Happy Trails: ECCO Continue to Push the Outer Limits
ECCO BIOM C-Trail
Featured as part of expedition, was founded in the Danish village of Bredebro by Karl Toosbuy in 1963. Blessed with a curious mind and no-limits ambitions, Toosbuy built ECCO into one of the biggest shoe-makers in the world over the next four decades. Today, ECCO continues to push the outer limits, packing their new-gen designs with the latest in footwear tech, while their innovative tannery continues to experiment with modern materials like FSDX Dyneema and DriTan, which reduces the use of chemicals and significantly lowers wastewater production. The current ECCO Outdoors range is ‘Made For The Elements’ and covers everyone from the casual explorer to the hardcore adventurer.
ECCO’s 2021 Roster
The BIOM C-TRAIL is equally at home mountainside or pavement-bound. PHORENE foam cups the feet, connecting them to the BIOM X-TENSA midfoot strap that anchors the BIOM stability and ergonomic system. Rubber lugs shed gravel and latch onto even the slipperiest surfaces. The 2021 colour palette ranges from neon-dips to organic combos and silent assassin makeups like this two-toned ‘Orca’ edition. Hiding beneath the welded black mesh inserts and custom-tanned off-white yak overlays is a GORE-TEX liner ‘Guaranteed To Keep Your Toes Dry’.
MX
The MX revs up like its motocross namesake with a sleek shark-like upper and an aggressive tread pattern based on dirtbike tyres. A midfoot TPU insert keeps the ride nimble while direct-injected FluidForm midsoles are ready-made fuel for high mileage. ECCO commissioned their in-house tannery to spec custom hides for the MX. The sleek ‘silver grey’ panelling shown here is made from ECCO’s OEM oiled nubuck and hides figure-hugging neoprene inner socks, which can be further cinched with a traditional lace system.
EXOHIKE
When the going gets tough, the tough call the local shoe shop and ask for a pair of the EXOHIKE.
A lightweight trail muncher, the EXOHIKE’s simple surface contours belie the tech-heavy specs hidden within. PROSOMA external counters cradle the heel and work in tandem with lace-loop hardware to prevent twisted ankles. GORE-TEX liners are standard equipment, as is ECCO’s PHORENE foam that is ribbed for maximum pleasure. Michelin rubber outsoles feature a unique tread pattern and a ‘grip grid’ system that helps put the brakes on when descending steep trails. Soft knitted mesh collars and hardy nubuck vamps complete the EXOHIKE package, which includes a low-cut option and this boot-cut for women in the Titanium/Concrete colour combo.
With ECCO Outdoors in the fam, there’s no excuse not to kick off the slippers, ditch the home office and get out there to get amongst it. It’s all uphill from here!