#USA #Anchorage #Alaska Gear #Ankle Deck Boot #Bunny Boot

Alaska Gear Company Expands Footwear Line

Alaska Gear Company (AKGC) is making waves in the outdoor footwear market with the introduction of their latest product, the Ankle Deck Boot VBX. As the first deck boot equipped with a sealed vapor barrier insulation, this ankle-height boot promises to keep wearers warm and dry while navigating cold and wet environments.

Developed using AKGC's proprietary Vapor Barrier X (VBX) technology, the Ankle Deck Boot is built on a legacy of performance that Alaskans have trusted for generations. This new boot features a rubber outer shell crafted to repel external water and snow, complemented by a wool insulation layer designed to retain heat even in the harshest weather. According to lab testing, the boot is rated to withstand temperatures as low as -45°F (ArCLO rating), making it one of the warmest ankle deck boots available on the market today.

The Importance of Insulation

Historically, the threat of cold injury has been a serious concern, particularly during World War II. The campaign to retake Attu in Alaska's Aleutian Islands saw more soldiers succumb to cold-related injuries than combat wounds. In response to this need, the U.S. Army developed a sealed insulated boot that effectively eliminated frostbite and trench foot in wet and cold conditions.

The Ankle Deck Boot VBX is designed to prevent the same issues. Insulation loses effectiveness when wet, leading to dangerously cold feet even at relatively mild temperatures. AKGC's design acknowledges this challenge, ensuring that cold-weather workers have the protection they need.

Ideal for Various Conditions

The Ankle Deck Boot is designed not only for missions on the docks but also for everyday wear. It's an excellent choice for those needing reliable wet-cold protection while going about their daily routines in chilly, damp weather. This feature makes it distinct from the more heavy-duty VBX MAX Bunny Boot, rather targeting consumers looking for functionality in a low-profile format for three seasons: fall, winter, and spring.

Comfort is key, and to that end, the boot includes a fleece lining for added coziness. Additionally, the outsole is made from cold-resistant rubber and designed with sipes that effectively channel water away, providing sure footing, even on slick surfaces.

Henry Richenstein, the Footwear Category Manager at Alaska Gear Company, encapsulated the motivation behind this product, stating, "The Ankle Deck Boot VBX is a response to an authentic problem faced by our Alaskan community that no other brand was addressing. We recognized the opportunity to empower coastal consumers to tackle colder temperatures using our advanced Vapor Barrier X technology in a waterproof deck boot."

Availability and Additional Offerings

The Ankle Deck Boot VBX is now available for purchase at AKGC’s retail locations in Anchorage and Fairbanks, as well as online for $199, plus tax. Additionally, Alaska Gear Company is expanding its winter footwear offerings with the upcoming NEO Bunny Boot, set to launch later this fall in new color options. The Bunny Boot LITE is also adding two fresh colorways, Polar Purple and Brooks Brown, while the Bunny Boot MAX will feature Alpine Green. Shoppers can enhance their boots with colored, waxed reflective laces and gaiters for deep snow.

As a locally owned brand deeply rooted in Alaskan culture, AKGC continues to innovate in outdoor gear, striving to meet the demands of extreme conditions with quality products. With the launch of the Ankle Deck Boot VBX, the company solidifies its commitment to customers, providing them with the tools necessary for comfort and safety in a challenging climate.

For more information, visit www.alaskagearcompany.com.