I love finding lesser known brands at Outdoor Retailer, although I did miss it being in Denver. I spent a day at OR Snow Show 2023 in Salt Lake City and enjoyed learning about some new brands and seeing the new things some established brands are doing.
I started in the Venture Out area for up and coming brands link Lane Eight. It’s versatile and sustainable workout shoe company. The trainers range from $130-150 and come in a variety of neutrals and brights. The shoes are sleek in design and sustainably made. There’s 11 recycled plastic bottles in each shoe. There’s an algae-based cushion in the shoe and the Relay design has a sugarcane bottom. Lane Eight is headquartered in Hong Kong with a U.S. distribution in Los Angeles.
Nordik eyewear has some really colorful ski goggles. The lens have excellent clarity. I especially liked the Viking which is heated and the kid goggles with fun straps like unicorns.
Skinners has sock shoes that are comfy and durable. The top part and fit is a sock with its StretchKnit technology, but the sole is made to last up to 500 miles. Plus the sock shoes are machine washable. I’m getting a pair because they’re great for land and water adventures. You can roll them up, throw them in a small pouch for travel or in your backpack for a camping trip. A pair weighs 8.1 ounces. They also just came out with premium barefoot sneakers made of Italian leather. Skinners are designed in the Czech Republic. These are a fashion meets barefoot shoe concept and run $180. The sock shoes run $59.99-79.99. The brand launched on Kickstarter and raised over $1 million.
Lowa is a well known brand for hiking and mountaineer boots. They’re debuting a new line of trail runners late spring. The trail runner/light hikers took 3 years to develop. They have really good grip, traction, and durability. Lowa focuses on better quality products so you buy less. Three styles debut in early summer.
Nite Ize always has cool gadgets like the squeeze holder for your phone and a new one for an iPad ($54). They have some new key rings for the O, Z, G, and micro series. One of my favorite new items is the Glowstreak for your pup. The LED bouncing ball changes colors. I also really liked their new USB rechargeable pen light.
Jack Wolfskin does sustainably made outdoor clothing. It was acquired by Calloway Golf and may be the largest outdoor brand the U.S. doesn’t know yet. New items coming out later this year are bright with cool features like this jacket with a chimney vent. This ski outfit with detachable bib was one of my favorites at outdoor retailer snow show.
Author Jennifer Broome has attended Outdoor Retailer for several years. For other finds, check out posts A Day at Summer Outdoor Retailer 2022 and 3 Up and Coming Brands I Discovered at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show.
