Young British footwear brand Carn which launched with a collection of lightweight and comfortable outdoor footwear is expanding its range for this summer with a new, tougher trekking boot, the Stratosphere and a modified version of the existing Storm Chaser eV Mid boot, both of which will be available from July 2010.
The new Stratosphere eV Hi is intended to be a tougher, more durable boot, which, in the words of the brand's founder and MD, Richard Dean is 'specifically aimed at outdoor enthusiasts requiring extra security and support around the ankle'.
That makes perfect sense to us. We found the Stormchaser light and very comfortable, but slightly outfaced by steep Lake District scree slopes when we tested it last year.
The new boot is made from lightweight water repellent Cordura and PU Nubuck, has an eVent waterproof lining for, er, waterproofing and Aegis and Trek Dry technologies. Construction is fully synthetic for those of you with a soft spot for cows.
For stability, the boot has a pre-formed, single-density PP Bi-Fit footboard – the bit in the sole unit that defines stiffness – and a reinforced Hi-Cut collar for ankle support. The uppers get toe and forefoot protection from a one-piece rubber toe guard and Carn's own-brand C1 Sole Unit does the gripping duties underfoot.
The boot has some visible similarities to the Storm Chaser, but with the obviously higher and more substantial ankle cuff.
Price will be ￡114.99 when it appears in the shops in July, more details when we have them.
Meanwhile, the existing Storm Chaser EV Mid has an updated Nubuck upper and revisions to 'various component densities' and reinforcements for enhanced forefoot control. That makes sense to us as we had issues with forefoot movement on steep descents. There's also a new 'technical footbed'.
The revised Storm Chaser retails for ￡109.99.
Both models are available in both men's and women's versions. More details at www.carn-uk.com
