We talked to Josh Herr, Global Senior Director of Footwear Design about the uniqueness of their studio and take a look at the latest releases for Spring/Summer 2025

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Arc’teryx Footwear: A story of Evolution and the Obsession for Pursuing the Pinnacle of Technical Design

We talked to Josh Herr, Global Senior Director of Footwear Design about the uniqueness of their studio and take a look at the latest releases for Spring/Summer 2025

Josh Rubin

26 February 2025

Arc’teryx has emerged as a distinguished force in the footwear industry through its devotion to uncompromising quality, functional beauty and a profound commitment to mountain athletes. Its continued evolution is guided by individuals like Josh Herr, Global Senior Director of Footwear Design, who brings extensive experience and a passion for interdisciplinary innovation to the brand. Herr’s nearly two-decade career in footwear included a significant tenure at Adidas, where he served in color, material, footwear and innovation design. Describing himself as “an annoyingly curious person,” he constantly seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of design and the harmony between its various elements. This eagerness for cross-disciplinary collaboration drew him to Arc’teryx, where he encountered an environment perfectly aligned with his aspirations.

Since joining Arc’teryx, Herr has praised his position as the “best job in the whole footwear industry.” He is driven by the brand’s relentless pursuit of product excellence and by the opportunity to elevate footwear to the same echelon as Arc’teryx’s renowned categories such as packs, apparel and hard goods. According to Herr, the brand’s internal standards create an inspiring challenge for the footwear team.

At Arc’teryx, the vision for footwear is unambiguous: to develop pinnacle technical footwear for mountain athletes through uncompromised quality and design. This guiding principle informs every choice the team makes, ensuring functionality and craftsmanship are never overshadowed. Mountain athletes are fully integrated into the design process, attending meetings and offering invaluable insights.

Herr underscores that Arc’teryx’s design ethos is defined by functional beauty and simplicity. The aim is to eliminate superfluous elements (“gak”) that might distract or fail under extreme conditions. This philosophy aligns with the brand’s emphasis on timeless aesthetics, producing designs that remain both relevant and effective for years to come.

Rather than looking outward, Arc’teryx draws creative influence from within. The existing aesthetic and product range serve as critical references, with further inspiration coming from apparel design and utilitarian tools. Herr notes how apparel designers’ work on hood patterns spurred innovative patterning concepts for footwear. He also highlights “the most beautiful, simple, functional pair of scissors,” which served as an analogy for the new Konseal approach shoe.

In keeping with its pursuit of uncompromised design and quality, Arc’teryx diverges from industry norms in its material design methodology, placing functionality above all else. Material choices reflect the rigorous demands of mountain environments, balancing lightweight construction with durability. The brand develops many of its own materials and collaborates with mills to create pioneering textiles, venturing into polymer-level engineering and establishing supplier ecosystems that optimize quality while reducing the carbon footprint.

Color design at Arc’teryx is similarly driven by the athlete mindset, along with practical requirements for specific activities. While visibility and safety are paramount in high-mountain settings, the brand also seeks timelessness in its color palette. By steering clear of fleeting trends, Arc’teryx ensures its products endure in both style and performance.

Showcasing Arc’teryx’s dedication to innovation and functionality, the Spring/Summer 2025 footwear collection features notable releases, including the Norvan LD 4 and the Vertex Speed. Each is crafted to meet the demands of serious mountain athletes.

The Norvan LD 4 (available 5 March) continues the Norvan legacy as a long-distance trail running shoe designed for training and adventures in rugged terrain. Its low profile and reduced stack height enhance stability and responsiveness, while a roomy forefoot and secure midfoot maximize comfort and control. Drawing on athlete feedback, the Norvan LD 4 offers a more secure fit, refined upper and fortified heel lock.

Designed as a hybrid solution, the Vertex Speed (available 2 April) merges attributes of a mountain running shoe with those of a climbing shoe, catering to athletes who face both technical ascents and swift descents. Its specialized outsole ensures grip on rock surfaces as well as traction on softer trails, while the shock-absorbing midsole provides a stable forefoot for climbing precision and a cushioned rear for running comfort. The Vertex Speed exemplifies Arc’teryx’s dedication to product hybridization, allowing athletes to push their limits across multiple disciplines. Herr likens the Vertex family to the experimental spirit of sport product design in the 80s and 90s.

Looking to the future, Herr is enthusiastic about Arc’teryx’s progression in footwear. The brand intends to continue challenging conventions, “we’re digging really deep into some things that were considered norms in our industry, and uncovering some opportunities to do things differently.” This trajectory involves rigorous inquiry into materials, construction and design, often at a molecular level. Herr recalls a recent project that began with one goal but evolved into a larger body of work, yielding discoveries that upended longstanding assumptions.

By embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of perpetual curiosity, Arc’teryx strives to raise its footwear offerings to the same extraordinary standards as its other product categories. The brand’s ambition is to exceed expectations and establish itself as a preeminent name in technical footwear, defined by unparalleled quality and innovative design.