Arc’teryx Equipment is launching its first footwear line. The Alpha and Bora lightweight hikers feature two-piece construction using separate, tongueless inner liners with seamless hydrophobic outer shells that has more in common with ski boot construction than traditional shoe construction.
Arc’teryx spent four years developing the shoes and the materials and technology to make the shoes was developed in-house. Some of the construction methods are so new that company had to make custom production machinery to manufacture the shoes.
The overall Arc’teryx Technical Performance Footwear collection features eight shoe styles for men and women, separated into low-cut approach shoes (Alpha FL) and mid-cut Hiking and light trekking boots (Bora Mid). All of them share the “Arc’teryx Adaptive Fit”: separately manufactured inner and outer shoes that work together for fit-adaptability, breathability and weather protection.
In the top-of-the-line styles Alpha2 FL and Bora2 Mid, the liners are completely removable and interchangeable for improved wash and dry-ability and to extend the use and climate adaptability of the shoes.
“From the very beginning, our goal was to bring a fresh perspective to footwear that enhances the overall mountain experience. We have a rich history of thinking beyond current materials and construction and everything about these shoes revels the Arc’teryx genetic code of understanding what a products needs to be at its most essential level”, said Federico Sbrissa, Arc’teryx Footwear Product Line Manager, in a statement. “By incorporating techniques like lamination, we developed shoes that offer unprecedented durability, comfort and precision performance in the most breathable mountain footwear construction on the market.”
