ISPO names 2021’s footwear winners
Due to the pandemic, the two-day jury meeting was held in a hybrid format for the first time – partly on site, partly by videocall.
Assessment criteria included innovation, functionality, quality and choice of materials and six products were lauded for exceptional performance in terms of sustainability.
One of these was On’s Cyclon running shoe, made of recyclable and partially bio-based polyamide from castor beans in an undyed design and mono material composition. “It’s totally recyclable internally and the new business model of yearly subscription makes the product at its end of life easily collected and returned to the manufacturer,” said judges.
Other footwear winners included:
• Salewa’s Ortles Couloir Boot - the lightest fully crampon-compatible mountain boot in its class. The carbon frame with hinged joint is designed to offer stiffness and flexibility. The elastic outer gaiter with waterproof membrane and warm inner boot keep feet warm. The construction is said to provide more overall precision when climbing, more grip, more comfort and less weight.
• Dolomite’s Velocissima includes a crossover sole by Vibram and is suitable for both hiking and climbing. The construction and seamless upper are designed to make the shoe robust and abrasion-resistant with a precise fit, more support and more comfort.
• Merrell’s THERMO ROGUE 3 MID GTX Warm is a lightweight running shoe that includes Primaloft Gold Eco synthetic insulation over the foot and ankle and Aerogel in the toe area. A Vibram Arctic Grip sole provides grip in snow and slush and a breathable GORE-TEX membrane makes the boot waterproof.
• adidas TERREX’s Agravic UltraTrail running shoe includes propulsion plates in the sole and two different midsole compounds. Combined with a Continental lugged sole and the protective and breathable upper, this should provide grip and performance.
• Infinite One (pictured) has a modular sole, which can be adapted to different surfaces; customers can replace the ten modules in the sole. The midsole is said to be durable and robust, offering direct cushioning, while the upper material comfortably adapts to the foot.
All winning products can be found on ISPO’s website. The highest award, Product of the Year, will first be announced during the official award ceremonies via live stream as part of ISPO Munich Online, from February 1 to 5, 2021. The Gold Winners, Products of the Year and Winners with the special Sustainability Achievement will feature in a digital award showroom.
