La Sportiva Debuts New Styles in Core Footwear Categories Spring 2018
For Spring 2018, La Sportiva debuts three new Mountain Running® models including the first model designed and constructed entirely in Europe. The brand will also debut four hiking boots, three new approach style and four climbing models, all while revamping several well-known climbing models.
“Our product team at the new La Sportiva Innovation Center in Val Di Fiemme has been pushing the envelope of design and it’s evident on the new Unika,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “With a remarkable design and production completely in Europe, the Unika will showcase what’s possible when a brand is willing to question the current norms in a category. Along with all of the other new and updated models for Spring 2018, there’s no question that it will be the brand’s strongest season yet.”
The Unika features a compression-resistant Infinitoo® midsole that uses PU for high energy return and unmatched cushion over time. The lace up harness structurally integrates the uppers of the shoe to the midsole, distributing the tension evenly across the whole foot. The Frixion XF 2.0® outsole compound is super grippy while maintaining light weight. The European made shoe will retail for $190. Additionally, a Mountain Running shoe created specifically for Vertical Kilometer racing called the VK provides a very precise fit via a seamless knitted fabric upper. The 6.9-ounce shoe uses a lightweight rubber sole only in the forefoot to cut weight and will and retail for $135. Lastly, the Lycan is a mid-distance Mountain Running shoe with a focus on comfort for a variety of foot types. The breathable mesh and microfiber reinforcements are paired with an injection molded EVA midsole that is ideal for hard, rocky terrain. The Lycan will retail for $115.
Drawing on the success of the brand’s hiking category in recent seasons, La Sportiva brings two new models to market using updated Gore-Tex Surround® technology. The high-cut Stream GTX and low-cut Spire GTX both use Nano Cell 2.0 technology that works with the Gore-Tex Surround aeration channels within the footbed and midsole to provide waterproof, breathable performance. The uppers on both models are durable air resistance mesh and Vibram XS Trek provides traction and grip and in a lightweight package. The Stream will retail for $199 while the Spire GTX will be a first-to-market exclusive at REI for $190. The new TX5 GTX is a high-cut leather hiking and backpacking boot that utilizes Vibram Mega-Grip with the Impact Brake System for exceptional traction. It will retail for $210. For a blend of trail running and trekking, the Blade GTX allows users to move quickly in the mountains. Abrasion resistant waterproof mesh, microfiber reinforcements, and a flexible sole create a mountain running shoe feel in a supportive boot for $175.
The women’s TX4 Mid, women’s TX4 Mid GTX and TX2 Leather continue to build out La Sportiva’s vibrant approach category. The TX4 is a mid-cut waterproof leather boot ideal for technical approaches and built specifically for women. The Gore-Tex Extended Comfort liner is added to the TX4 Mid GTX for waterproof breathability. The women’s TX4 Mid will retail for $140, while the Gore-Tex version is $190. The TX2 Leather uses a pigskin upper to increase durability but keep the model lightweight and packable. The shoe is extremely versatile and will retail for $125.
In the climbing line, there are four new models and inline enhancements to two more. Responding to market demands, La Sportiva will now offer women’s specific versions of the Skwama, a top seller in 2017, and Futura, one of the only shoes on the market using No-Edge technology. Both models feature designs to specifically cater to female climbers and the Futura will retail for $185 while the women’s Skwama is $165. Building on the success of La Sportiva’s first recycled shoe, the Cobra Eco is built from 85% recycled materials. Climbers will now have a sensitive slipper built with recycled materials for $140. Gym climbers and owners alike will rejoice over the new GeckoGym, the first climbing shoe designed specifically for indoor use that is washable and uses non-marking colored rubber on the outsole. It will retail for $110. In addition to these new models both the Futura and Solution have updated aesthetics and have been improved with wider webbing and a laser-cut thermally welded tab to increase long-term durability.
The full line of Spring 2018 La Sportiva products, including footwear and apparel for climbing, hiking, mountaineering and mountain running, will be on display July 26-28, 2017, throughout the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, at the La Sportiva booth #10027. To schedule a media appointment, please contact Cory Lowe at cory.lowe@backbonemedia.net.
