Black Diamond is a top gear brand known for its climbing equipment and core outdoors products. Next year, the company launches a footwear line aimed at the masses.
The collection has four models, including men’s and women’s shoes made not for trails or mountain peaks but for casual use.
Dubbed a “performance lifestyle” design, some of the shoes target people in search of easy-to-wear footwear for everyday life. They borrow an aesthetic seen in Black Diamond’s technical climbing shoes.
One example, the Circuit shoe, has a collapsible heel for easy slip-on and a knit upper for breathability. Sticky rubber on the sole gives grip.
Two other models, the Technician and Mission LT, are built for hiking and approaching mountain peaks on steep trails and talus. They incorporate a sticky rubber with tread, and a tighter fit for edging on stone.
The shoes will be sold at outdoor shops and online. Price tags range from $100 to $135.
Watch for the new line early next year. It’s another example of fashion and form colliding to offer products that deliver mountaineering-influenced design to the mainstream.
Stephen Regenold writes about outdoors gear at http://www.gearjunkie.com.