up-close the way I have, you learn what qualities separate good from great. Vasque is how I would define great."
Image Credit: KITH
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Collaboration-driven Footwear
- Brands partnering to create unique, high-quality products like the Skywalk VTX Boots is reshaping industry standards and customer expectations.
- Military-grade Materials in Consumer Products
- Utilizing durable, military-tested materials in everyday items is becoming increasingly common, offering unparalleled quality and performance.
- Heritage-influenced Design
- Footwear designs influenced by brands with decades of expertise are blending nostalgia with modern innovation to attract discerning consumers.
Sectors Adopting This
- Footwear Industry
- The integration of highly durable materials in footwear is leading to longer-lasting products, potentially revolutionizing the market's expectations for quality.
- Outdoor Gear Market
- Incorporating robust, military-grade materials into outdoor gear and apparel is pushing the boundaries of product resilience and consumer trust.
- Fashion Industry
- Collaborations between established brands are paving the way for unique, heritage-rich products that captivate both new and loyal customers.
