You love their jackets and packs, now its time to strap them around your toes. Known for making some of the best outerwear available, Arc’teryx is getting set to launch a new line of technical footwear for the entire hiking spectrum. Unlike any other shoe on the market, Arc’teryx spent the last four years developing shoes that were so loaded with new technology, they needed to create custom production machinery just to manufacture them.
At the heart of both the Alpha and Bora line of lightweight hiking shoes is a two-piece construction that uses separate, tongueless inner liners with seamless hydrophobic outer shells. The shoes have more in common with traditional ski boots than common hiking shoes. 
“From the very beginning, our goal was to bring a fresh perspective to footwear that enhances the overall mountain experience,” says Arc’teryx footwear product line manager Federico Sbrissa. “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.”
Unique to the Alpha2 low-cut approach shoe (blue/black) and the Bora2 mid-cut hiking booth (red/black) is a removable GoreTex liner that can be swapped for an optional insulated liner for use in cold weather. The liners conform to the shape of the foot and have few seams, no tongue and use a brand new stretch waterproof/breathable GoreTex membrane. The lack of a tongue increases water resistance and breathable surface area. They also contain an EVA foam core and can be used alone as camp booties.
A few features found throughout the entire line include; a seamless upper made from four laminated fabrics, hydrophobic and air-premeable outer shell that protects the inner line while allowing it to breathe, a small area between the waterproof liner and breathable outer shell that acts as a conduit for air exchange and moisture dispersion and a new combination of sole and midsole that allows the two parts to flex independently beneath the heel offering more cushioning and better traction.
The lineup will feature both men’s and women’s versions available in the Spring of 2015. We don’t usually share products that are that far off from launch but we are excited to give the new boots a try on the trail as soon as we can get our feet in some. Stay alert to the Arc-teryx website for their drop and stay tuned for more.
