Xtratuf, a division of Honeywell known largely for its neoprene boots geared toward the Alaskan fishing community, is getting into a new, more universal category: sneakers.
After what the company says has been years of prototyping, the rugged footwear brand has delivered a “do it all” solution for its seafaring clientele with the launch of the Kiata sneaker for fall 2021.
The Xtratuf Kiata is 100 percent waterproof and constructed from a flexible 3D knit upper with a lightweight, sock-like feel. The sneaker includes the brand’s patented “Tufgrp” outsole, a design built with a specially formulated rubber compound that is independently verified as SRC-rated for providing superior grip and traction.
SRC testing is the most stringent specification for safety footwear and slip resistance, and is carried out in order to determine the slip resistance of footwear. SRC-certified slip resistant soles are tested on a ceramic tile wetted with a dilute soap solution and on a smooth steel plate with glycerol.
The Kiata also offers a high-rebound ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole and perforated EVA insole designed to provide all-day comfort and a full lace-up system for a customized and secure fit.
The sneaker will be available in three colors for men and three colors for women, going for a retail price of $120.
“For Xtratuf to develop a sneaker, we had to ensure all of the elements were just right and the innovation was next level, so that we could provide the same comfort, performance and assurance to all our fishermen spanning from Florida to Alaska,” Bo Thai, product manager at Xtratuf, said in a statement. “We’re excited to unveil this revolutionary new sneaker, along with the Tufgrp traction technology that excels not only on flat, wet surfaces but also uneven, slippery terrain.”
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Xtratuf isn’t just releasing a new sneaker for the fall; the brand is prepping additional boots within its Ankle Deck Boot and Bristol Bay collections for the season.
New for fall ’21 is the Ankle Deck Boot Leather Lace for men and women, inspired by Alaska’s spring solstice, during which 12 to 24 hours of daylight are available to take advantage of activities such as casting for salmon or running errands.
The Ankle Deck Boot Leather Lace offers versatile style and performance with 100 percent full-grain leather and waterproof protection. Unlike Xtratuf’s traditional Ankle Deck Boot, the newer version includes a full lace-up system, and an SRA-rated slip resistant outsole, which was tested on a ceramic tile wetted with a diluted soap solution.
The boot also includes a durable rubber shell and comfort mesh lining for air circulation and moisture control. Three color ways will be available for men and women at a retail price of $125.
Continuing to expand upon its popular Boatyard collection, the Xtratuf Bristol Bay Leather Chelsea is designed to be easily pulled on and off, with 100 percent waterproof protection and leather treated for saltwater resistance.
Available in three colors for men in fall ’21 at a retail price of $150, the Bristol Bay Leather Chelsea also offers performance qualities including an SRC-rated, slip-resistant and non-marking chevron outsole, as well as a high-rebound molded polyurethane (PU) insole, a durable PU midsole and a breathable mesh lining.