Three trends to watch in “on the job” footwear options: Made in USA; Comfort on the Job; and Lightweight Style.

The line between performance and lifestyle continues to blur in the outdoors as stylish boots are packed with tech details and core performers flash a fashionable aesthetic.

Run shops have a lot to look forward to in 2020. A surge of fresh technical product, the summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo catalyzing consumer interest, and product growth at the premium side of the shoe market are all opportunities for growth and connection.

The line between performance and lifestyle continues to blur in the outdoors as stylish boots are packed with tech details and core performers flash a fashionable aesthetic. Versatility — in style and performance — is often the No. 1 trait consumers are seeking in outdoor boots.

At home in the woods, on the trail, in the snow or even in the city, these Fall ’20 hiking boots are the versatile, protective, durable all-rounders consumers are looking for.

The fresh crop of Fall ’20 trail running styles are engineered to tackle the toughest terrain (and the pavement on the way) with protective features that don’t sacrifice comfort under and around the foot.

What Retailers Are Excited About: The in-store experience, brand collaboration, sustainability and more…“I am really excited for some of the cool experiential collaborations that we are doing with a few of our key brands..."

A new trade show is set to launch this July. The Big Gear Show, from the team behind Paddlesports Retailer, will take place July 21-25 in Salt Lake City and will feature hardgoods only. It will also have a consumer element.

Ozark Outdoor Supply is a specialty shop that serves as a “home” for outdoor goods in more ways than one. The quaint shop, which is located in a renovated house, is nestled right in the upscale neighborhood of the Heights in Little Rock, AR. It’s been the area’s home for outdoor gear since 1972.

Brands are fine-tuning the design of their footwear uppers to hug the foot, and combining them with midsole and outsole innovations that create a smooth and protected ride on the toughest terrain. Here’s a peek at some new styles ready to blaze the trail.

These shoes are all about fit and feel on the trail. Brands are fine-tuning the design of their footwear uppers to hug the foot, combining with midsole and outsole innovation that creates a smooth and protected ride on the toughest terrain. Here’s a peek at some new styles ready to blaze the trail.

In 1947, Frank and Jessie Stephens opened the doors of Frank’s Shirt Shop in downtown Whitefish, Montana — at first, the Stephens’ priority was selling quality men’s clothing. After acquiring a neighboring clothing store, the entire operation was renamed The Toggery.

As retail origin stories go, St. Louis-based Alpine Shop definitely has a good one. And its evolution into a standout retailer with four locations — thanks in part to a thriving events business — is pretty impressive, too.

Located in what it calls the “big tin hut” in the heart of Durango, Colorado, Backcountry Experience is a retailer with a keen focus on not only offering the best gear for outdoor adventures, but also the best customer service. And when it comes to service, offering the right fit is at the top of...

Known as “Wyoming’s Jewel,” Sheridan, population approximately 20,000, boasts a quaint downtown and the scenic Bighorn Mountains. For runners, the area is also well-known for hosting the Bighorn Trail Run ultra run.

The Northwest Arkansas region where Pack Rat Outdoor Center is located has such an abundance of natural resources that the once under the radar scene is becoming more and more of an outdoor destination. When it comes to outdoor retail, the secret is already out about Pack Rat Outdoor Center.

For Alpenglow Sports owner Brendan Madigan, being an outdoor retailer is about much more than just selling gear.“I feel a tremendous loyalty to give back to people who have supported the shop for nearly 40 years,” says Madigan. “The mountain shop, in my opinion, should be the hub of their community.

In the outdoor knife category, function and performance have always been must-haves. Increasingly, style and aesthetic are taking center stage, too, as clean and modern designs drive the Everyday Carry knife category in a trendy direction.

We ask running specialty retailers about the biggest challenges impacting the running retail business in 2019; ‍what they are most optimistic about; and what they are looking forward to in 2019?

Northwest outdoor shop Backcountry Essentials is a specialist even among the specialists. The shop, which does most of its business in ski and snowsports, has a keen focus on backcountry customers and differentiates itself as a shop specializing in ski boot fitting.

When Brendan Madigan first began working at Tahoe City, CA, mountain shop Alpenglow Sports in 2003, he was a self-described “part-time employee and mostly full-time ski bum.”

In mid-November, Nike opened up a new flagship in NYC on Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street. The store is called “House of Innovation 000.” We stopped by to see what’s inside.

Foot Locker’s go-forward strategy will be tied to more creative projects with key partners and smaller, secondary players such as Vans, K-Swiss, Fila, Puma and Reebok.

3D is old news. Adidas is going 4D with the launch of its new Alphaedge 4D shoe, engineered with the Adidas 4D midsole, for “controlled energy return” and “breathable cushioning.”