GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc.'s BFGoodrich brand knows a thing or two about traction and grip in muddy, rocky terrain. Now, the tire maker is taking that expertise off-road for a different kind of "shoe."
The Greenville-based tire maker teamed up with Cabela's L.L.C. to design a new hunting boot, the Cabela Treadfast Zoned Insulation Boot, featuring a sole based on the tread design of the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The boot is available exclusively through Cabela's and its parent company Bass Pro Shops.
"As a brand, BFGoodrich offers outdoorsmen the opportunity to embrace activities that feed their spirit of adventure," Tom Jupena, director of brand licensing for BFGoodrich Tires, said in a news release. "Whether it's all-terrain tires that help hunters reach their favorite camp, tires that bring reliability on everyday driving, or boots that bring confidence in any weather, BFGoodrich equips enthusiasts."
The boots' tread design mirrors the tire's, making them ideal for rugged terrain. They feature a stone-ejector design, with large voids and lower "stone-ejector studs" between sculptures that prevent pebbles and gravel from becoming lodged in the sole.
Interlocking block patterns on the outsole provide additional traction for the boots.
This marks the second time BFGoodrich has partnered with Bass Pro Shops to help design shoes for outdoor enthusiasts. In March, the two collaborated on a fishing shoe that borrowed tire technology and design to improve grip on wet and dry surfaces.
The companies did not identify the manufacturer or manufacturers of the footwear.