American skate brand Vans has unveiled the 'UltraRange EXO Hi GORE-TEX MTE-2,' a new waterproof boot-sneaker hybrid that's built for traversing rugged terrains.
Far from Vans' iconic skate shoes, these high-performance technical sneakers appear to represent the brand's move to break into the increasingly popular hiking footwear category. According to Vans, the shoe is designed to withstand rain, mud, and snow, encouraging customers to get outside and tackle the toughest of trails.
The shoes feature a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof membrane layered underneath waterproof suede and synthetic uppers. The outsole consists of Van's new cold-weather rubber material called 'All-Trac,' while the interior features zoned 'Primaloft Insulation.' The new 'UltraRange Exo' is available now at the Vans store, where it is offered in two colorways -- 'All-Black' and 'Daschshun Brown.'
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hiking Sneaker Hybrid
- The trend of creating hybrid hiking shoes opens up opportunities to merge fashion with function and cater to consumers' diverse interests and needs.
- Waterproof Membrane Technology
- The trend of integrating waterproof membrane technology in sneakers creates opportunities to explore new applications and provide better protection for outdoor activities, pushing the boundaries of footwear design and engineering.
- Cold-weather Rubber Material
- The trend of developing cold-weather rubber material for soles creates opportunities for brands to offer more durable, high-performance footwear that can withstand extreme outdoor conditions and provide better traction and stability.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Footwear Manufacturing
- The footwear manufacturing industry can leverage the trend of creating hybrid hiking shoes to expand their product lines and reach new outdoor enthusiasts, as well as innovate in materials, design, and production processes.
- Outdoor Sports and Activities
- The outdoor sports and activities industry can benefit from incorporating waterproof membrane technology and cold-weather rubber material in their products to enhance the performance and safety of their equipment and gear, providing better user experiences.
- Fashion and Lifestyle
- The fashion and lifestyle industries can tap into the trend of designing stylish and functional outdoor shoes that reflect consumers' preferences and values, bridging the gap between urban and outdoor aesthetics and creating new fashion statements and subcultures.
