Gear Preview: Wenger Footwear Line

Wenger, a brand known mainly for its Swiss Army Knives and sport wristwatches, last month launched a line of shoes promising “superior performance and incredible comfort.” Working with Established Brands, the worldwide footwear licensee for Wenger, the company (www.wengerfootwear.com) unveiled eight shoe models that include features like spot-welded seamless interiors, antibacterial insoles and liners, and contoured footbeds with cell pattern padding for air circulation and breathability.

According to Wenger, the outsole on all of the models adjusts to hot and cold environments to offer better traction. Price range is $95 to $170, and the line will be sold in sporting goods and outdoor specialty stores starting this month. Here’s a look at three stand-out models. . .

Above: The Shiltorn is a lightweight, low-cut athletic shoe that employs the company’s Temposit sole, a rubber formulation that adjusts to adapt to the climate, hardening in cold weather and getting softer when it’s warm. A seamless interior and mesh upper adds comfort for long treks.

Above: The Eiger is a mid-cut hiking boot the company says absorbs impact to reduce foot stress via something called the Spydraflex Outsole, which dampens and displaces impact outward rather than up the skeletal structure of the shoe. It has a waterproof membrane booty to keep your foot dry in puddles and snow and a one-piece leather upper.

Above: Wenger’s Vitznau is marketed as a “performance crossover shoe,” meaning you can use it in town where style counts or on the trail. It has a seamless interior and a lightweight but high-traction outsole, according to the company.

See the full Wenger footwear line at www.wengerfootwear.com