New Arc’teryx Shoes on the Horizon

Tim Newcomb for Forbes:

While Arc’teryx has had footwear in its catalog for years, by opening a Portland office solely focused on the category, the brand aims to create new mountain-ready offerings and craft footwear silhouettes that become as iconic as the Alpha jacket.

The goal of Arc’teryx is to look and feel different in the outdoor space, bringing together a “very aesthetically beautiful and functional product.” The footwear will take cues from the brand’s design, separating itself from the previous offerings created with the help of sister brand Solomon.

Previous Arc’teryx shoes have been over-engineered, ugly, and expensive. But with new shoe brands pushing the price point upwards, there’s an opening for Arc’teryx to be the premium Salomon brand.

Adam Campbell, professional mountain runner, world champion medalist and Arc’teryx athlete since 2007, now lives in Squamish, B.C., and will head the product testing team. His job is to explain his playground and pass along his needs, letting the designers then get to work.

First “pro” and influencer lined up to promote the shoes on Instagram.