AKU Introduces FlyRock Fast Hiker And Traceable Styles For S23

AKU, the manufacturer of hiking and mountaineering boots in Italy for over 50 years, introduced new styles for SS23.

The FlyRock and FlyRock GTX, for men and women, are fast hiking shoes where traction, protection and high cushioning are needed. Both styles feature AKU’s Dynamic Fit technology, which adapts the boot’s heel tension with natural stride sequences to increase comfort and stability. Vibram Flight Traction lug and Megagrip outsole improve traction “by more than 10 percent.” The last construction and tread design, AKU’s Elica system technology, promotes biodynamic efficiency, while the midsole’s high cushion and high rebound EVA is there to optimize comfort. FlyRock GTX includes Gore’s Extended Comfort technology for waterproofness and breathability.

Designed in line with AKU’s “React Responsibly” brand principle, 100 percent of the components of its Nativa Canvas and Bellamont III Suede GTX are traceable. Designed for travel, leisure, urban use, and limiting environmental impact, the upper and laces of the Nativa Canvas are recycled materials. The footbed is made of coconut, bamboo fibers and latex. The midsole is Vibram’s partially recycled Eco-EVA, and the suede is made in Italy by Leather Working Group certified tanneries. The Bellamont III’s lining is a Gore-Tex laminate with 99 percent recycled yarns. The outsole is Vibram N-Oil compound, made with over 90 percent petroleum-free ingredients and colors obtained from natural pigments, while the R-EVA midsole is produced in Italy and contains 20 percent recycled materials.

“The new Spring 2023 product highlights represent the best of the best of AKU—always innovating to better facilitate the outdoor enthusiast’s adventures while working to leave a lighter footprint on our planet,” said AKU Outdoor, Inc., President Rick Cook. “We’re excited to introduce these new developments and expansions on core product collections to even more consumers as we continue to spread our wings in North America.”

Other key styles for AKU’s SS23 line include a boot version of its Rocket DFS GTX light hiking shoe, introduced for Spring 2022. The Rocket Mid DFS GTX features an upper with a crossed rib structure protected by a 3D print layer and Vibram Rocket Traction Lug outsole, with its patented mold-making process that allows for 25 percent added traction on varied surfaces. The outsole design also increases the “side lug surface area by 50 percent.”