Portland, OR (February 17, 2015) – Hi-Tec Sports USA, a world leader in sports and outdoor footwear, is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with American Hiking Society (AHS), the only national non-profit dedicated to protecting the places you hike.

Bursting with opportunities for the American hiker, this partnership includes a formal sponsorship of National Trails Day® and discounts for the consumer to inspire Americans to get outside and be active. In 2016, royalty sales of the men’s, women’s and children’s Altitude V hiking boot will help fund American Hiking Society and protect trails and their surrounding outdoor spaces.

“Supporting American Hiking Society is good for the economy, our health, our families, and our environment,” says Ian Little, Director of Marketing and eCommerce at Hi-Tec. “American Hiking has promoted and protected the places we all love to hike for almost 40 years. We are proud to partner with them and help with this effort of inspiring the next generation of hikers.”

“We are pleased and excited with our new partnership with Hi-Tec.  Hi-Tec boots are the perfect boot for a variety of hiking trails and we are honored to have our logo represented along-side their brand,” said Greg Miller, American Hiking Society President. “The generous sponsorship of National Trails Day® will allow us to raise awareness of the benefits of hiking and work to conserve more parks and trails across America.”

Hi-Tec and American Hiking Society’s partnership will protect the places you love to hike, inspire you to get out and get active on National Trails Day® and enable you to sport quality and affordable gear while doing it.  Look for the AHS endorsed Altitude V hiking boot in American stores in 2016.
Outdoor recreation is a growing industry and hiking is one of the top activities with a total 50.3 million hikers and backpackers in 2013 (Outdoor Foundation of America).  It has been reported that in 2012, there were over 900 million visits to national parks, national monuments, and other federal managed lands and waters helping support over $646 billion in spending on outdoor recreation.  The health benefits of getting outside and active are immeasurable.  Doctors recommend hiking to aide in a number of maladies including osteoporosis, heart health, and mental health. It is an affordable and accessible activity that connects people and brings families together.

About Hi-Tec

Founded in 1974 by company Chairman Frank van Wezel, and with annual sales exceeding $250 million, Hi-Tec created the lightweight-hiking category with the introduction of the Sierra Sneaker and Sierra Lite hiking boot. Today, Hi-Tec is committed to making rugged, durable products for work, trails and life, authentically inspired by the real outdoor experience. Hi-Tec Sports USA is a subsidiary of Hi-Tec Sports, BV, Amsterdam.

For more information, visit www.hi-tec.com/us and follow us on facebook.com/hitecusa and twitter/hitecusa.

About American Hiking Society

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, please visit www.AmericanHiking.org or follow us on facebook.com/AmericanHiking and twitter.com/americanhiking

Contact information:American Hiking Society: Kim Lyons, Director of Development, klyons@americanhiking.org or 301-565-6704 x 701


  through press release©