SEOUL, KOREA - Outdoor-wear manufacturers hitherto focusing on making hiking boots are turning their attention to walking shoes.

Not to be outdone, incumbent walking shoes makers such as Prospecs are also launching a series of new models in order to defend their turf. A batle is waged on surrounding the 1.3-trillion-won market between traditional athletic shoes makers and outdoor-wear purveyors.

 

The "FlyWalk" series, launched on April 11 by Korea's homegrown brand K2 Outdoor, has already been sold more than 20,000 pairs. The company's "Racer" series, nicknamed as "Hyun Bin Walking Shoes" for the popular actor was featured in the commercial, has been sold 10,000 pairs within a week after launch. K2 currently plans to introduce 14 new walking shoe models within this year in addition to already-available 37 kinds.

 

Black Yak, another homegrown outdoor wear brand, has recently introduced a new walking shoe line "Plasma." Isenberg, a walking shoe brand by NEPA, presented new walking shoe lines including "Becker" and "Felix." The North Face has set out to attract young customers' attention by promoting its "Dynamic Forte."

 

An Eider Korea official said, "This year's keyword is 'multi-functional' as customers prefer shoes they can wear in multiple occasions, including hiking, walking, and even going to work."