Ahnu Footwear, a division of Deckers Brands, has created a new yoga performance footwear category with the launch of Ahnu YogaSport. The line consists of four styles that span 16 SKUs, were designed to position the budding Deckers' incubator brand as a 360-degree yoga fitness lifestyle destination.
“By tapping into our outdoor roots, as well as our yoga-specific brand integrity, we believe we're igniting the true potential of Ahnu and defining an all-new performance-based yoga category,” said Jacqueline Van Dine, vice president and co-founder of Ahnu. “We're confident that we have the ability to further engage with an intensely dedicated and extremely passionate audience base.”
Ahnu, the creators of yoga lifestyle footwear and performance hiking boots for the fashion-minded trail enthusiast, has set the tone for women's outdoor products. The Bay Area-based brand understands that consumers' exercise and adventure routines take them from the trail to the yoga mat to the gym. As a result, Ahnu designed YogaSport specifically for fitness enthusiasts interested in hybrid workouts, offering stability and flexibility with lightweight comfort, in addition to breathable materials and fashion forward colorways. Ahnu YogaSport will be available for consumer purchase starting July 2015 on Ahnu.com, as well as select retail stores.
“Yoga is the fastest growing activity in the U.S. and, for most, is just one element of an active lifestyle. Therefore, it's a natural fit for consumers to pursue a hybrid fitness regimen that gives them the mental and physical challenge in one package. We developed the first-to-market collection with thoughtful design that incorporates innovative footwear technology for the yoga fusion enthusiast keen on advancing both their mind-body connection and cardio fitness routines,” Van Dine continued.
Ahnu's YogaSport footwear will emphasize greater forefoot flexibility to maximize physical stretching moves, as well as a centered heel base, ideal for standing poses where balance is key. Included among the products' significant technology-driven attributes are:
- Integrated YogaSport Flex Zone for added flexibility and agility
- Second density EVA heel pod featuring Numentum technology that provides added stability and cushioning
- Extra light weight EVA midsole, which provides full support without the weight
- 8mm of dual-density memory foam footbed, ergonomically designed to provide arch support and comfort through an intensive workout as well as all day wear
- Non-marking, carbon rubber tread, which provides exceptional grip at an ultra-light weight
In 2010, Ahnu launched the Montara, the first women's purple hiking boot, into the marketplace that has since received numerous accolades. The brand unveiled its first apres yoga footwear line in 2012, which has been met by much consumer and retailer validation. With focused efforts in yoga over the last two years, Ahnu has developed close ties with the yoga community through its Yoga Teacher Ambassador Program a network of 1,800-plus professional instructors that benefit from membership rewards, product sneak peeks and exclusive networking opportunities and its unique relationships with all-stars such as Blake Brody that has inspired a Blake Brody® for Ahnu® in-studio footwear collection. Further underscoring its commitment to the space, Ahnu quietly introduced a yoga apparel line via Ahnu.com in September 2014.
Ahnu will be demonstrating its YogaSport collection in Booth #37072 during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market industry gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 21-24, 2015. To schedule a product demonstration or a briefing, please contact: michelle.erbs@deckers.com.
