KEEN taps the help of Japanese outdoors brand SOUTH2 WEST8 to create the new WAIMEA H2 sandal silhouette that is set to join the Spring/Summer 2022 roster. The design centers on comfort as the main focus and is marked with branding details throughout.
The sandal has strong toe protection with additional details such as the shock-absorbing base and the stable EVA midsole foundation. At the interior detail, there is a support mechanism that is added for a touch of comfort. This is engineered specifically to ensure that the arch has extra support to mold to the wearer's foot shape. The sandal itself is designed in a black colorway with the signature deer horn emblem true to SOUTH2 WEST8 embroidered in white over the strap.
Image Credit: KEEN
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Comfort-centric Outdoor Footwear
- There is an opportunity for companies to innovate by prioritizing comfort in their outdoor footwear designs.
- Collaborative Branding Efforts
- More brands could benefit from partnering with other brands to create unique and recognizable collaborative products.
- Technical Fashion Accessories
- There is room for growth in developing accessories that merge practicality and comfort with fashion-forward design.
Where This Applies
- Outdoor Apparel and Footwear
- Companies in the outdoor apparel and footwear industry can benefit from prioritizing comfort in their designs and collaborating with other brands for added recognition and differentiation.
- Fashion Collaboration
- More fashion brands could explore partnerships with other brands to create unique and marketable products.
- Accessories Industry
- Opportunities exist for companies in the accessories industry to create products that merge technical features and practicality with fashion-forward design.
