otterworks | Nico Francis Design

approach boot

otterworks is a heavy-duty, waterproof approach boot that provides greater ankle support and protection for long, tough approaches, alpine climbs, canyoneering, and *seriously* backcountry hikes.

thanks to the adjustable heel cup, the fit of otterworks boots can be easily changed to fit a user's unique foot shape.

Learn More

problem statement

1 | current approach shoes provide little to no ankle support

2 | most hiking shoes are design to fit one foot type and are thus limited in the users they can accommodate

3 | laces tend to catch and snag on rocks + vegetation which leads to fraying

user personas

the hardcore rock climber

age: 20 - 60

exposed to: shrubbery, sharp rocks, snow

the hardcore rock climber prefers doing routes that are really out there -- hard approaches, easy but exposed climbing, rough territory.

you'll probably finding them thrashing through thorn bushes to get to the base of some unclimbed tower, or climbing some low-grade, highly run-out alpine multi-pitch.

the alpine climber / canyoneer

age: 25 - 60

exposed to: shrubbery, slick/sharp rocks, water-crossings

the canyoneer can be found bushwhacking through side canyons and rappelling down wet cliff faces.

the [seriously] backcountry hiker/backpacker

age: 20 - 55

exposed to: shrubbery, loose rock, underdeveloped/non-existent trails, water-crossings, snow

the [seriously] backcountry hiker can be found on some small game trail after having bushwhacked through thorn trees for a couple miles, most likely with a heavy pack. they favor approach shoes for their better traction than typical hiking shoes/boots, particularly beneficial when traversing slippery places where they *really* don't want to fall.