Old Greenwich, CT, Summer 1999 - Manufactured start to finish with cleanly engineered technology, LOWA introduces their Spring 2000 ATC, All Terrain Collection. New boots include the Strato, Monsoon Gore-TexÆ, Tempest Jr. and Ultra Jr. Street style construction with technical features best describes these boots. The ATC's are lightweight, all-purpose outdoor footwear with enough stability for light hiking. They are included in LOWA's overall line as a transition to their core trekking, mountaineering and backpacking boots. Technical and design improvements have been made throughout the collection, each one with the goal of optimizing fit. The new 2000 Injected PU sole is the biggest change followed by new lasts, new patterns and a wide range of detail work. All LOWA ATC boots are produced in Europe.

The new 2000 sole is featured in the Renegade, Strato and Tempest. The injected PU midsole plus PU stabilizer element uses less glue to keep it lightweight. It also features a rugged lug pattern on bottom, a well-defined arch and a trim profile from the top and side views. An improved footbed and increased surface traction complete the package. All features are both visible and easy to explain.

LOWA in Germany has grown thirty three percent over the last three years, mostly in the ATC category. They have a twenty four percent market share in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Benelux countries. "Our goal is to obtain a similar market share domestically," stated Peter Sachs, General Manager of LOWA Boots in the United States. "LOWA is not a niche player in this ATC category. We did not just jump on the bandwagon by taking any shoe and putting graphic design elements on it. Our line is by design, incorporating the best characteristics of our classic line. These boots fill a need for our core customers by giving them more LOWAoptions. They also help create entry level LOWA customers."

The ATC line-up for Spring 2000 offers consumers a choice in styling, color, material preference and pricing. Liner choices include waterproof Gore-TexÆ or Dri-LexÆ. Dri-LexÆ is a new material that excels in wicking moisture and drying quickly. All models are available in both men's and ladies. Two models, the Tempest Mid and the Ultra are also available in a junior version. The men's Strato, Tempest and Renegade are offered in Sizes 7.5 to 14, the men's Eldorado, Ultra, Desperado and Monsoon in 7-14. All ladies models come in Sizes 5 to10 and Juniors in 30-35.

The Strato is a brand new, full grain leather boot with Dri-LexÆ synthetic lining that wicks moisture quickly away. This model also features the new 2000 Injected PU sole. Both the Strato Mid and Strato Lo are available for men in Asphalt or Sepia/Black and for ladies in Asphalt or Taupe/Black. The Suggested Retail is $125 for the Mid and $110 for the Lo.

The updated Tempest features the new 2000 sole and assures comfort with its split leather upper, Cordura Pro scree and trim and Dri-LexÆ lining. The Mid for men and ladies is available in Taupe/Navy or Gray/Asphalt. The Lo for men comes in three choices of Asphalt/Navy, Taupe/Forest or Gray/Asphalt. The ladies Lo will be offered in Asphalt/Blue or Camel/Asphalt. Suggested Retail is $120 for the Mid's and $100 for Lo's.

There are two Gore-TexÆ models for next season including the Renegade GTX and the Monsoon GTX. The Renegade GTX comes in Mid and Lo cut and is constructed with Nubuk leather, Cordura Pro scree and trim and features the new 2000 sole. The Gore-TexÆ lining ensures the utmost in both durability and breathability. The Mid for men is available in Taupe/Anthracite or Asphalt/Navy and for ladies in Taupe/Anthracite. The men's Lo is Asphalt/Navy and ladies is Taupe/Anthracite. Suggested Retail on the Mid is $160 and the Lo, $140.

The Monsoon GTX is brand new for spring 2000. This boot is made from split leather with a Cordura upper scree and trim, Gore-TexÆ lining, the XTR sole and injected PU midsole. Colors include Asphalt/Blue for men and Camel/Asphalt for ladies. Suggested Retail is $140. The Eldorado offers the same features as the Monsoon but with a Dri-LexÆ liner. Suggested Retail is $120.

Both the Ultra and the Desperado are aimed at warm weather use. The updated pattern of the ventilated Ultra features split leather, 3D mesh upper scree and trim, Dri-LexÆ lining, XTR sole, injected PU midsole. Asphalt/Blue or Taupe are the choices for men and Taupe/Camel or Gray for women. Suggested Retail is $100. The Desperado has all the features of the Ultra but with a Cordura upper scree and trim. Men's models come in Taupe or Asphalt/Black and ladies in Gray or Asphalt/Black. Suggested Retail is $90.

The Tempest Mid Jr and the Speedy are both constructed with a brand new pattern utilizing split leather with Nylex lining, new XTR sole and injected PU midsole. The Tempest features a Cordura Pro upper scree and trim, comes in Taupe/Asphalt and has a Suggested Retail of $85. The Ultrafeatures a 3D Mesh upper scree and trim in Grey/Navy at $80 Suggested Retail.

LOWA Boots LLC is a partnership with LOWA Sportschuhe Gmbh based in Jetzendorf, Germany.