Boots Were Made For Walking...According To Skegness Residents!

Well, we always knew that boots were made for walking, and Skegness residents are being urged to put on their walking boots and get out and about in the fresh January air to take some healthy strolls. As a boot manufacturer, we think this is a great way to kick start that New Year health plan. It might be the end of January, but it's never too late to start exercising. So, take a tip from Skegness, put on your boots and get walking.

So, what exactly is going on in Skegness I hear you cry!

There are a series of free outdoor strolls that are taking place now and over the forthcoming weeks. You can choose between two types of walks:

• For the less adventurous, short of time walker: short walks that start every Tuesday at 1.30pm from The Welcome Inn, Burgh Road.

• For the walker that likes to go that extra mile: long walks of 2-3 miles, every Tuesday at 10am from a range of locations.

As a global footwear specialist, it's only natural that we're going to advocate any sort of exercise where you can pull out your trusty Hi-Tecs and breathe in the fresh, outdoor air. January and February might not be the warmest of months, but that isn't going to stop people in Skegness. If boots were made for walking, this is one location that looks like it is going to be putting walking to the test

Get the info you need:

The first step is to get yourself some boots - take a look at our selection that will get you in the walking spirit: Mens Boots / Womens Boots

Check out the Skegness walking campaign: Skegness Walking .

We might even start our own "boots were made for walking" campaign round the Hi-Tec offices...

Put On Your Hiking Boots And Get Some Fresh Air In 2010

Too many of us stay cooped up in the house and this has led to an increase in the number of people with health problems. They simply don't get the fresh air they need and get out about frequently enough, going on hikes and playing sport. As a nation, we have become accustomed to our home comforts and going out has well and truly become the new staying in. 

Well, at Hi-Tec we think a little differently. Backed up by consistent research, we know that those people that lead a healthy, active lifestyle are less likely to develop serious health problems in the future. That's why we recommend going out hiking. Put on your hiking boots and get out and see the world! Breathe in the fresh air and savour the sights that are much more breathtaking than what you see on the TV or the Internet. Speak to a hiker and they'll tell you that it is a worthwhile experience.

Still not convinced? Check out this hiking poem by Ed Matlack - we think it sums hiking up perfectly.

The overwhelming power of Nature looses the soul from the concrete bastion 

Replacing glass-perforated walls with giants of green and bark 

Underfoot the cement and asphalt turns into sweet-smelling earth and leaf-rot 

A racing stream instead of speeding traffic lends muffled background 

Snow mantled boughs exchanged for bleak hard stone-moss for rust 

Little known or appreciated solace is found in this haven a few minutes from the core 

Life's dreaded and humdrum buzz-saw of existence is belittled by a sequence of wonders 

Never repeating itself, Nature provides an unending panorama of foolproof structures 

All weather buffeted, the young and old alike bear up under seasonal changes 

A quality of serenity little broken by storms - even then, only an adjustment 

For the betterment of mankind, a close look at this phenomena would provide an arch of comfort 

Beneath tired feet lies the soothing balm of peace.... 

Frank - Our Chairman

Welcome to 2010! I want to wish all our consumers, customers, suppliers and staff all over the world a very healthy and happy new year. Happiness is often a by-product of health, and to have good health a little regular exercise goes a long way. With the great products featured on this site you will i'm sure find some footwear to suit your personal needs to encourage you to get out and about and enjoy the outdoors and importantly, stay healthy.... and happy!

A new decade dawns, but for me one thing won't change and will remain as strong as ever. This is my passion for making good quality, comfortable, lightweight products that offer true value to the consumers. This ethos and drive has not changed since I started this great company over 35 years ago. This passion and drive is fuelled by a simple philosophy that Hi-Tec has at its core, and that is making better products for our customers and selling more of those products than we did the year before. Achieving this and having some fun along the way is what drives us at Hi-Tec every day.

As you surf and browse through the pages of this fabulous new Hi-Tec site launched on January 1st 2010 I hope that you enjoy the result of our hard work. We will increase our focus on the powers of the Internet and fully embrace the digital revolution. To be able to reach the world with a click of a button is something that we must invest in to maximise our global reach as a brand.

As I said before, I want to constantly improve year upon year and if you feel that anything can be improved on this site, you are unhappy or happy about something on the website, you have an idea that you think we can benefit from or just want to talk to me about Hi-Tec, please get in touch HERE . . . I would love to hear from you. I communicate via the shoe box of each and every person that buys a pair of Hi-Tec footwear and learn so much from my customers, as they email me from all corners of the world about their Hi-Tec experiences. I also want to hear from you as a potential customer of what we have to do to and your ideas to make you become part of the Hi-Tec success story. Get in touch!

Thanks for reading my message, stay healthy and I look forward to hearing from you!


Frank van Wezel

H-Tec Chairman

V-Lite Technology

Did you know that an extra pound of weight on your feet is equivalent to six or seven pounds on your back?

HI-TEC have researched into the benefits of lightweight footwear and have found that if you can save 25% of weight on your footwear this equates to up to a 2kg bag of sugar of weight saved on your rucksack for the entire length of your hike. 

With the HI-TEC V-Lite products, less weight literally means you can go those extra miles enhancing your performance with true comfort without compromising on durability. 

No one specific technology can be credited for the light weight of the V-Lite collection but rather the creative combination of innovative materials and engineering. 

Take a look at our V-Lite Hiking range here

James Campbell

Group Marketing Communications Executive

Have You Got A Hiking Partner?

If hiking is your favourite choice of pastime, it could be a problem if you haven't got a hiking partner to enjoy the experience with. People like to go hiking with others because, lets face it, doing it on your own can get a bit lonesome. Interestingly, there are many websites devoted to hiking and, more specifically, websites dedicated to finding a hiking partner for others. It's like Match.com, but with slightly less romance and a lot more exertion.

Having said that, there are also websites which specialise in uniting hiking partners, for those that want more than just fresh air. If you’re single and love hiking, there are other people just like you and this is a great way to find that special hiking partner, not just for one adventure, but for a lifetime's adventure...

Perhaps the popularity of finding a hiking partner online is testament to the love of hiking and the fact more people are venturing out and about. Ten years ago you wouldn't have expected websites solely dedicated to hiking, but the Internet is a wonderful and varied place. The age of convenience has taken on a whole new meaning, and it probably won't be long before you can design your own partner online, or something equally scary!

In the meantime though, we recommend you start your search for your ideal hiking partner so you can get the summer sorted in advance. The weather might be bad now, but in a few months you'll want to get outdoors and see the sights.

Hi-Tec doesn't offer hiking partners, but we do offer hiking shoes. So, when you have found your perfect partner you can get yourself kitted out with the perfect shoes.

If you're interested in finding someone to go hiking with, click here:

Hiking Partner 

When Fellwalking Goes Wrong

Recent news reports the incredible escape of an individual who was fellwalking in the Lake District and soon found himself being swept down a mountain by an avalanche.

With all the recent heavy snow in the UK, fellwalking in a remote and built up area was perhaps not the safest option, but it is good to see that the walker survived. The mountain was 600ft high, so this wasn't just a lucky survival; this was a miraculous survival. In fact, the fellwalker only suffered a knee injury.

The report stated that there were 3 friends scaling a snow gully at the time, and the movement is thought to have unsettled the snow, which caused the avalanche to happen. Luckily, the other walkers managed to make a quick diversion away from the falling snow, but one man was carried down with it. Hurtling off a 600ft mountain is a devastating thought, but the individual managed to dig himself out and even make a hasty move to the nearest hospital!

We think this man should be commended for his bravery and indeed, his survival. Of course, we don’t condone fellwalking or any sort of hiking when there is heavy snow, so do be careful if you're venturing out in unsettled conditions. This man had a lucky survival, but others might not be so fortunate.

Stay safe!

There is still time to buy Winter Boots....

With a changing climate and much more irrational weather across the globe, unpredictability has become something we're gradually getting used to. In the UK, for example, heavy snowfall and a cold arctic blast has made its way over from Siberia, leaving the UK cowering under a heap of snow and ice. It might be January 2010, but spring still feels like a long way off. If you haven't got any appropriate footwear sorted for the lingering cold winter days, there's still time to buy winter boots and keep at least one part of your body toasty and warm!

Whether you choose our St Moritz winter boots, with a cosy fleece lining, or you dig out your trusty old boots from years ago, one thing is for sure....you need to make sure you stay warm and your feet are comfortable. Most old winter boots have been heavily used and don't offer the same comfort and grip that a new pair do, so bear this in mind. With people slipping on the ice and strolling through high levels of snow, we know how important it is to have the right footwear in the bad weather.

In the UK, we keep hearing about people having to abandon their cars in the snow and then walk to the nearest destination. If you haven't got the right winter boots, we don't think you'll be getting very far.

And then we hear about the snow in Ontario, Canada. Our Canadian friends seem much more adept at dealing with such bad weather, with the roads perfectly clear and everything running smoothly. No hysteria, no fuss and no problems. Perhaps you could teach a thing or two to the UK! Year after year, we never get it right. Whether it’s running out of grit or not being able to get our cars out of the drive, the UK is not known for its expert handling of snow. At least we have some decent winter boots to wear...

Take a look at the Hi-Tec selection of men's and women's Winter Boots

Hiking boot buying tips

Hiking is a wonderful activity, which is low-impact and eco-friendly. It can be done alone or best when shared with family and friends. However, to truly enjoy the Great Outdoors, one needs to invest in a good pair of hiking boots, after all, happy feet make the Outdoor experience that much better. To help with your boot buying, we propose some basic tips to consider:

1. Decide on your intensity 

- Will you be day hiking? How much weight will you be carrying in your pack?

- Will you be hiking in the Spring/Summer/Autumn? Or will you be doing it in extreme winter conditions?

- Will you be on groomed trails and in moderate terrain? Or will you be pushing into rugged terrain?

- Generally, most people will be happy with a three-season boot, which is made to meet most moderate conditions.

2. Type of Boot 

- There are many materials, constructions, and designs used for boots.

- Some prefer an all-leather boot, whereas others gravitate towards a leather/mesh combination.

- Some prefer lightweight boots, whereas others require a super long-lasting boot and forego lightweight.

- Waterproof boots are a requirement in some regions due to wet weather, and there are options for this as well.

- There are waterproof boots made with membranes and others made to be waterproof without membranes.

- Most of the points listed above are more about personal taste, so don't be afraid to test drive different options.

3. Key Boot Features to Consider 

A. To membrane or not-to-membrane - Waterproofing method.
- Some consider membranes such as eVent or Gore-Tex as an insurance policy to staying dry.
- Others prefer a seam-sealed boot, which uses no membrane and tends to provide more breathability.

B. Leather and Mesh uppers - A personal preference.
- A combination of leather and mesh provides for a nice balance of durability and breathability.
- You can choose to go with an all-over leather boot as well, but be aware, these tend to cost more.

C. Lacing Systems - Key to Adjustability.
- Your feet change shape during activity and having easy adjustability will allow the fit to be tweaked during your hike.
- Metal hardware is the most durable, but nylon webbing is also now a more common design element.

D. Support Shank - A Bridge to Nirvana.
- A metal or nylon shank is a key element to providing your foot the support it needs during the walking gait.
- Each mile is roughly 1,000 steps and a shank acts like a bridge to support your arch and reduce fatigue.

E. Comfort and Fit - Don't Fit....Don't Buy.
- Getting the right fit is supreme, although this is again unique to an individual.
- Wear the right thickness of sock to simulate what you will be wearing during your hikes to obtain optimal fit.
- Look for removable insoles, which allow for future adjustability for comfort/support.
- It's best to fit your boots near the end of the day, which is when your feet are at their biggest in dimension.
- If you can, it is a good idea to have your feet measured by store personnel, as this can be a further guide.

Finally, always ask for instructions on care and maintenance, as boots are like car...they occasionally need a little tune-up.

Hi-Tec has been making boots that are lightweight and instantly comfortable for over 35 years. We proudly make boots to meet many different tastes, functions, and price-points. We hope these tips help you to get outside and make your own path in the Great Outdoors.

Happy feet will ensure a great first step to enjoying your next adventure!

Hy Rosario

Global Outdoor Category Manager

Hi-Tec Men's Hiking Shoes Are Good For The Sole

Now that the New Year has arrived, the adventurers amongst us are going to be leaving the warmth of their homes and setting off on another hiking adventure. The cold, dark nights will soon turn warmer and lighter, and that's a great excuse for people of all ages to get out and about. The professional hikers out there will no doubt have some decent hiking equipment, but have you got the right men's hiking shoes?

Here at Hi-Tec, we believe there's nothing more exhilarating than going out on a long walk or a hike and seeing the beautiful sights that the world has to offer. We see increasing numbers of people coming to us for hiking shoes that don't just offer the comfort they need, but also the looks they need too. We all know comfort is a priority these days, and research has shown that people that wear the wrong type of footwear for long periods of time can seriously damage their health in the long-term. Get the right men's hiking shoes so you can look the part, and feel it too.

You'll know when the hiking shoes you wear are supporting your feet properly, because the instep won't hurt and the ball of your foot won't burn either. The good thing about men's hiking shoes is that they are designed for the long-haul walker; the person that's out there in all weathers, climbing a mountainous peak just to get to the top and then climb back down again. We admire the hikers out there, so that's why we make sure they have the right men's hiking shoes they need to travel far and wide.

Check out our range of men's hiking shoes available now

James Campbell

Group Marketing Communications Executive

The future of PR?

The relevance and importance of Public Relations activities over the past 8 years of working as PR Manager for the Hi-Tec brand, I am pleased and slightly relieved to say, has become an extremely strong ingredient in the working "cogs" of this business.

Constantly searching and striving for that elusive piece of WOW factor PR and the "holy grail" of brand coverage whether it be National TV, newspapers, magazine monthly's and now digital that results in the opening of the flood gates of mass consumer interest and more importantly sales growth, is an everyday challenge that drives me forward. Not one day is the same and it shouldn’t be otherwise I am doing something wrong!

Hi-Tec has a strong heritage, which provokes some powerful and in some cases fanatical emotional responses from the consumer & amp; journalist. Ranging from the adorable trainer "geek" who has a wardrobe full of unboxed classics including the must-have Hi-Tec Silver Shadow and Squash, to your avid outdoor enthusiast whose "kit" is truly cherished and essential in their entire wellbeing.

The true strength of PR, apart from the fact that it is relatively low cost activity, really does boil down to the fact that the choice of product and opinion supplied to the consumer is / should be one of an unbiased nature and speaks from experience and knowledge. Now don't get me wrong, this is not always the case and I have many press release literally copied and paste direct into publications without any additional thought or inspirational input. The most impactful articles are normally those that include a rating or unbiased review but they are also the biggest gamble. On every single occasion you put 100% trust in the product whilst trusting that the journalist will comment on the true performance taking into account retail price, product features, technology, comfort, durability and benefits. When they are good they are awesome and the impact is instant.

One really good example, that still makes me smile now, happened only a month ago. I remember seeding a gear review trail running women's shoe with a freelance journo who occasionally writes for the Metro - freebie London daily newspaper with just under 1 million readers! Never been the type of PR to ever pressurise a journo's on the exact date the article would come out (as most of them don’t know themselves until the editor agrees it and it is in black and white). It just so happened that Hi-Tec's  General Manager, Ed van Wezel, was on his way up to London on a business trip, first thing on a Monday morning. The timing couldn’t have been more spot-on. As he sat on the train and began to skip through the pages he soon reached page 19 which had a review (1/4 page and product picture) on the Hi-Tec V-Lite Trail Eruption HPi. Not just any old review but an absolutely cracking, outstanding review - she loved them!

Anyway time stands still for no PR and you can never become complacent. When there are so many brands competing for a reduced about of editorial space in publications we look to the future and what I like to call the "parallel universe", Online PR. The majority of us now use the internet to buy various goods at the best price we can find them for. We are no longer happy as consumers to trudge up and down the high street comparing prices but have become more ferocious in how we spend every £1 of our hard-earnt money. The major strength of online PR is that a comparison or review is, on many occasions, the deciding factor of that purchase. Hi-Tec product may not be the cheapest on the web but if there is the additional great product review attached by a blogger or a trusted gear reviewer then you are likely to persuade that consumer to spend a couple more £'s than a competitor's product with an average review. Consumers want to control their own purchasing decision and love to leave comment / feedback on an instant and regular occasion. This "parallel universe" is, in my opinion, the future of product PR.

Helen Durant

Global PR & Advertising Manager