HI-TEC has added Alexandre Poussin to its Outdoor footwear team. In a three-year trek along the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, Alexandre and Sonia Poussin's goal was to symbolically retrace the passage of early man, from australopithecus to modern man. Without sponsors, without support team, sharing the poverty of their hosts, they spoke of the generosity and enthusiasm of these men and women who populate the African continent. Three years, eleven countries, 1,200 families, 14,000 kilometers of adventures whilst walking in the footsteps of mankind through Africa’s ‘Cradle of Life’.


Alexandre said, “My exciting relationship with HI-TEC came about totally by chance, inevitably proving to be the backbone and core strength of our incredible, epic journey. After traveling only 300km our original (not HI-TEC) footwear proved to be definitely uncomfortable and my wife’s feet were covered in extremely sore blisters. We had to cut the shoes open down both side quarters in order to relieve the discomfort. It was only when we reached the northern part of the Eastern Cape where our host, a Merino sheep farmer, recommended HI-TEC. When you cover 60,000 steps a day, comfort, cushioning and lightness is extremely important… I am truly passionate at the prospect of involving myself in the product development and offering my experience and knowledge. For me, simplicity is key and designing new shoes will be like creating superb pieces of art.”