Innovation drives us forward

Our shoemaker is always in search of excellence, and the new model -  HiLite, is a bold step in that direction. Our SOM Footwear motto, written more than 6 years ago, is still true today:

“Here at SOM Footwear we work both individually and as a team to achieve high quality standards...and always consider customer satisfaction when judging the quality of our products. We are only satisfied by our work when we are confident we will exceed customers' satisfaction.”

Let’s learn more about what it means with this new model.

HiLite

Our drum roll got fatigued after so many months of us whispering about this new model - but it hasn’t been in vain!

We are happy to tell you everything you need to know. As mentioned before, this model took the longest in recent years to be ready for production. The changes are significant. 

First of all, it is a mid-top, much different from our low ankle shoe profile that you are used to. A mid-top shoe has been a long-standing demand by many of our patient customers. A story that repeats itself; for example, during our first years, we had requests for bigger sizes, and it took us 3 years to finally be able to expand our size range. Here, the wait hasn’t been as long, but still noticeable. We have very patient customers - and the best in the world!

During its conception, our shoemaker, Olie, also invested in new equipment and tested numerous types of materials. We know that the feel of the HiLite will surprise more than one of you. If you are a person who likes high-tops in general, your feet will say, “Oh yeah, baby!” We can tell you already the prototypes attracted compliments during the many times we’ve test-driven them!

What to expect?

As you already know, Olie is an active crossfitter and avid outdoor enthusiast, so don’t be surprised to learn that he made this new model as versatile as the other SOM models. He likes to wear the same pair of shoes for anything he does daily or on the weekend. It took several adjustments to have the HiLite perform as desired when doing jump box, double unders, burpees, running up steep trails and back, all with the level of comfort that he demands of his other SOMs. It was vital for him to feel comfortable in this model, as much as the others, while doing all kinds of activities. By achieving this goal of comfort, he knows this model will serve the needs of his customers.

Its name

The HiLite name came naturally as work on the shoe was coming to an end. Hi to the outdoors, or high as a mid-top. Lite or Light because it really feels like there is less shoe on your foot.

Features

Olie wanted to make the HiLite more flexible than the other SOM shoes; more flexible even than the Trailhead. To achieve that, he used the latest technical materials and fabrics, such as a different version of the Super Fabric. Also, instead of lining the HiLite with the 3D mesh, he used a smooth and durable synthetic suede. One of his goals was to make the HiLite as soft as possible - no hard elements in the shoe - so he also eliminated the eyelets.

The mid-top provides extra ankle protection from dust, rocks, and dirt, whether you’re walking on a city street, or running or hiking on rough trails. The outsole remains the same except for its color. Look does matter! A black outsole on a light blue upper - the shoemaker’s original combination - was just too much of a contrast, and he changed the black outsole to a gray. 

The HiLite can be tightened up using six holes or seven holes, depending on the activity and the preferred feel.

Flexibility, light weight, and resistance make the HiLite unique on the market and the most innovative model of the SOM collection. Find the product page here.

AweSOM Fall Photo Contest

During our latest photo contest, we had a great time receiving pictures of your SOMs and your pets. We thank everyone who made this a fun event, including our Colorado product providers.

Every week’s winner received $25 off their next SOM pair at regular price, a pair of SOM Fun socks, and our latest stickers. At the last minute we added Colorado real meat dog treats, and for the final two winners there was also 250 g fresh roasted coffee sponsored by Cimarron Roasters from Montrose Colorado.

This was a one-month-long giveaway which people could enter. To one lucky winner, we gave a Grand Prize of $100+ value including: 

• Cimarron Coffee Roasters from Montrose CO: 250 g of fresh roasted coffee
• $30 value Women’s Bean Project goods from Denver CO: Chili Picante Plantain Chips, Firehouse #10 Chili, Lentil Soup, Golden Cornbread, Chocolate Brownies
• $15 gift card at Lucky Tree Studio from Montrose CO, and a wisdom ornament
• $10 gift card at Wild Zora from Loveland CO, plus air-dry fruit mixes without dyes, sulfates, or preservatives.
• Skinny Crisp, Boulder CO - Tasteful samples
• A Bluecorn Beeswax votive candle (15 hour burn time), from Ridgway, CO
• $25 gift certificate on your next pair of SOMs, our newest stickers, and a wood postcard

Blogs and newsletters

If you have missed our latest blogs, feel free to visit them here.

We welcome emails but if you need to catch up with what is happening at SOM Footwear, you can always look up our blogs and newsletters under the About Us menu on the website.

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