AKU, a manufacturer of hand-crafted hiking and mountaineering boots in Italy for more than 50 years, announces new styles for its Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
The AKU FlyRock and FlyRock GTX are hiking shoes designed for activities where traction, protection and high cushioning are required. Both styles feature AKU’s Dynamic Fit technology, which adapts the boot’s heel tension with natural stride sequences to increase comfort and stability. The proprietary Vibram Flight Traction lug and Megagrip outsole offers improved traction by more than 10 percent. Through its construction and tread design, the AKU Elica system technology promotes biodynamic efficiency, while the midsole is composed of High Cushion and High Rebound EVA for optimal comfort.
The FlyRock GTX includes GORE-TEX Extended Comfort for waterproof protection and breathability during warmer, faster conditions. Both styles are available in men’s and in women’s, designed specifically for the male and female plantar anatomies.
Designed in line with AKU’s overarching “React Responsibly” brand principle, 100 percent of the components of the AKU Nativa Canvas and Bellamont III Suede GTX are traceable. The styles are designed for travel, leisure and urban use, as well as limiting environmental impact. The upper fabric 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 new R-EVA midsole is produced in Italy and contains 20 percent recycled materials.
Other key styles for AKU’s S/S23 line include a boot version of the Rocket DFS GTX light hiking shoe, introduced for S’22. The Rocket Mid DFS GTX features an upper with a crossed rib structure protected by a 3D print layer and the proprietary Vibram Rocket Traction Lug outsole, incorporating a patented mold-making process that allows for 25 percent added traction on varied surfaces. The outsole design concept can increase side lug surface area by 50 percent.
For information, visit www.akuoutdoor.com.
