Building on the success of its best-selling โAeriosโ and โKonsealโ collections, Canadian performance-wear label Arcโteryx has just launched its latest silhouette โ the โVertexโ.
Made specifically for alpine runners who are in the market for a โsecure, comfortable shoe designed for scrambling at speedโ, weโve little trouble imagining that this release will find favour beyond the hilly terrain for which it was originally intended (par for the course when it comes to so many Arcโteryx bestsellers).
Initially releasing in three colourways, the Vertex is an atypical design for the brand: distinguished by a sock-like knit collar โ intended to keep out all sorts of debris youโre liable to find on-trail โ that blends into the shoeโs upper. The latter is machined out of PFC-free polyester โ a durable, moisture wicking material that puts Arcโteryx on the same pathway to strategic sustainability currently being trod by most of its competitors (ร la Moncler).
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In keeping with the light mountaineering angle of the Vertex, the designโs forefoot is protected with a built-in TPU rock plate โ an essential element when youโre traversing uneven terrain pockmarked by rocks, roots and loose soil.
Under the treads, Arcโteryx opted to outfit their new performance shoe with the Vibram Megagrip: a 4mm-thick rubber support unit that the eponymous Italian brand asserts โoffers unparalleled grip properties on both dry and wet terrainsโ.
Whatever the case, even if you donโt fancy yourself an alpine athlete: the Vertexโs clean outboard silhouette and selection of solid primary colours means theyโll be up to the task of practically any everyday activity you can think of. After all, the soft surfaces of the fitness studio are no match for a shoe engineered to conquer rocky slopes and mountain trails.
