SPRING / SUMMER 2017

SPRING / SUMMER 2017
TRUST ON THE TRAIL SINCE 1964
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@vasquefootwear
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DARBY COMMUNICATIONS
Contact: Angie Robinson
[email protected]
O: 828.254.0914 | C: 828.337.6455
BOOTH #12001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Robinson
Darby Communications
[email protected]
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
No Grownups Allowed! Vasque Introduces a New Kids Only Collection
Trail footwear for kids who are serious about having fun
Red Wing, MN – June 29, 2016 – Kids are serious when it comes to playing and having fun outdoors and
Vasque is proud to offer them a trail footwear collection that will prepare them for hours of endless
outdoor play. New for Spring 2017, Vasque will introduce three kids styles that are direct takedowns of
the popular styles for adult adventurers.
With the same quality and comfort as Vasque’s popular adult line, this new collection i ncl udes a ki dsspecific version of the Monolith Low, Breeze III and St. Elias backpacking boot. Each style has a mol de d
EVA footbed and rubber cup soles in the heel for support and cushioning. For added trust on the trail,
Vasque ensures breathability and protection from creek crossings and wet trails, with its proprietary
waterproof membrane, UltraDry, included every style.
“Our customers want to share their passion for the trail with their kids,” says Director of Product
Development, Brian Hall. “Now they can with true kids trail footwear designed to extend the day on the
trail for epic parents and their little adventurers.”
For kids taking on their first overnight backpacking trip, the waterproof Kid’s St. Elias UltraDry ($79.99)
offers great support and protection in a full leather boot. A true kids backpacking boot, i t has speed
lacing and hooks with multi-directional traction lugs on the outsole for increased stability on rugged
trails. When trail adventures require a waterproof boot that is nimble yet supportive, the Kid ’s Breeze III
UltraDry ($69.99) is a natural choice. This proven boot is modeled after Vasque’s most popualar adult
style for a trusted trail experience. The Kid’s Monolith Low UltraDry ($54.99) is the shoe for everythi ng ,
from state park rambling to backyard exploring and shoreline combing. This low -cut hiker has a
waterproof leather and abrasion resistant upper that is easy to get on and off for little outdoor
enthusiasts.
To see the new Vasque kid’s collection, stop by the Vasque booth 12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer i n
Salt Lake City, UT August 3 – 5, 2016. Contact Angie Robinson for additional information on Vasque and
the kids collection at [email protected].
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been inspiring trust on the trail with the best backpacking, hiking, insulated and
trail running shoes on the market. Trust on the trail represents everything Vasque does, from their
product design to their customer service. If you can’t say it on the trail, if it isn’t real or true, then it’s not
Vasque. www.vasque.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Houck
Darby Communications
[email protected]
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque Trail Footwear Debuts the Breeze III
Number One Selling Boot Now Even More Committed to the Trail
Red Wing, MN – June 16, 2016 – Building upon a highly successful history as the number one selling
hiking boot, Vasque is proud to introduce the Breeze III. Delivering more out of the box comfort,
breathability and traction in every step than ever before, the Breeze III is stronger, quicker and wiser
than ever.
“We didn’t question the Breeze’s now-legendary trail performance,” states Brian Hall, Director of
Product Development at Vasque. “Instead, we listened in and shaped a network of technological
innovations around it that are rooted in the confidence and trust Vasque earned through multiple
generations on the trail.”
As the lightest Breeze model yet, its sleek, ergonomic
design allows hikers to chase longer days on more
unforgiving terrain. Features such as breathable high
abrasion upper mesh panels manage moisture and air
flow, while new heel and toe ventilation port s i ncre ase
airflow along the footbed.
The Breeze III maintains the iconic shape and beloved
elements of its predecessors, while committing more
traction to every step. An exclusive Vibram® Contact Grip
outsole increases control in all weather and trail conditions. When coupled with the Vi bram Me gagri p
High Performance compound, this outsole delivers an uncompromising grip in all conditions. MSRP
$179.99.
Additional features include:
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
Waterproof GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Membrane (GTX Model)
Dual-Density Midsole with All-Terrain Compound and EVA cushion pods for extende d comfort,
stability and support
Arc Tempo+ Last
Trail tested Breeze design with enhanced ergonomics for an even better fit
Stop by the Vasque booth #12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer to check out the new Breeze III. For more
information, please visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at [email protected].
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been inspiring trust on the trail with the best backpacking, hiking, insulated and
trail running shoes on the market. Trust on the trail represents everything Vasque does, from their
product design to their customer service. If you can’t say it on the trail, if it isn’t real or true, then it’s not
Vasque. www.vasque.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Angie Robinson
Darby Communications
[email protected]
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Pinnacle Outdoor Named Vasque Trail Footwear’s Agency of the Year
Red Wing, Minn.—June 28, 2016 – Vasque trail footwear is proud to announce New Englandbased Pinnacle Outdoor Group as the 2016 Sales Agency of the Year. Pinnacle Outdoor Group
earned this prestigious award due to significant growth and impeccable customer service in their
northeastern territory.
"Pinnacle Outdoor Group continues to thrive by assembling the best possible team, and working
closely with our dedicated retail partners and industry-leading brands,” states Hal Ellms of
Pinnacle Outdoor Group. “Vasque has a legacy of success that few can claim. In the 20-plus years
we have represented the brand, we feel the current management and production teams are the
best we’ve seen, and that they will only continue to get better."
Vasque’s decision was extremely difficult this year due to the fact that nearly every agency posted
double digit increases in sales. Pinnacle Outdoor Group led the pack with 65% growth. In addition
to this exceptional growth, the team also put forth the extra effort to provide outstanding
customer service and deliver Vasque’s brand message to their valued northeastern consumers.
“Deciding on Agency of the Year is always a tough decision for Vasque,” says Chris Miller, North
American Director of Sales for Vasque. “Our criteria includes assessing if the agency met growth
objectives, had positive management of their respective territories, and created initiatives to
promote the Vasque brand.”
In addition to Vasque, Pinnacle Outdoor Group represents outdoor industry brands Darn Tough,
Mountainsmith and Forsake. Their agency has a strong team of outdoor industry veterans that
include Hal Ellms, Ben Winther, Sarah Miller, Rebecca Scholand and Adam Shapiro. Their territory
covers New England and parts of the Mid-Atlantic including New York, Pennsylvania and New
Jersey.
“Hal and his team of outstanding sales reps represent Vasque in a way that elevates not just
external sales, but the brand as a whole,” Miller says. “Being nominated as Vasque Agency of the
Year amongst the talented sales force we currently have is a tremendous industry honor and one
which is well deserved.”
About Vasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been inspiring trust on the trail with the best backpacking, hiking,
insulated and trail running shoes on the market. Trust on the trail represents everything Vasque
does, from their product design to their customer service. If you can’t say it on the trail, if it isn’t
real or true, then it’s not Vasque. www.vasque.com
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
CONTACT:
AngieHouck
DarbyCommunications
[email protected]
828.254.0914o/828.337.6455c
VasqueExclusiveFootwearSponsorofGetOutMoreTour
Red Wing, MN – April 19, 2016 – Vasque is proud to announce it is the exclusive
footwearbrandforthesixteenthannualBackpackerMagazineGetOutMoreTour,with
returning Tour veteran and trail pro, Randy Propster. This year’s Tour will include
interactivehikesaswellasretailstoreandfestivalstopsthroughoutthecountry.
Throughoutthetour,Propsterwilldemonstratepracticalgearadviceonthetrailduring
fifteenoutdooradventures.ParticipantswillbeabletodemoVasqueboots,givingthem
theopportunitytoexperiencefirst-handthetrustonthetrailVasqueprovides.
“WeareconfidentwithRandyontheTourthatcustomerswillbegainingtheknowledge
andexpertisetheyneedtobebestequippedfortheiroutdoorexcursions,”statesJoe
Peters,DirectorofGlobalMarketingatVasque.“Randy’shands-onapproachwillbean
extensionofVasque’sfit-focusedphilosophyforbothretailersandcustomers.”
At each 75-minute tour presentation, Propster, who previously completed the
AppalachianTrailandtheAmericanDiscoveryTrail,willeducateconsumersonhowto
choosetherightgear,andraiseawarenessofthenecessityforproperfitandfootwear
foroutdooradventures.Additionally,atthe45retailstops,Propsterwillconnectwith
retailshopemployeestohelpthemgainadeeperunderstandingofproperbootfitwith
Vasque.
"The Get Out More Tour provides me with the unique opportunity toinspire and
educate,”saysRandyPropsteroftheGetOutMoreTour.“Mygoalistoensurethatthe
outdoor enthusiasts who attend my events learn about the skills and equipment that
willultimatelyenhancetheirexperienceintheoutdoors.Myownpersonalexperience
has beenpositively impacted time and again by choosing the appropriateVasque
footwear, and I'm excited to be able to share a very authentic message while
demonstratinghowVasquecandothesameforeachofthem."
ParticipantscanwinVasquebootsduringgiveawaysthroughoutthetourstops.Tofind
outmoreaboutthetourandseeschedules,visitGetOutMoreTour’ssitehere.
PropsterwillalsosharehistravelsonVasque’sSnapchatandothersocialmediaoutlets.
Fans can follow Vasque on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at VasqueFootwear on
Snapchattoseemore.
For more information on Vasque footwear please visit http://www.vasque.com/or
[email protected].
AboutVasque
Since1964,Vasquehasbeenprovidingperformancefootwearthatinspirestrustonthe
trail. Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts,
Vasque’scollection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running
shoesaredesignedforalldaycomfortregardlessofconditions.www.vasque.com
AboutBackpacker
Since 1973,Backpacker Magazinehas delivered the outdoors to readers’ doorsteps,
inspiringandempoweringpeopletogetoutandenjoynaturemoreoften.Backpacker,
the world’s first GPS-enabled magazine and authority on backcountry adventure in
NorthAmerica,haswonmultipleawards,includingacovetedNationalMagazineAward
foreditorialexcellence.BackpackerispublishedbyActiveInterestMedia.
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
CONTACT:
AngieHouck
DarbyCommunications
[email protected]
828.254.0914o/828.337.6455c
VasqueOfficialFootwearPartnerof5PointAdventureFilmFestival
Red Wing, MN – April 11, 2016 – Adventure films motivate people to get outdoors, push their
limitations and perhaps do something they’ve never done before. Vasque is proud to support this
adventurous spirit by partnering with the inspiring and unexpected, 5Point Adventure Film Festival in
Coloradothismonth.Enteringitsninthyear,thefour-dayfilmfestivalshowcasesinspirationaladventure
filmswithguestspeakers,artperformances,familyactivitiesandotheruniqueeventstogetattendees
engagedandoutdoors.
Fridaynightofthefestival,Vasquewillbepresentingthepremiereofthefilm,AceandtheDesertDog,a
film about a 60-day walkabout in Utah that Ace Kvale and his dog, Genghis Khan, embarked upon for
Ace’s60thbirthday.AcollaborationbyBrendanLeonard,ForestWoodardandStefanHunt,thefilmpays
homagetothestrengthofthehuman-dogconnectioninthegreatoutdoors.Tocelebratethepremier,
VasquewillalsobehostingahikeonSaturdaywithAceKvaleandGenghisKhan,fromtheDesertDawg
Adventure Blawg, and film director and producer Brendan Leonard. Attendees can demo a pair of
Vasque’sInhalerII’sonthehike.
“5Point Adventure Film Festival is not only about the adventurous films, it’s about getting people
outside, engaging them in conversation and growing the outdoor community,” states Joe Peters,
DirectorofGlobalMarketing.“Vasqueisexcitedtobesuchasignificantpartofthisevent,andtoget
peopleoutonthetrailduringtheweekend’sfestivities.”
“Vasque is a longstanding, quality brand in the outdoor community with a great story to tell. We are
veryproudtowelcometheirteamintothe5PointFamilyofpartnersthisyear.Itisqualitybrandslike
Vasquethatweseekoutinpartnershiptoenhancetheexperienceforouraudienceandabonusthat
theyareinvestingingreatstorytelling.”saysSarahWood,ExecutiveDirectorof5PointfilmFestival.
The5PointFilmFestivalwillbeheldinCarbondale,CO,April21–24,2016.Thoseattendingcanenjoy
threenightsoffilm,hikes,avanliferally,attendfamily-friendlyice-creamsocialandcommunitypicnic,
learn to ride a unicycle and more exciting events. Learn more about the festival here:
https://vimeo.com/162054125.
For more information on Vasque footwear please visit www.vasque.com or contact Angie Houck at
[email protected].
AboutVasque
Since 1964,Vasque has been providing performance footwear that inspires trust on the trail. Bringing
the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’scollection of backpacking,
performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of
conditions.www.vasque.com
About5PointFilm
Establishedin2008,5PointFilmisonamissiontoinspireadventureofallkinds,toconnectgenerations
throughsharedexperience,toengagepassionwithaconscience,andtoeducatethroughfilm.Creating
variousevents,includinganannualfour-dayfilmflagshipfestivalinCarbondale,CO,regionalFestivalsin
Asheville,NC,Bellingham,WAandDuluth,MNandseveralOntheRoadSeriesonenighteventsacross
thecountry,5PointFilmcontinuestodeliverauniquefilmexperiencebydrawinginpassionateathletes,
artists, filmmakers, films, and the community around short documentary films. 5Point supports
emerging filmmakers and stories through the 5Point Film Fund, and organizes the Dream Project a
student scholarship program for high school students. Visit http://www.5pointfilm.org for more
information.FollowlivefestivalupdatesviaFacebook,InstagramandTwitter.
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
CONTACT:
AngieHouck
DarbyCommunications
[email protected]
828.254.0914o/828.337.6455c
VasqueFootwearTitleSponsorof2016ContinentalDivideTrailCoalition
TrailDaysandKickoff
Red Wing, Minn.—March 29, 2016—Vasque Footwear has partnered with the Continental
Divide Trail Coalition to expand support for the Second Annual Trail Days and Kick Off, an
emerging thru-hike festival that will provide educational seminars, keynote speeches and
celebratoryeventsfromApril15to17inSilverCity,NewMexico.
Saturdayafternoon,VasqueisexcitedtopresentkeynotespeakerJeanElla,whowillsharethe
groundbreakingstoryof theRockyMountainWomen’sExpedition,duringwhichhikingpartner
LynnWisehartandshebecamethefirstwomentothru-hiketheContinentalDivideTrail(CDT)in
1978.
Vasque will also have a booth at the Gear Expo on Saturday, where they will have their 2016
bootlineondisplayandwillbeon-handtoanswerquestionsandplayagameofbeanbagtoss
withthoseupforthechallenge.Atthebooth,attendeescanalsosignuptodemothespring’16
Inhaler II collection at the Gear Demo Days at Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area on
Sunday. Attendees can also win Vasque boots and other gear at giveaways during the CDTC
HappyHouronFridayeveningandatSaturday’skeynotepresentation.
Vasque and brand partners recently opened up the 2016 Thru Hike Syndicate to Continental
Divide Trail thru-hikers, who will attempt to thru-hike the 3,100-mile trail this summer. As a
supporteroftheCDT,thelongesttrailoftheTripleCrownofthru-hiking,whichalsoincludesthe
PacificCrestTrailandtheAppalachianTrail,Vasquehopestheycanhelpraiseawarenessforthe
ruggedtrail.
“WearethrilledtosupporttheContinentalDivideTrailCoalition’smissionthroughsuchafun
and well-organized event like the CDTC Trail Days and Kickoff,” states Joe Peters, Director of
Global Marketing for Vasque footwear. “We look forward to connecting with the thru-hikers
who are tackling such a technically advanced trail as well as the supportive community of the
firstgatewaycityoftheCDT,SilverCity,NM.”
The CDTC, a unifying local organization for trail communities and hiking groups, is thrilled to
continue Trail Days into its second year with a nationally-known title sponsor and widespread
acknowledgementinthethru-hikingcommunity.
“CDTCisthrilledtobepartneringwithVasqueinsupportofthe2016CDTTrailDaysandKickoff
event in Silver City,” says Teresa Martinez, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Continental
DivideTrailCoalition.“WithVasque’ssupport,weareabletobroadenthereachforthisyear’s
TrailsDayseventandbringmanydiversecommunitiesandpeopletogetherandsharestoriesof
howtheTrailhasshapedtheirlives.ItalsoallowsustoshowcasehowtheCDTbringsallofus
togetherandhelpsusbuildanevenstrongervoiceforthetrail.”
Through the weekend, experienced thru-hikers can also participate in seminars on advanced
trailtechniques,enjoylocalbreweriesandartgalleries.Additionally,participantsinSaturday’s
scavengerhuntwillbeenteredtowinapairofVasqueKid’sBreeze2.0andotherkidfriendly
outdoorgear.Learnmorehere.
For more information on Vasque, please visit www.vasque.com or contact Angie Houck at
[email protected].
AboutVasque
Since 1964, Vasque has been providing performance footwear that inspires trust on the trail.
Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’scollection of
backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day
comfortregardlessofconditions.
AbouttheContinentalDivideTrailCoalition
Establishedin2012,TheContinentalDivideTrailCoalition(CDTC)isa501(c)(3)nationalnonprofitorganizationbuildingastrongcommunityofCDTvolunteers,enthusiastsandsupporters
who want to see the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) completed and protected.
Ourmissionistocreateacommunitycommittedtoconstructing,promoting,andprotecting,in
perpetuity, the CDT, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, through Montana, Idaho,
Wyoming,Colorado,andNewMexico.
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
CONTACT:
AngieHouck
DarbyCommunications
[email protected]
828.254.0914o/828.337.6455c
VasqueSupportstheTripleCrownTrails
RedWing,MN–March11,2016–Formorethan50years,Vasquefootwearhasprovidedproductthat
inspires trust on the trail. In 2016, Vasque is excited to announce its sponsorship of all three trail
associations whose trails are included in the Triple Crown of thru-hiking; the Appalachian Trail
Conservancy(ATC),theContinentalDivideTrailCoalition(CDTC)andthePacificCrestTrailAssociation
(PCTA). As part of its partnerships with each of these associations, Vasque will supply footwear and
monetarycontributionstosupporteffortstokeepthetrailsprotectedandmaintained.
“Peoplethru-hikingtheseepictrailsisatanall-timehighhereintheUSA,”statesVasqueDirectorofGlobal
Marketing,JoePeters.“Itiscrucialthatwesupportthenon-profitsthatareprotectingandmaintaining
thetrailsthatsomuchofourVasquefootwearhikesandbackpacksalong.Additionally,weexpandedour
Thru-HikeSyndicateinitiativetoallthreetrailsthisyearandwantedtogivebacktothetrailassociations
thataremakingSyndicatemembers’dreamsareality.”
Vasque’spartnershipwiththeATCincludessupplyingtheruggedErikssonGTXbootfortheleadersof
volunteertrailcrewmembersupanddowntheAppalachianTrailandsponsoringvehicleoperations,vans
thatareusedbythetrailcrewstotransfervolunteersbetweendifferentsitesandcamps.Aspartofthe
partnership with the CDT, Vasque will be the Title Sponsor of the CDT Trail Days alongside being an
ExplorerSponsor.Lastly,asaTuolumneMeadowsmemberofthePCTA,Vasquewillbesponsoringand
supplyingfootwearfortheleadersoftheColumbiaCascadesTrailSkillsCollege,April22-24inCascade
Locks,Ore.
"VolunteercrewsarethebackboneoftheAppalachianTrail,”saysMikeLeonard,CorporateRelationsand
EventsOfficeroftheAppalachianTrailConservancy.“TheATCisthrilledthatVasque'ssupportwillhelp
ourcrewsevenmoreeffectivelycarryouttheircriticalworktomaintainandcarefortheTrail."
To learn more about Vasque please visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at
[email protected].
AboutVasque
Since1964,Vasquehasbeenprovidingperformancefootwearthatinspirestrustonthetrail.Bringingthe
latestintechnologyanddesigntooutdoorenthusiasts,Vasque’scollectionofbackpacking,performance
hiking,insulatedandtrailrunningshoesaredesignedforalldaycomfortregardlessofconditions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angie Houck
Darby Communications
[email protected]
828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c
Vasque’s Fall ’16 Winter Hiking Boots Promise Warmth in the Gnarliest Winter
Conditions
Red Wing, MN – December 9, 2015 – Tested in the harsh cold winters of Northern Minnesota where
average temperatures hover around 6 degrees Fahrenheit, Vasque’s newest additions to the Winter
Hiking Collection are designed to handle the gnarliest winter conditions. Making it easier for outdoor
enthusiasts everywhere to enjoy the great outdoors throughout winter, Vasque is introducing a modern
day mukluk and an athletically nimble insulated hiker.
Named for the rugged wilderness area in Northern Minnesota that is home to one of the last stands of
virgin, old-growth red and white pine in the state, the Lost 40 is
an extreme cold weather boot. Vasque’s design team applied their
expertise of spending winters in Minnesota to the design of this
modern day Mukluk. With a mix of modern and traditional
materials, this boot is designed to withstand extreme cold
temperatures when out hiking on the trail. A softshell and suede
leather upper with a removable 7mm felted wool liner with an
internal midsole of molded EVA and AeroGel foam to ensure feet
will be warm and well-cushioned. The Lost 40 assures a snug fit
with a unique 2-part zonal lacing system. A quick-lace toggle
tightens at the bottom, while a separate lacing at the top with a
snap-down garage keeps laces secure. A waterproof membrane in
the upper provides weatherproof protection in a range of
conditions from deep cold to spring slush. For unparalleled
traction and stability on frozen surfaces, Vasque used a Vibram
Overland outsole with an anti-slip IceTrek compound. MSRP
$179.99
“Our inspiration for these boots come from the fact that our customers appreciate functional, stylish
boots that are made for a specialized purpose,” states Director of Product Development, Brian Hall. “By
offering them slimmer profiles in our insulated collection that offer warmth, stability and traction, we
fulfill their needs for technical winter footwear that is nimble, lightweight, and perfect for the coldest
days.”
The most nimble insulted product in Vasque’s collection, the Coldspark UltraDry™ has a light, athletic
profile. Using 200 grams of Thinsulate and Vasque’s proprietary waterproofing, UltraDry™, this boot will
keep feet warm on long winter hikes. A ColdHold Compound comprised of a dual density rubber sole
ensures traction in cold, slick conditions. Harder, sharper lugs
line the perimeter of the outsole offering a positive bite into
snow and frozen turf while the center lugs remain pliable in
cold temperatures, enabling them to conform to
irregularities in the terrain for the ultimate in traction. The
Coldspark UltraDry™ is Vasque’s fastest, lightest, most
athletic winter product to date. MSRP $139.99
To see the Fall ’16 collection, stop by the Vasque booth
12001 at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show January 7 – 10.
For more information visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at [email protected].
About Vasque
Vasque footwear was established in 1964 in response to a need for performance hiking footwear in the
US market. With a passion for performance and fit, Vasque’s mission to this day is to bring the latest in
technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts by making quality, rugged footwear for all types of trail
conditions. Every shoe in Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail
running shoes are designed to give adventurers a perfect fit for all day comfort on the trail.