New UK Footwear Brand Launches

There's a new British outdoors footwear brand on the scene with CÀRN set to unveil it's spring 2009 range of trail running shoes, approach shoes and trekking footwear at the OS Outdoors Show at the NEC later this month.

CÀRN - there's a grave accent above the A but we can't quite work out how to type it, oooh, yes we can - has been two years in the making and is designed specifically for the UK market. The development process included extensive research to find out what UK walkers, runner and trekkers were looking for and even the slightly leftfield name is actually a reference to 'cairns'.

The company is also one of the few footwear brands using an eVent waterproof and breathable lining which the brand believes gives a significant cooling advantage over other liners.

Founder and Director Richard Dean is understandably excited by the new range: 'CÀRN has been under careful development for the past two years and we are immensely excited and proud that UK consumers will soon be able to get their hands on and experience CÀRN’s quality.' He says.

'Each style in the CÀRN range is made up of superior components and will truly deliver whatever your motivation - be it style, quality, durability or price but preferably a combination of all four.'

Techy Stuff

Plenty going on with the technical side of things. Waterproofing is by eVent with its direct venting technology. AEGIS, TREK-DRY, FN025 NanoBon & POLIYOU Anti-bacterial coatings/fibres are used.

The sole units used by CARN have been developed specially for them and include the N1700 Stability Core, which  is claimed to give increased rear foot stability and improved forefoot flex. The approach and trekking models use BiFit Dual Hardness Molded PP Insole Boards and cushioning is taken care of by PORON shock absorption material.

Anyway, without further ado, here's a quick look at some of the models from the new brand. They're all available in both men's and women's versions.

Trail Running

Cobra - multi-purpose road and off-road running shoe, reckoned to be stable and comfortable, but also tough enough to cope with surfaces from tarmac to rock.

Viper eV - same qualities as the Cobra, it says here, but with the addition of eVent waterproof fabric making it a lightweight, wet conditions option for off-road runners, walkers and trekkers.


Approach Shoes

These are designed for walking and trekking rather than running like the Viper and the Cobra, though again, both models are available in both men's and women's versions.

Storm Chaser eV Low - is intended to be a tough walking and low level mountain climbing shoe with waterproof and breathable eVent liner.

More Information

The CÀRN range will be available in shops from this month, March 2009 and you'll also be able to see the full range at the OS Outdoor Show at the NEC later this month.

For online information see www.carn-uk.com