K2 Launches New Lifestyle Skate Series

Media ContactTessa DuBoisVerde Brand Communicationstdubois@verdepr.com970.259.3555    

SEATTLE, Wash. (September 14, 2015) -- K2 Skate, a global leader in inline skate product innovation, introduces its new Lifestyle Series to bridge the gap between fitness-oriented and aggressive performance skaters. Dedicated to the many city streets K2 has skated over the years, and blending together approachable skate performance with premium features and detail, the Midtown and Uptown Lifestyle skates cater to a wide range of skaters’ needs, while living up to K2's commitment of delivering best-in-class product innovation.

“Our customers genuinely enjoy being outside and are looking for products that complement their lifestyle and thirst for fun," said Chris McCullough, Global Brand Director for K2 Outdoor. "To us, these are quintessential K2 Lifestyle customers; and we’re proud to introduce a new series of skates that will resonate with them, both from a visual and performance perspective.” 

In the years prior, customers had to decide what type of skater they were, well before investing time into the activity. Skaters either leaned towards fitness and cross-training skates, with a focus on efficiency and speed to complement their biking and running regiments or towards aggressive skates, which focus on maximizing performance in the skate park and around urban settings. The difference between these two demographics inspired K2 to create the Lifestyle Series, which blends the extra support and maneuverability required for aggressive skating with the high-performance capabilities of fitness skates, thus attracting a wide variety of experience levels and skaters.

The first in the series is the Midtown (SRP $260), available in two distinct colorway options. The Midtown is perfect for beginner skaters looking to enter the sport, as well as seasoned skaters looking for an approachable model chocked full of features, with clean lines and a distinct style.

Midtown Product Features:

• Free 247 Frame
• Rockered-Optional Frame
• 80mm Wheels
• Velcro Cuff Closure
• ABEC 5 Bearings

The flagship of the Lifestyle Series is the Uptown (SRP $300), built around a rich, black leather upper, reinforced with a ratchet buckle cuff closure for increased performance. The Uptown has a shorter 243mm rockerable frame that delivers unparalleled maneuverability for high-speed urban skating. In addition, the skate features subtle glow-in-the-dark accents to the upper and laces, providing some enhanced pop during night skating sessions.

Uptown Product Features:

• Glow in the Dark Features
• Free 243 Frame
• Rockered-Optional Frame
• 80mm Wheels
• Ratchet Buckle Cuff Closure
• Stiffer Upper
• Shock-Absorbing Footbed
• Detached Brake Provided
• ILQ-7 Bearings

The complete K2 Lifestyle Series will be available at retailers this holiday season with planned consumer launch activities to kick off in November. For more information on K2 Skates, visit k2skates.com.

About K2 SkateK2 revolutionized the inline skate industry in 1994 with the introduction of the first SoftBoot® inline skates. Developed in partnership with U.S. National Cross Country team member John Svensson and U.S. Olympic speed skater Tony Meibock, the K2 SoftBoot® moved beyond the uncomfortable, plastic-style designs that dominated the market. K2’s patented design provided skaters with the precision and accuracy of a hardshell boot, but in a comfortable, lightweight SoftBoot® design. Over 20 years later and expanded to a full model line of men’s, women’s, and children’s inline skates for everything from family recreation and everyday fitness to training and professional competition, the SoftBoot® design is still the foundation of the K2 Skate line. Often imitated, but never duplicated, K2 is the Original SoftBoot® that continues to push the envelope of inline skate innovation. K2 Skate is a member of the K2 Sports family of world leading outdoor recreation brands.

For more information on K2 Skate’s latest products and technology, please visit www.k2skates.com.