ISPO Award Winner 2024: Kailas Yan GTX High

The Yan GTX High by Kailas is a trekking shoe offering extensive protection for avid hikers participating in outdoor activities with mixed terrain. In addition to enhanced grip and support, it gives special attention to use of sustainable materials, functionality, lightweight design, and comfort. With outdoor environments being both dynamic and complex, the performance of the shoe helps users ensure their safety and fully enjoy their outdoor experiences. At their meeting at the end of October, the ISPO Award jury assessed the design and functionality of the Yan GTX High and honored it with the ISPO Award 2024. 

The Yan GTX High combines the technology of trail running products with the design features suitable for hiking. The higher and wider heel design offers ankle protection, greater stability, and protection. The shoe combines stable support with exceptional sole grip to ensure safe and fast multi-day traverses. The full-length rubber outsole is widened at the forefoot and heel to increase the ground contact area. Combined with the tread pattern and Vibram N-OIL eco-friendly compound, it offers excellent grip. 

Mr. Zhou, Deputy General Manager at Kailas, explained: “Yan’s design comes from both our consolidation of past outdoor shoes and our vision for the future. Based on the design of possible future outdoor sports methods and the deconstruction of traditional outdoor shoes in the past, Yan was born. Therefore, we hope that it can give athletes a completely novel outdoor sports experience. We also hope to make future extreme outdoor players fall in love with wearing Yan and explore their future outdoor sports.” 

The innovative appearance and sustainable materials of the Kailas Yan GTX High reflect the company’s production priorities.  Mr. Zhou said: “The reason why we use as many environmentally friendly materials as possible on this pair of Yan is because for us, Yan is a pair of professional outdoor sports shoes with a very futuristic feel. Using environmentally friendly materials on it is our vision for the future of sports development and environmental protection. A kind of sustenance; it represents that while we are trying to change the future of outdoor sports and provide high-performance outdoor sports products, we will still adhere to the concept of sustainable brand development, which is a consistent goal for Kailas.” 

The eco-friendly materials in the outsole and a durable lightweight design with everyday comfort render the shoe significantly more sustainable. The Yan GTX High weighs only 455g per shoe (size 42). To integrate environmental concepts into the product life cycle, it incorporates renewable materials, including GRS-certified eco-friendly fabrics, 25% recycled TPU in the upper’s heat-pressed film, GORE-TEX XT 3L fluorine-free eco-material, a midsole with 16% Brazilian sugarcane recycled material, and Vibram N-OIL rubber compound made by 90% petrol-free components and natural plant-based dyes. The upper materials are abrasion-resistant and tearproof while the liner is antibacterial. These functional materials offer greater durability, extending the shoe’s lifespan, reducing waste, and lessening environmental impact and resource consumption. 

Kailas gave the Yan GTX High a thickened, stable, and supportive midsole featuring layered and zoned construction with strong cushioning and dual-density materials to ensure comfort and provide energy return. The internal elongated supportive piece and the rear TPU support frame provide stable arch support for long hikes and reduce muscle fatigue, which is especially beneficial for less expert users.
 

The shoe also features GORE-TEX waterproofing and windproofing as well as the BOA Fit System which is engineered with performance fit at the center to create a precise fit and better connection between an athlete and their equipment. BOA Technology, a core design feature of Kailas products, also integrates micro-adjustable dials, super-strong lightweight laces, and low-friction lace guides, delivering fit solutions purpose-built for performance.  

Despite its strong outdoor functionality, the innovative design integrates current fashion trends and thus extends its usability to more everyday wear scenarios. This strong sense of style and coolness increases the product’s usage frequency and reduces repeat purchases caused by conflicts between outdoor and casual wear.  

The ISPO Award jury found this well-thought-out concept worthy of an ISPO Award 2024. The Kailas Yan GTX High will be available in the summer of 2025. 

• Lightweight design 
• Protection and grip 
• Eco-friendly , recycled and durable materials  
• Abrasion resistant sole and antibacterial liner 
• Tearproof, waterproof and windproof