The Evolution of Outdoor Footwear: Where Performance Meets Lifestyle ??♀???
Cecily Schmidt, MBA
Global Product & Merchandising Leader | Expert in Product Development, Management, Merchandising, Innovation, Sustainable Growth and Leading High Performing Teams in the Sportswear Industry | DEI Champion
The outdoor footwear landscape is experiencing a seismic shift. As someone who's spent two decades in the footwear & apparel industry, I'm fascinated by how technical performance, sustainability, and street style are converging to reshape this category. 7 years ago you couldn't catch me in some "outdoor" shoes. Now they are on trend and even have its own name "Gorpcore." Why am I posting? I have been exploring a few outdoor companies lately for my next stop in my career journey. I have been studying the data and reading the articles, shout out to Christopher Burns from ARCH (art & research, culture-hype) for the interesting reads and data pulls.
Here are my findings; and rest assured I am ready to help any sportswear or outdoor company who wants to figure out where to go next.
The "Gorpcore" Revolution ??
Funny name right! (Google what it means, you will be surprised!) We're witnessing the democratization of outdoor footwear. Trail running shoes and hiking boots are no longer confined to mountain trails – they're making statements on city streets, yes outdoor kicks with jeans is a thing. My husband thinks I'm crazy when I wore a pair of Keen Jasper's with jeans to pick our kids up from school.
This shift isn't just about aesthetics, even though that's a big one! I believe it reflects a deeper change in how consumers view outdoor activities and personal style. Now the real question is how long will the trend last, is it a fad or here to stay?
Key Trends Reshaping the Market:
1. Hybrid Performance
Today's consumers demand versatility! The most successful outdoor footwear brands are creating products that transition seamlessly from trail to town. Think tech looking train shoes with lifestyle colorways and premium but rugged materials. Also thinking about Nike's old duck boot, making hiking boots with sneaker-like comfort.
2. Sustainability Takes Center Stage ??
3. Technology Integration
Smart features aren't just for smartphones anymore. What I am noticing:
4. The Rise of Trail Running
Trail running's explosive growth is driving innovation in:
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
The future of outdoor footwear lies at the intersection of....I don't want to give away too much, I have a ton of ideas for my next company, hint hint, but ill leave you with some nuggets...
What excites me most is how these trends are making outdoor activities more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The industry is no longer just serving core outdoor enthusiasts; it's welcoming urban explorers (haha the name makes me laugh), casual adventurers, and style-conscious consumers.
Let me know what you think and if you feel this is relevant information.
What trends are you seeing in outdoor footwear? How is your brand adapting to these changes?
#OutdoorIndustry #FootwearTrends #Sustainability #ProductInnovation #SportswearTech #RetailInnovation #ImHereToMakeYourCompanyGrow #Igotideascallme
Chief Product Officer - Scarpa
3 周??????
Multi-cultural Product Marketing Leader | Opportunity identifier | Strategist and scaler driving profitable growth in Sporting Goods.
3 周Great article Cecily Schmidt, MBA and I agree with your perspective that outdoor is undergoing major changes. The outdoor industry has been able to hold onto the trend brought to you by (or at least accelerated by) the pandemic. The cycling industry for example is dealing with the post-pandemic hangover as its back-to-normal for cyclists without having sparked a huge trend. I think there is a difference between becoming a trend and fully embracing trends (plural) as a must have to keep your brand healthy and growing. This is where some outdoor brands will falter while others become household names.