I wanted to give you a couple of candid photos of the new Arc’teryx during my launch coverage last week of this new line of technical performance footwear. After all, what’s the point of flying all the way to France for a product launch and then only sharing studio product photos? I could have done that from my couch here in the States. But now, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of those Arc’teryx studio shots with you.
Models
Essentially there are two basic types (Alpha = Low cut and Bora = Mid cut) made into eight shoe models with five for men and three for women. These are ‘Arc’teryx Adaptive Fit’ (pronounced A squared) model is the top of the range combining a stretchable liner and single-piece, seamless laminated outer shell that are manufactured separately but worn together for improved comfort, climate management and durability. There are also Gore-tex models of both the Alpha and Bora as well a mesh variant of the Alpha approach shoe.
Here are some additional photos:
I also wanted to give you a peek of what the Alpha 2 FL looks like with the liner inserted and removed.
Colors and Styles
This graphic shows all of the styles as well as colors and sizing.
Price
Finally, the price. I don’t normally talk pricing but so many have commented that they are worried about high cost due to the brand name that I felt it was imperative to share this once. These boots are very reasonably priced. All are MSRP: Alpha² SL $270, Alpha GTX $220, Alpha FL $190, Bora² $320, Bora GTX $270. Additionally, there is an insulated liner available at $95. Sure, they’re made in China, but that makes complete sense as these are a commercial product and not part of the LEAF line. Additionally, production in China leverages construction techniques and lower production costs. The Bora GTX is the best value in the bunch and I am sure you will see these on LEAF customers once they hit the street in Spring 2015.
Tags: Arc'teryx
I don’t know if I’ll ever end up with a pair, but just from a design perspective I am very excited about these. How many times have you had the goretex fail in a boot before you’d gotten your moneys worth out of the upper? now you can just swap out the liner and start fresh! and having a waterproof camp shoe is pretty sweet as well, I hope these take off and we get lots of feedback next year.
I love arcteryx for just this reason, they don’t just say “oh, we need to make a boot so we can get some market share” they wait until they have a product that offers something new and then launch it. It’s never for everyone but it’s always special.
Still way too much for a boot made in China. For that price, I would expect “Made in the USA”.
Still just paying for a brand/logo,and why I will never pay for a Arc’teryx product out of my own pocket.
You can’t build this boot in the USA.
Sure you can. For $700 with a 8-figure initial investment.
Wow, finally someone on here that gets it, didn’t think I’d see the day!
Salomon Quest? similar price, made in china, still one of the best boots I’ve put on my feet. pretty much any sub-$300 boot is made in china or eastern Europe these days. I don’t think the Slovakian made Lowas are any better or worse then a good-QC china boot.
LEAF should consider doing variants in their color ways.
I can see dirt, sand, etc. getting clogged between the boot and liner easily though.
Not what was expected from ARcX. Looks like keen done baaad. Gortex on feet have never really worked out. Made in CHINA still matters to some people too. Direction they are going seems to be off for the last bit. The cycle off great companies is like a wave , up down and up. Where do these shoes put them ?