CEP Compression has launched a new Outdoor Collection of socks featuring the Hiking Merino and Light Merino styles that are engineered to provide targeted compression to improve circulation and blood flow where it’s needed the most, according to the brand. The socks also feature breathable padding, moisture-wicking properties and joint stabilizing technology. The socks are available in tall, mid-cut and low-cut options.

‍Baffin has revived its Patio Clog style this spring. The rubber clog is designed to protect from Spring and Summer elements — it is waterproof and rated all season. With a multi-directional slip resistant tread and non-marking rubber soles, the slip-on shoe with covered heel provides a safe and effective choice for any outdoor activity; from cottaging to gardening and everything in between.

‍VF Corp. has struck a definitive agreement to sell the occupational portion of its Work segment—Red Kap, VF Solutions, Bulwark, Workrite, Walls, Terra, Kodiak, Work Authority and Horace Small—to Redwood Capital Investments. Financial terms of the transaction, slated to close in Q1/FY22, were not disclosed. The deal does not include the Dickies and Timberland Pro brands.

‍Tecnica is launching a “Recycle Your Boots” initiative in Europe to provide an end-of-life solution for ski boots. The old ski boots will be collected by retailers and transported in small batches to reduce emissions. The Italian company Fecam will remove the liners and dismantle each boot to separate the plastic and metal components. All parts will then be transported to the nearby Laprima Plastics plant and transformed into secondary raw materials, such as plastic granules and recovered aluminum, ready to be recast and reused in industrial production. In addition, the liners will be shredded to make new padding. The project will begin with retailers in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The plan is for Sweden, Norway and Spain to join the program soon after. Tecnica says it hopes to extend the project to North America if the right partners and processes can be put in place for it to succeed.

‍Asics is underscoring the importance of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May with a virtual Blue Jean Mile competition, inspired by ASICS elite athlete Johnny Gregorek’s world record setting race in 2020. Hosted in partnership with Race Roster, the virtual competition will take place from May 1-31, 2021 — registration for the ASICS Blue Jean Mile opened on May 1.  Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of denim, run a mile in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, upload their results to Race Roster and share on social using the hashtag #SoundMindSoundBody.  Registration is free, but participants will also have the opportunity to fundraise or directly donate to NAMI-NYC.

‍REEF signed two-decade brand endorser and surfing great, Mick Fanning, to a 10-year extension. He is the person behind the brand’s Fanning sandal featuring a built-in bottle opener. As a new dad, the next phase of Mick’s brand partnership will include products for kids and new concepts that continue the legacy of his signature “Fanning franchise.”