Type: Members Only

 Expanded resources and renewed focus from Tecnica Group marks new leadership and opportunity for expansion for respected heritage outdoor footwear brand

 STAMFORD, Conn. [October 17, 2025) — With more than 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is stepping confidently into its next chapter of growth under Tecnica Group’s future strategy elevating high-potential outdoor and performance brands. As part of this evolution, LOWA U.S. has been identified as a key growth driver within the Tecnica Group portfolio.

As part of this alignment, LOWA’s U.S. headquarters will relocate to Salt Lake City in spring 2026, with warehouse operations moving later in the year. Over the next year, LOWA U.S. operations will be integrated into Tecnica Group U.S., creating a more cohesive business platform while providing greater collaboration, efficiency, and innovation across the company’s portfolio of performance brands.

Lance Taylor, a proven industry leader with a strong track record at Salomon North America, has succeeded Peter Sachs, who recently left his position as general manager after nearly 30 years of dedicated leadership to the LOWA brand in the U.S. Taylor will guide the development of a new commercial and product strategy designed specifically for the U.S. consumer.

“LOWA has a remarkable history built on craftsmanship, performance, and trust,” said Taylor. “As we look ahead, our goal is to build on that legacy while bringing fresh energy, innovation, and connection to the U.S. market. With the support of Tecnica Group, we’re poised to expand our reach and continue delivering the quality and performance that define the LOWA name.”

Tecnica Group extends its deepest gratitude to the LOWA U.S. team members in Connecticut for their dedication and partnership in building the brand’s strong foundation in the U.S. market. A primary focus over the next 6–12 months will be ensuring a seamless transition for employees, partners, and customers.

“LOWA has an incredible legacy and reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for uncompromising quality,” said Alexander Nicolai, CEO LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH. “This next phase represents a strategic investment in the brand’s future bringing it closer to consumers, enhancing our U.S. operations, and setting the stage for sustained growth in the years ahead. LOWA U.S. is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic outdoor markets.”

LOWA has been part of the global Tecnica Group for more than 32 years, joining the family in 1993. As one of the group’s heritage brands, LOWA benefits from Tecnica Group’s world-class resources in research, development, and global distribution, while maintaining its proud legacy of German craftsmanship and precision. This long-standing relationship has enabled LOWA to combine its commitment to quality and fit with Tecnica Group’s innovation and investment in growth helping the brand continue to expand its presence and influence in the outdoor footwear market worldwide.

About LOWA

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates).

Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder.

For more information, visit: https://www.tecnicagroup.com

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com, 781-640-8387

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SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA — October 21, 2025 — Free People and Fleks Footwear are joining forces to introduce a limited-edition version of Fleks’ new Cito Slide, merging Free People’s effortlessly confident free-spirited style with Fleks’ cutting-edge sustainable design.

The collaboration highlights a shared vision for conscious creativity, footwear that looks beautiful, performs effortlessly, and treads lightly on the planet. The Free People x Fleks Cito Slide features Fleks’ signature anatomical proprietary midsole, made from Blumaka foam, in bold and vibrant colors that pair well with Free People’s youthful palettes and artisanal textures.

“At Free People, we’re always looking to collaborate with brands that align with our values of self-expression and creativity,” said Kathryn Schutt, general merchandise manager of footwear at Free People. “We were especially interested in working with Fleks, as what they’re doing is truly unique, creating a product that’s sustainable and cool out of excess materials that would have been discarded.”

The Fleks ethos is simple yet powerful: Respect for our oceans. Respect for our environment. Respect for the next generation. Respect for our feet. Motivated by a responsibility to improve the footwear industry with a commitment to continuous improvement, Fleks is leading by example, proving that sustainability and performance can, and should go hand-in-hand.

“We created Fleks to demonstrate that sustainability and style can beautifully coexist,” said Leah Larson, founder and chief merchandising officer at Fleks Footwear. “We are honored to partner with Free People, a brand that shares our commitment to doing better for people and the planet. Together, we’re championing that message, creating a movement toward more conscious, considered design.”

The Free People x Fleks Cito Slide is available now at freepeople.com and fleksfootwear.com.

ABOUT FLEKS FOOTWEAR

Fleks Footwear was founded in 2024 and launched the East Beach Slide in March of that year. The company is committed to revolutionizing the footwear industry by proving that  high performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. They are dedicated to tackling  environmental challenges caused by foam manufacturing and constantly working hard at  creating a cleaner, greener future. Not perfect, just better. Visit Fleks online at www.fleksfootwear.com and on Instagram at @fleksfootwear.

 

ABOUT FREE PEOPLE

Free People is a global lifestyle brand, defined by femininity, creativity, curiosity, and adventure, with offerings in unique apparel, intimate wear, shoes, and accessories. As an expansion of our lifestyle, Free People has moved into wellness, fitness, travel, and curation of beauty starting from the inside out. The Philadelphia-based retailer is available via our global, and UK, top department, and specialty stores, as well as via Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

 

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October 20, 2025—Boulder, CO—Lems Shoes, the Boulder-based footwear brand known for its commitment to natural foot-shaped design, announces the lineup for its 2025 Fall/Winter Collection. From insulated boots built for the coldest days to lightweight sneakers designed to tackle the trail, these new styles introduce naturally informed comfort to several categories of footwear, bringing a new generation of performance, durability, and everyday wear.

The 2025 Fall/Winter Collection includes:

• Trail Thrasher (MSRP $155) – A rugged trail sneaker engineered with a full rubber outsole for grip and durability, paired with breathable materials for lightweight comfort. Featuring Lems’ Widest Natural-Shape fit, a zero-drop platform, and a 16mm stack height, the Trail Thrasher is ready for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
• Trail Blazer Mid (MSRP $165) – A mid-cut version of the popular Trail Blazer, designed with added ankle protection and stability. Built with a durable rubber outsole and lightweight microfiber and mesh upper, the Trail Blazer Mid is a reliable choice for uneven terrain with a zero-drop platform and 14mm stack height.
• Breck Boot Insulated (MSRP $225) – Lems’ fan-favorite Breck Boot now comes fully insulated with 3M™ Thinsulate™, keeping feet warm and dry all winter long. With its rugged leather and nylon upper, zero-drop platform, and full rubber outsole, this fully waterproof boot is built for the coldest days of the year.
• Zen Clog (MSRP $125) – A cozy, minimalist clog featuring Lems’ proprietary lightweight Injection Blown Rubber outsole. Designed with a clean silhouette and suede upper, the Zen Clog offers all-day comfort in an easy, slip-on style.
• OG Boulder Boot – Navy Stout (MSRP $225) – The iconic Boulder Boot returns with fresh updates to its familiar Navy Stout colorway with full-grain leather accents and speed hooks for a more refined look. The OG Boulder Boot features a flannel cotton lining, a zero-drop platform, and Lem’s lightweight, flexible Injection Blown Rubber outsole.
• Chelsea Boot Tuff – New Colors (MSRP $200) – Lems expands its durable Chelsea Boot Tuff collection with two new colorways: Rustic and Wheat. Made with full-grain leather and a water-resistant finish, this timeless boot delivers durability and everyday style.

“We’re excited to introduce our Fall/Winter 2025 lineup, offering more variety than ever,” said Andrew Rademacher, Lems’ Owner and Designer. “From the rugged new Trail Thrasher sneaker to the Breck Boot Insulated, built for cold-weather performance, and the ultra-comfortable, minimalist Zen Clog, we’re expanding our range to meet every need, whether you’re hitting the trail or taking it easy.”

The Lems 2025 Fall/Winter Collection will be available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes, starting in October at www.lemsshoes.com and select retail partners. For sales inquiries, please contact caileigh@lemsshoes.com.

For more information on Lems Shoes and the latest brand news, visit www.lemsshoes.com or contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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ABOUT LEMS SHOES

Founded in 2011 by Andrew Rademacher, Lems Shoes was born from a simple idea: shoes should be built around the natural shape and movement of the human foot. Frustrated by the lack of anatomically correct footwear on the market, Rademacher took matters into his own hands, literally, by dissecting traditional shoes, studying last construction and pattern making, and designing his own. The result? Minimalist footwear that strips away the unnecessary, delivering full flexibility, comfort, and foot-shaped design. From its first release, the Primal, to its ever-evolving lineup today, Lems remains committed to creating lightweight, versatile shoes that let your feet move the way nature intended. Learn more about the brand at lemshoes.com.

{Seattle, WA ⏤ Oct 21, 2025} ⏤ Nikwax, the global leader in PFAS-free aftercare and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announces the launch of Stain Scrub, a targeted scrub-on stain treatment designed to tackle the toughest stains on waterproof garments, without compromising their performance.

Stain Scrub is free from bleach and harmful chemicals, and is created specifically to treat highly stained areas, whether it’s mud or ground-in grime. Stain Scrub effectively lifts stubborn stains while maintaining the garment’s durable water repellency (DWR), a key feature for performance in wet weather.

Key Features:

• Targets hard-to-treat stains without damaging water repellency
• Built-in brush applicator for easy use
• Extends the life of outdoor gear
• Free from bleach and harmful chemicals

Stain Scrub is suitable for use as a pre-wash treatment on all waterproof fabrics, down garments, synthetic insulated jackets, sleeping bags, tents, skiwear, and bags. It’s recommended for use alongside other Nikwax products, such as Tech Wash® or the newly reformulated Down Wash, ensuring a complete cleaning and protection system. Available in 4.2fl oz. bottle, MSRP $10.45.

“With the launch of Stain Scrub, we’re proud to offer an easy and effective solution to tackle the toughest stains while extending the life of your favorite outdoor clothing,” said Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax. “It’s another step forward in our commitment to performance, sustainability, and innovation.”

About Nikwax
Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally responsible cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand also supplies top-performing PFAS-free DWR and hydrophobic down applications for outdoor brands. Nikwax’s 48-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFAS or aerosols and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 48 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

 

HIGH PERFORMANCE | LOW IMPACT
Nikwax.com

Fall Fly-In highlights growing threats to public lands management amidst government shutdown; urges lawmakers to keep public lands a national priority.

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2025) — Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation groups working together to protect public lands, along with its 20 Grasstops Collective advocate ambassadors, will convene in Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for protecting public lands and waters and the people who care for them. The government shutdown is a reminder of how — without staff and funding — trails go unmaintained, parks are left vulnerable, and recreation access suffers, making it timelier than ever for the outdoor recreation community to speak out. Outdoor Alliance has put together a quick action alert to make it easy for members of the public to write lawmakers, helping ensure that balancing recreation and conservation remains a priority in Congress.

“The government might shut down, but Outdoor Alliance doesn’t,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of the Outdoor Alliance. “Our team is taking advantage of a quieter Capitol to meet with dozens of lawmakers this week and keep public lands front of mind. Our full schedule of lawmaker meetings this week will keep attention on keeping public lands public, defending agency capacity, and securing long-term funding for the outdoors.”

The following issues will be top priorities with lawmakers this week:

• Keeping public lands public: At a moment when decision makers are considering proposals to sell off, defund, or roll back protections, Outdoor Alliance is standing up for the idea that public lands belong to all Americans.
• Protecting outdoor recreation on public lands: Standing up for the Roadless Rule, which protects 58 million acres of National Forests and innumerable recreation resources, Outdoor Alliance is speaking to lawmakers about how proposed rollbacks threaten the trails, rivers, and climbing areas people cherish.
• Protecting the agencies and their staff: Outdoor Alliance is advocating for adequate staffing, funding, and resources at the Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, and other land management agencies—so they can maintain trails, restore landscapes, manage recreation responsibly, and protect the places people love.
• Securing funding and resources for the outdoors: Through appropriations and bipartisan legislation like the Legacy Restoration Fund, the Outdoor Alliance team is working to make sure the places where people hike, paddle, ski, and climb get the investments they need.

Grasstops Collective members will be key players in having these important conversations with lawmakers this week. The Collective is a leadership and advocacy development program that trains grasstops advocates to build relationships with policymakers and advocate for conservation priorities. Grasstops leaders, distinguished from grassroots supporters, are unique for their meaningful leadership voice in their communities, whether they are in business, nonprofit, or local government.

“These people are the unofficial mayors — the ones who know everyone at the crag,

trailhead, or river put-in,” said Taylor Rogers, who is coordinating the Grasstops Collective program for Outdoor Alliance for its second year. “As such, they’re not only widely respected people in their respective communities, but they’re also immersed in the public lands issues in their own backyards. That makes them very effective voices for conservation.”

The program has been training and educating its second cohort of grasstops leaders on outdoor policy and advocacy throughout this year, building up to this week’s Fall D.C. Fly-in. This year’s cohort comes from across the country, with a variety of backgrounds, outdoor recreation pursuits, and leadership roles. They include professional athletes, executive directors of local outdoor recreation nonprofits, industry leaders, and storytellers. Learn more about the 2025 Grasstops Collective cohort here and about our 2024 cohort and their accomplishments throughout the first year here.

Applications for the 2026 Grasstops Collective program is now open through November 2, 2025. Applications can be submitted here. For more information on the program, including details on the training and network and key dates, check out this program overview.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Oct. 7, 2025) — POC, the Swedish protection brand known for safety, innovation and design is proud to debut the new VPD Max and VPD Air back protectors, which are its most flexible, ventilated, thinnest and lightest models to date.

The new VPD Air and VPD Max vests utilize POC’s patented VPD (Visco Elastic Polymer Dough) technology, first developed over a decade ago. This innovative material becomes soft and flexible with body heat but hardens instantly upon impact for protection.

VPD’s technology and approach have protected countless skiers and snowboarders, from those competing in World Cup downhill races to beginners learning on green slopes. Building on that legacy, POC’s latest back protectors offer certified levels of protection while also being the thinnest in the brand’s back protection collection.

“When we first introduced VPD to the snow market, most protectors were based on hard plastic. The introduction of VPD brought enhanced flexibility, breathability, and protection, and it completely changed the idea of protection, which is now widely adopted,” said Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC. “With our new VPD Air and Max vests, we wanted to challenge the norm once more; to create the most flexible, breathable, protective back protectors that were also the thinnest and the lightest. Thanks to our engineers and designers, we have done just that, and the new VPD Air and Max vests are a major step forward in the evolution of protection.”

VPD Max and VPD Air back protectors will be available this autumn in a range of men’s, women’s, youth and POCito styles.

VPD Max Vest

The VPD Max Vest combines strength and protection with reduced weight, utilizing the same viscoelastic honeycomb compound as the Air Vest. The new model is nearly 15 percent lighter than previous versions and now weighs approximately 294g in adult size M.

The design and material allow a thinner overall back plate, 8 percent thinner and only 13mm thick, without compromising protection. This creates a flexible, discreet vest that moves naturally with the body. The honeycomb structure enhances airflow throughout the protector, while a highly wicking, breathable outer material maximizes ventilation.

Certified as a Level 2 back protector according to the EN 1621-2 standard, the VPD Max Vest also passes optional testing at -20°C. It represents the highest certification available, ideal for skiers and snowboarders requiring maximum protection, no matter where they’re exploring.

Offered in Men, Women, Youth, and POCito styles, the vest’s low weight keeps its place without needing a waistband. The thinly profiled back plate follows the wearer’s natural curvature becoming almost invisible when worn.

VPD Air Vest

Constructed with the same viscoelastic compound as the Max Vest, the VPD Air Vest features a honeycomb-like structure inspired by nature to provide strength and protection while keeping weight as low as possible. The new VPD Air Vest is almost 15 percent lighter than the previous version, now approximately 285g in adult size M.

Its unique design and viscoelastic compound have allowed POC to develop a thinner back plate, now almost 30 percent thinner at only 10mm. The result is a discreet, incredibly flexible protector that mirrors every movement.

Thanks to its new material and honeycomb design, air flows freely through the protector. Combined with a highly wicking and breathable outer material, the vest and backplate are POC’s most ventilated to date.

The VPD Air Vest is certified to Level 1 (EN 1621-2, Level 1 T- range -20ºC to +25ºC), ideal for skiers and snowboarders who prioritize flexibility alongside dependable protection.

The low weight ensures the protector stays aligned with the back without the need for a waistband. The back plate’s thin, contoured shape follows the spine’s natural curvature, making it nearly invisible when worn. The vest comes in sizes specifically developed for Men, Women, Youth, and POCito.

Both the back plate and vest are machine washable. Developed as a mono-material, the back protector can be separated from the vest and recycled when replacement is needed.

Downloadable assets are available here

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.

Contact

Damian Phillips

Head of PR and communication,

POC HQ – Stockholm

damian.phillips@pocsports.com

+46 702 77 69 44

 

Tacoma, WA – October 15, 2025 – Exped, maker of Swiss-designed outdoor equipment, announces the launch of the eco-friendly Terra collection of down sleeping bags, designed for multi-sport adventures where a balance of reduced weight and compressed volume, along with reliable insulation on colder nights is needed. Exped USA is partnering with REI for the exclusive launch of the Terra series this month, with availability in REI stores and online at REI.com before it is more widely distributed in early 2026.

“The Terra series is designed for the multi-activity customer who wants a single fully-featured sleeping bag that works for both backpacking and camping at an approachable price.  Our Swiss design and development team exceeded all expectations and delivered an exceptional best in class product,” said Tracy Collins, VP of Sales and Marketing for EXPED USA. “It’s also notable to mention we’re able to maintain a single pricing structure regardless of size within a given temperature. We’re proud to partner with REI for the early release of the Terra series.”Made with fully recycled DWR free 20D ripstop shell and lining, along with 650+ cuin/oz Grey Duck Down RDS certified filler, the unisex Terra series is designed using monomaterials that are all Oeko-Tex 100 certified. This means the whole bag—from the outer shell to the inner liner—is made from the same material, making it easier to recycle, reducing waste, and conserving resources. Features include an adjustable comfort hood, a draft collar that retains heat, an easy access pocket, an anti-snag zipper, and premium down-filled chambers. A compression stuff sack is included.

The Terra sleeping bags are available in three warmth options: Terra 30F ($199.95), Terra 15F ($249.95), Terra 0F ($299.95) and five sizes each model: S, M, MW, L, LW. Prices are constant for all size options within each model.

 

About EXPED
EXPED is a Swiss-based outdoor hardgoods brand, specializing in the highest quality sleeping mats, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks and outdoor accessories. With offices in Zurich, Switzerland and Tacoma, Washington, EXPED is a privately owned company with the freedom to build meaningful, longstanding partnerships with specialty retailers, manufacturers, and consumers. We believe these relationships are not measured by production output, but by strong, ethical industry leadership and unparalleled customer satisfaction.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Frisco, TX – [October 15, 2025] Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, proudly served as the title sponsor of the Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation’s “A Winning Hand” event, held at the newly opened National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas on October 11th.

Founded by Myles and Alicia Freeman, the Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation provides justice-involved veterans with healing, hope, and a fresh start through transformative programs – most notably, equine therapy in the North Texas V.A.L.O.R. Program.

For more information about Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation, visit www.stayinthefightveteransfoundation.org.

For more information about Wiley X and its ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, first responders, and military service members, visit www.wileyx.com.

CONTACT:

Thomas Stickley, Backbone Media, LLC

Thomas.stickley@backbone.media

970.847.5463