Vasque Press Kit Winter OR 2016

Fall & Winter 2016
vasque.com
facebook.com/vasque
Darby Communications
@vasquefootwear Contact: Angie Houck
@vasquefootwear angie@darbycommunications.com
O: 828.254.0914 | C: 828.337.6455
Booth # 12001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Houck
Darby Communications
angie@darbycommunications.com
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque’s Fall ’16 Winter Hiking Boots Promise Warmth in the Gnarliest Winter
Conditions
Red Wing, MN – December 9, 2015 – Tested in the harsh cold winters of Northern Minnesota where
average temperatures hover around 6 degrees Fahrenheit, Vasque’s newest additions to the Winter
Hiking Collection are designed to handle the gnarliest winter conditions. Making it easier for outdoor
enthusiasts everywhere to enjoy the great outdoors throughout winter, Vasque is introducing a modern
day mukluk and an athletically nimble insulated hiker.
Named for the rugged wilderness area in Northern Minnesota that is home to one of the last stands of
virgin, old-growth red and white pine in the state, the Lost 40 is an extreme cold weather boot. Vasque’s
design team applied their expertise of spending winters in
Minnesota to the design of this modern day Mukluk. With a mix
of modern and traditional materials, this boot is designed to
withstand extreme cold temperatures when out hiking on the
trail. A softshell and suede leather upper with a removable 7mm
felted wool liner with 200g of 3M Thinsulate™ and an internal
midsole of AeroGel foam ensure feet will be warm and wellcushioned. The Lost 40 assures a snug fit with a unique 2-part
zonal lacing system. A quick-lace toggle tightens at the bottom,
while a separate lacing at the top with a snap-down garage keeps
laces secure. For unparalleled traction and stability on frozen
surfaces, Vasque used a Vibram Overland outsole with an antislip IceTrek compound. MSRP $179.99
“Our inspiration for these boots come from the fact that our customers appreciate functional, stylish
boots that are made for a specialized purpose,” states Director of Product Development, Brian Hall. “By
offering them slimmer profiles in our insulated collection that offer warmth, stability and traction, we
fulfill their needs for technical winter footwear that is nimble, lightweight, and perfect for the coldest
days.”
The most nimble insulted product in Vasque’s collection, the Coldspark UltraDry™ has a light, athletic
profile. Using 200 grams of Thinsulate and Vasque’s proprietary waterproofing, UltraDry™, this boot will
keep feet warm on long winter hikes. A ColdHold Compound comprised of a dual density rubber sole
ensures traction in cold, slick conditions. Harder, sharper lugs
line the perimeter of the outsole offering a positive bite into
snow and frozen turf while the center lugs remain pliable in
cold temperatures, enabling them to conform to
irregularities in the terrain for the ultimate in traction. The
Coldspark UltraDry™ is Vasque’s fastest, lightest, most
athletic winter product to date. MSRP $139.99
To see the Fall ’16 collection, stop by the Vasque booth
12001 at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show January 7 – 10.
For more information visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at angie@darbycommunications.com.
About Vasque
Vasque footwear was established in 1964 in response to a need for performance hiking footwear in the
US market. With a passion for performance and fit, Vasque’s mission to this day is to bring the latest in
technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts by making quality, rugged footwear for all types of trail
conditions. Every shoe in Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail
running shoes are designed to give adventurers a perfect fit for all day comfort on the trail.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Angie Houck / Darby Communications
angie@darbycommunications.com
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque Proudly Introduces the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate Team
Red Wing, MN – December 15, 2015 – Vasque and brand partners, Darn Tough Vermont, Leki, Nemo
Equipment and Osprey are proud to announce the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate Ambassador Team. The team
consists of twenty-nine thru-hikers attempting to complete either the Appalachian Trail (AT), Continental
Divide Trail (CDT) or the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
In exchange for gear support throughout the hike, the Thru-Hike Syndicate members will share their thruhike journeys visually through Instagram and other social media sites as well as blog about their attempts
to finish these epic trails. Many of the thru-hikers will be attempting to complete a long trail for the first
time ever, while two of the thru-hikers will be attempting to complete the third trail in the coveted Triple
Crown. Additionally, many of the ambassadors have already completed either the AT or PCT, and this will
be their attempt to complete the second of the three long trails in the Triple Crown.
“We are very happy with the group of thru-hikers we have selected for the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate,”
Julie Quinn, Marketing Manager at Vasque footwear states. “This particular group’s ability to share their
stories visually and inspire others is exceptional. We look forward to watching them as they attempt to
complete their thru-hikes, some for the first time ever and others going for their lifetime goal of achieving
the Triple Crown.”
The 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate is comprised of a selection of hikers from around the world, including
Denmark, Sweden and Austria, as well as throughout the United States. New for 2016, the Thru-Hike
Syndicate will support six thru-hikers on the CDT, they include: Luis Quintero, Stefani Ryan, Quade
Sheehan, Brad McCartney, Francisco Miller and Katie Brown. For the third year, the Thru-Hike Syndicate
will be supporting eight ambassadors on the AT, including Ashley Schellhase, Emma Berntheizel, Heather
Machelle Smith, Tyler Socash, Nathan Bauman, Aaron Ibey, Nicollette Legac and David Shiling. The
Syndicate will also support fourteen thru-hikers on the PCT including Lydia Armstrong, Tyler Underwood,
Danielle Clark, Jaleesa Houle, Nick Cornell, Jeppe Kuld, Peter Hochhauser, Jordan Peters, Graham Hodge,
Morgan Hodge, Edward Ruiz, Jonathan Payne, Danny Murphy and Linda Aakerberg.
To follow the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate ambassadors’ adventures along the trails, visit the Thru-Hike
Syndicate page at vasque.com or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thruhikesyndicate. For more
information
on
the
Thru-Hike
Syndicate,
please
contact
Angie
Houck
at
angie@darbycommunications.com.
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing
the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking,
performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of
conditions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Angie Houck / Darby Communications
angie@darbycommunications.com
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque’s Thru-Hike Syndicate Adds the CDT in 2016
Brand Partner-fueled Thru-Hike Syndicate Continues to be a Collaborative Success
Red Wing, MN – November 2, 2015 – As final 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate members finish their adventures
on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT), Vasque and Thru-Hike Syndicate brand
partners Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles and Darn Tough Vermont, are excited to
announce the addition of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) for 2016. Since 2014, the Thru-Hike Syndicate
has supported a select group of thru-hikers each year who are attempting to complete either the AT or
the PCT, and they are excited to open that up to thru-hikers attempting the 3,100 mile CDT.
With the popularity of the movie
Wild, in 2014, the PCT saw an
influx of thru-hikers attempting
the trail. As a result of this ‘Wild
Effect’, the other trails in the
Triple Crown are seeing an
increase in thru-hikers.
“Once people have thru-hiked the PCT, they often attempt the AT and then continue on to complete the
Triple Crown, by thru-hiking the CDT.” Says Peter Sustr of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
Due to the influx, both the AT and PCT are encouraging thru-hikers to register their start date in order to
spread out start times, so as to not put undue stress on the natural environments of the trail. Additionally,
the CDT is running a shuttle service to help hikers get to the start of the trail at the New Mexico border
during high peak times.
“Vasque is looking forward to the expansion of the 2016 Thru-Hike
Syndicate to the CDT, working with our new ambassadors on Leave No
Trace principles and encouraging them to register their start dates to help
these trails manage the influx of hikers,” states Julie Quinn, Vasque
Footwear Marketing Manager. “Our 2015 team of 20 thru-hike
ambassadors were talented storytellers on Instagram, and many of
Vasque’s fans enjoyed watching their journeys via the Thru Hike Syndicate’s
Instagram page. These hikers put our shoes to the ultimate test, day after
day, which allowed us to gather invaluable feedback on our products for
future performance hiking designs.”
In 2015, 80% of the PCT thru-hikers and 50% of the AT thru-hikers in the
Syndicate completed their respective trails for a total cumulative distance
of 32,105 miles. Each hiker used lightweight, thru-hiker approved gear from
brand partners and supplied social media content throughout their hike.
“Osprey is very pleased with the success of the Thru-Hike Syndicate and it
is fun to be involved in these fantastic partnership efforts, both with the
long distance Ambassadors and exemplary outdoor brands,” Sam Mix,
Conduit of Corporate Outreach for Osprey shares. “The Thru-Hike Syndicate
has been of great value to us as it provides a unique storytelling aspect via
the Ambassadors’ many adventures and thorough product testing
opportunities on our packs. We look forward to the addition of our
backyard National Scenic Trail, the CDT, to the Syndicate in 2016.”
“The Thru-Hike Syndicate initiative is like nothing else we are seeing in the industry,” says Courtney
Laggner, Marketing Manager of Darn Tough Vermont. “Sharing the excitement, thrills and views from the
ambassadors’ journeys with our fans is something we value here at Darn Tough Vermont, and hope it
inspires others to get outdoors and push their limits.”
The application process to become a member of the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate for thru-hiking the AT, PCT
or CDT is open now through November 13, 2015. Final candidates will be announced on January 11, 2016.
Those interested in being a 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate member should apply here: http://bit.ly/THS2016.
To learn more about this successful brand collaboration and see the photo journeys of various thru-hike
ambassadors, visit the Thru-Hike Syndicate’s site or contact Angie Houck at
angie@darbycommunications.com for more information.
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing
the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking,
performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of
conditions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Houck
Darby Communications
angie@darbycommunications.com
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque Expands Classics with Introduction of the Iconic Skywalk GTX
Red Wing, MN – July 1, 2015 – Vasque outdoor performance footwear is expanding its Classics boots that
have been trusted on the trail for over 30 years, to include the Skywalk GTX. Originally released in 1984,
the Skywalk GTX was one of Vasque’s most popular selling boots for over 20 years and customers still
search for it by name, even though it hasn’t been available since the early 2000’s.
A faithful incarnation of the original that debuted alongside the
popular Sundowner GTX, the new Skywalk GTX has a PU midsole
and TPU shank for support and stability, and a Vasque Pyrenees
outsole for solid traction on the trail. The upper is comprised of
rough out U.S.-tanned leather and an abrasion resistant mesh
with a Gore-tex® liner for waterproof breathability.
“The Skywalk GTX was a natural extension to our Classics,” states
Director of Product Design, Brian Hall. “It’s a comfortable
backpacking boot and can be trusted for long days on the trail.”
Check out the Skywalk GTX at the Vasque booth #12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer August 5th – 8th. For
more
information,
please
visit
www.vasque.com
or
email
Angie
Houck
at
angie@darbycommunications.com.
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing
the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking,
performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of
conditions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Houck
Darby Communications
angie@darbycommunications.com
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque’s Spring ‘16 Offerings Accommodate All Levels of Adventurers
Red Wing, MN – July 1, 2015 – Vasque’s Spring ’16 collection of performance footwear can take you from
locally-loved trail to backcountry mecca. This new performance footwear line-up includes, the Monolith,
Inhaler II and a premium backpacking boot, the Talus Pro.
An all-around waterproof hiking boot with step-in comfort,
the new Monolith series is built upon the Perpetuum last like
the popular Talus UltraDry™ and Mantra. The Monolith has
the look and feel of a fast hiker, with a molded EVA midsole
and dual density EVA footbed for stability and protection
on rocky, rooty trails. The Monolith Mid utilizes Vasque’s
proprietary UltraDry™ membrane for waterproofing. Bold
colorways and stitching details complete these
performance hikers. The Monolith UD retails for $130 and
Monolith UltraDry (mid) – Men’s Black/Chili Pepper
the Monolith Low retails at $110.
Monolith Low – Women’s Gargoyle/Everglade
The lightest, most breathable, waterproof performance hiking boot to date for the brand, the Inhaler II has air
permeable toe and heel counters and a leather and mesh upper. An athletically inclined midsole of molded
EVA and a dual density EVA footbed make this shoe particularly comfortable underfoot and fast and nimble on
the trail. The exceptionally sticky Vibram® Megagrip outsole ensures hikers can rock hop and stream cross with
confidence. Available in a Mid with Gore-tex® (1lb 14oz - men’s 9) at
$160 and a Low without Gore-tex® (1lb 11oz - men’s 9) for $120.
“We think our customers will be excited about the technology and
creative design put into this Spring ‘16 collection,” states Brian Hall,
Vasque’s Director of Product Development. “From low cut hikers to
full leather backpacking boots, this collection offers something for
daytrippers, to thru-hikers and multi-day backcountry adventurers.”
Inhaler II GTX – Women’s Gargoyle/Everglade
Built on the same platform as the popular Talus Ultradry, the
Talus Pro GTX is a premium full-leather backpacking boot that
gives comfort and support for extended trips into the
backcountry. This performance-driven boot has a molded PU
midsole giving hikers the cushioning and lateral stability they
need when carrying a 40-pound pack for multi-day wilderness
excursions. Feet stay dry with a Gore-tex® liner and a Vibram®
Nuasi outsole with ultra-grippy XS Trex compound make this boot
nimble and trustworthy when navigating talus and slickrock.
Available in men’s only for $180.
Talus Pro GTX – Men’s Slate Brown
View the new Spring ‘16 Collection at the Vasque booth #12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer August 5th –
8th. For more information, please visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at
angie@darbycommunications.com.
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing
the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking,
performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of
conditions.