Brand that can help you escape

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You’ve probably heard—or at least know in your gut—that spending time outside is good for mind, body, and spirit. Research has shown that the benefits of spending time outside have been proven over and over again in the past few decades. It is important to show that Spending time outdoors can improve your longevity, blood pressure, stress management, and anxiety. You can reap the benefits whether you like to walk in your local park, or hiking long distances. It’s like a miracle drug with no side effects (unless you don’t like getting a little dirty and sweaty).

W.D. was founded more than 50 years ago. This was long before science could weigh in. Sweasy knew the power of the outdoors. Sweasy was inspired by the beauty of the outdoors while on a 1964 trip to Europe. He returned determined to help Americans get out there. He realized that hiking is the only thing that everyone needs. A pair of Good shoes. Quality footwear was something Sweasy knew as he was a part of the family-owned Red Wing Shoe Company. Sweasy founded Vasque to create purpose-built trail boots, and provide hikers with durable, comfortable and innovative footwear.

Over the decades, Vasque has established itself as the hiker’s hiking boot brand. That’s because it operates at the highest level on two fronts: making great boots and inspiring hikers to use them. Here’s how.

Innovative thinking for the Trail

Vasque has been paying close attention since its inception to the needs of hikers Really Two of the most famous hiking boots of all time were born out of necessity. 

1984 was the year of the all-leather, sleek, and modernized leather Sundowner debuted and was the first backpacking boot to be created in that era. In 2004, a generation later, the Breeze boots with an athletic design that prioritized breathability while minimizing weight and providing all-conditions comfort. Its success is evident. In just two decades, the Breeze has sold over one million pairs in all its forms. Redesigned last year, the latest version is eco-friendly with recycled material in the collar, upper mesh, webbing and heel counter. 

Vasque designers continue to innovate in recent seasons with a variety of models. The Talus AT This lightweight and agile hiker is made with leather-and-mesh. It balances breathability with durability. The Torre AT The technical version is slightly more complex, featuring a rubber rand wraparound for extra protection on rough terrain and a grippy sole that provides no slip traction. And for backpackers tackling bigger trips, the full-grain leather St. Elias offers superior support in a long-haul boot that’s instantly comfortable.        

Supporting Thru-Hikers

But Vasque’s commitment to hikers only starts with making high-performance boots. Vasque was a founding sponsor for the Thru-Hike Syndicate, Vasque has been supporting thru-hikers on America’s long trails for a decade. This partner-powered program provides critical resources to a diverse group each year of thru-hikers, helping to increase participation and raise the visibility of hikers from different backgrounds. For example, in 2022, the Thru-Hike Syndicate supported a Type-1 diabetes ambassador. “We’re thrilled to be the founding partner and footwear provider for the Thru-Hike Syndicate,” says Joe Peters, Vasque’s marketing director. “This program embodies the heroic stories of people finding reprieve outside—on some of the most scenic trails in North America.  For 2023, we expect many of the Thru-Hikers to be wearing the Breeze.”    

All Hikers Welcome

Getting outside for any length of time—whether for a one-mile walk or a 2,000-mile trek—is what matters most. But even short outings can be a challenge in today’s always-connected culture. That’s why Vasque came up with the Log Outside Project, an event designed to give everyday hikers a little more incentive to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. On March 18, Vasque showed up at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, and made a simple offer: give us your phone while you enjoy an hour of outdoor time, and we’ll give you a pair of Breeze boots. The end result? 300 participants spent together 300-plus Hours spent outside are not enough for a single day.

This event launched a 360-degree initiative to spread Log Outside’s message across the globe. Vasque will ask customers to simply put down their devices and go outside, across all the brand’s channels. It’s not anti-technology—it’s pro-disconnecting. That means giving social followers a refreshing reprieve: simply comment on Vasque’s regional Instagram posts for a chance to win state park passes. This means that you can make a difference in your day by spending just an hour outdoors. And it’s a call to action: forget your phone on purpose and go enjoy a hike—on a trail or around your neighborhood.

Vasque was a pioneer by defining hiking as an activity back in the 1960s, and we’ve been quietly hiking along with folks who like to do the same ever since. Log Outside gives us the ability to be an advocate not only for hiking but also spending time outside, which is what we’ve always stood for.