Oi, Where's Me Mid Sole?

Here's something interesting we spotted at the recent Harrogate Go Outdoors trade show - a new method of boot construction from Aku, or at least one we haven't seen before.

The boot, due out next year, is called the Aku Croda, - see pic - or that's what our barely readable notes say, and features something called an Internal Mid Sole or 'IMS'. It does pretty much what it says on the box and places the mid-sole section directly under the foot.

Aku say that this means it can be made thinner and lighter which places the foot closer to the ground for enhanced stability. They also say that the placement of the mid-sole cushioning under the Gore lining, but directly against the foot, makes the boot more comfortable.

We have no idea if it works, but it's an interesting idea. Aku, if you're unfamiliar with the name, is an Italian boot manufacturer with a big presence on the continent, but relatively small in the UK still. We've used their boots in the past and been impressed, so well worth a look if you come across them.

For more information on the brand, see their web site.