We find out the thinking behind the new British footwear brand and try a pair for size.
We'll have a full photo report from this year's
2009 OS Outdoors Show
shortly, but one of the more interesting stands was that of new
UK boot brand CÀRN which
were showing off its complete range of trail running and mountain
walking shoes and mids.
We had an interesting chat with CÀRN - the name is
gaelic for 'cairn' - founder Richard Dean - above - who told us a bit
about his and the brand's background and we also got to try the shoes
for size and fit. Apparently Richard comes from a footwear dynasty, his
father worked in the industry for 30 years and Richard himself has 10
years under his belt mostly sourcing shoes for top brands including
some outdoor ones.
When he decided to use his contacts and expertise to start his own
brand, he chose the outdoor industry partly because he simply enjoyed
the experience of working with outdoors people and companies.
It's taken around three years to get from the inception of the brand to
having footwear on sale, a process which included a lot of research
plus intensive wear testing to get the product right. CÀRN
is aiming to compete with top-end brands like Scarpa and Merrell and to
offer something a bit different.
That means using an eVent waterproof liner instead of the ubiquitous
Gore-Tex, speccing their own unique sole unit and developing a
distinctive UK-specific last. Lasting - effectively fit - is crucial
and Càrn's is intended to give a 'more athletic' fit that's
still suitable for typically British feet.
More athetic lasting...
We tried a pair for size - both men's and women's test boots coming
soon - and found that they gave a great close fit on the forefoot and
heel, but still reasonably wide, coupled with a roomy toe box. Good
first impression in other words, with no slop for our typically British
medium width, medium volume test foot. Snug but comfortable with plenty of toe clearance sums it up.
There's also a lot of technology in the sole unit with molded BiFit
Dual Hardness Molded PP Insole Boards designed to give support combined
with forefoot flex. Lots of focus on anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
treatments too.
Anyway, definitely an interesting addition to the outdoor footwear
shelves. Trail running / lightweight walking and trekking models in
both men's and women's versions. More details in our
earlier
look at CÀRN.
Appearing in the shops right about now. More information at
www.carn-uk.com
