# Lightweight Agile Runners The Vertex Alpine is a Complete Rethinking of the Approach Shoe By Grace Mahas | Published 2024-03-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertex-alpine References: [arcteryx](https://arcteryx.com/ca/en/shop/footwear/)  [Arc'teryx](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertex-gtx) reimagines the approach shoe with the introduction of the Vertex Alpine ($200). Designed to conquer challenging terrain, this shoe prioritizes both speed and flexibility. Inspired by athlete insights, the Vertex Alpine offers a unique blend of lightweight agility and the crucial support and protection needed for technical climbs. This innovative design merges the comfort of a running shoe with the ruggedness of an approach shoe, making it ideal for long treks with technical sections. The [Vibram®](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norvan-nivalis-gtx) [XS Flash 2](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcteryx-launches-the-konseal-shoe) outsole guarantees exceptional grip on various surfaces, wet or dry, while a TPU shank and toe cap shield your feet. A knit collar provides an added layer of protection against debris. For those tackling challenging weather, the Vertex Alpine GTX ($250) boasts a full GORE-TEX liner for complete waterproof protection. As Arc'teryx athlete Mike Gardner highlights, the shoe prioritizes both comfort and performance: "The Vertex Alpine excels on long alpine missions, adapting to everything from moderate climbs to long, rugged trails." Image Credit: Arc'teryx ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.2/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 22% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Lightweight Agility:** The Vertex Alpine offers a unique blend of lightweight agility and crucial support for technical climbs. - **Versatile Performance:** The shoe merges the comfort of a running shoe with the ruggedness of an approach shoe, making it ideal for long treks with technical sections. - **Advanced Protection:** Features like the Vibram® XS Flash 2 outsole, TPU shank, toe cap, and knit collar provide exceptional protection against debris and various surfaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Outdoor Gear:** The introduction of the Vertex Alpine disrupts the outdoor gear industry by reimagining approach shoes for challenging terrain. - **Athletic Footwear:** Arc'teryx's innovative approach shoe design presents disruptive opportunities within the athletic footwear industry for lightweight agility and rugged performance. - **Performance Apparel:** The integration of innovative materials like GORE-TEX in the Vertex Alpine disrupts the performance apparel industry, offering advanced protection for challenging weather conditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Winter-Ready GORE-Tex Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertex-gtx.md) - [Mountain-Ready Footwear Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcteryx-footwear.md) - [Quick-Lace Winter Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerios-nivalis-gtx.md) - [Performance Mountain-Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcteryxs-sylan.md) - [Long-Distance Alpine Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norvan-nivalis-gtx.md) - [Inaugural Rugged Footwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trail-footwear.md) - [Post-Climb Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcteryx-kragg.md) - [Performance-Driven Footwear Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcteryx-launches-the-konseal-shoe.md) - [Performance-Driven Mountain Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/konseal.md)