Andrew Skurka, the 'Enlightened Outdoor Adventurer' (and staunch DeFeet wearer) finished his 'Great Western Loop' on November 3rd. We are very proud of Andy here at DeFeet. We can't think of a way to put our products to the test more rigorously than on him. Now that he's done hiking (for the moment) we have worked more closely with him deciding what to do next with DeFeet's outdoor and hiking line.

On the rim of the Grand Canyon - the finish line.
















What a place to begin - and end it.















Since completing his hike, the accolades have started to roll in. Andy is National Geographic's 'Adventurer of the Year'. That is a huge award. He is now an honorary member of the National Geographic Society.

Andy is no doubt flattered by paragraphs like this one from a recent magazine article:

"Still, even though he lives the rigorous and finely tuned physical regimen of a pro athlete, Skurka is not one. There is no glory in what he does, no television spots or cash prizes. He does it simply because he can, and the way he describes his most recent journey -- the moments that come to mind, thinking back over this Great Western Loop -- belies a young, ardent heart determined to have an original life. Picture a Gen Y version of Hendry David Thoreau or John Muir, driven largely by a youthful exuberance and energy, and learning things that nobody else knows about the this country's most precious open spaces."

Is he the Thoreau or Muir of this age? We can't answer that. He is definitely the Skurka, and there isn't anyone around, at any age, who's done what he has.



Cheers, Andy.