L.L.Bean is World's First Retailer to Offer a Recreational “Step-In” Snowshoe

L.L.Bean is World's First Retailer to Offer a Recreational “Step-In” Snowshoe

FREEPORT, ME, October 5, 2007 – L.L.Bean is pleased to be the first retailer in the world to market a recreational “step-in” snowshoe – the L.L.Bean Trailblazer Step-In Snowshoe. This revolutionary snowshoe features groundbreaking TSL Step-In technology that enables users to simply put the snowshoes on by stepping into bindings, which means no more bending down into uncomfortable positions to tighten straps with cold fingers. A recessed stainless steel axis on the boot clips into the spring-loaded steel pivots on the snowshoe – when you hear the “click,” it means the boot is securely attached. The snowshoes attach or detach10 seconds—to remove, simply push a snowshoe pole into the binding, or pull the side lock out by hand.

Specially designed for use with the Trailblazer Step-in Snowshoes, the L.L.Bean Trailblazer Snowshoe Boots provide extreme warmth, breathability, comfort and support. Insulated with 200-gram PrimaLoft?, these boots also feature the waterproof TEK2.5? system. The boots can also be worn separately for everyday winter wear, hiking and other outdoor activities.

“In addition to superior support in the boot, our unique binding design eliminates looseness or heel sway – your foot and weight are always directly over the shoes for exceptional footing. This means a very secure, stable feeling for the user, especially on steeper slopes or maneuvering around trees and obstacles. We had a lot of fun testing and refining this system,” notes Scot Balentine, Senior Product Developer with L.L.Bean. The snowshoes and boots come in men's and women's styles, both available for $99.50 each, or packages combining the two for $199.

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While its business has grown substantially, L.L.Bean still upholds the values of its founder and continues his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors.

TSL, the largest supplier of snowshoes in Europe is based in Annecy, France. They have a US division in Williston, Vermont. For more information on TSL, visit www.tslsport.com