Vasque's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale For Outdoor Brands

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin kicks off the show talking about the decision by Red Wing to sunset the Vasque brand.

Colin and Producer Dave delve into the historical significance of Vasque, a company that since 1964 has played a crucial role in shaping outdoor footwear in the US. They examine the trajectory of the brand, from its early innovations, such as the iconic Sundowner boot, to its struggles with brand identity and market competition.

The duo then talk about Nike's decision to utilize their ACG line to revitalize their international business before wrapping things up with their parting shots.

Here's the Nike ACG history article as referenced by Producer Dave.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Support Relief Efforts After Hurricane Helene
• 02:02 - The Fall of Vasque Footwear
• 20:06 - Nike's Strategic Shift in the Outdoor Market
• 30:00 - Parting Shots: Lessons from Vasque's Closure

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

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