Man versus Mother Nature no more. With the launch of XTERRA’s new multisport performance footwear and apparel at this week’s Outdoor Retailer show – the outdoors is no longer to be conquered. It is to be connected with.

This concept of co-existence creates XTERRA’s product philosophy, Symbionics, symbolic performance systems that utilize technologies found in nature.

Under the umbrella of Symbionics: ExclusiveEnergyExchange (or E3), precise performance technologies maximizing energy flow for specific areas of the body (existing in the shoe midsole/outsole), and; IntuitiveFlow, threads of connectivity between athlete and environment creating a closer, more pure interaction with the elements (found in both the footwear upper and apparel line, the latter of which includes coconut and bamboo fibers).

XTERRA’s Symbionics system is incorporated in five on- and off-road shoe styles for men and women – a trail runner, trail trainer, ultra trainer, performance sandal and performance slide (MSRP $55-115) – as well as wide selection of race and training specific apparel and accessories, including jackets, singlets, speedsuits and shorts.

The lineup’s newsworthy nucleus: XTERRA’s trail runner and trail trainer E3 technology. Both trail models ($115) will feature a technology first for the multisport category, a dual-injected, dual-density EVA midsole made of two layers – the top soft, the bottom stiff – giving superior support and comfort over roots, rocks and ravines, allowing athletes the agility of nature’s king, a big-cat predator.

Helping XTERRA stand out from run-of-the-hill trail shoes is unique visual technology in WILDTred, a carved claw-like perimeter lug design forming independent touch pads from forefoot to heel with deep flex zones for controlled traction.

XTERRA’s fall collection hits retail in July/August and will be available at outdoor specialty, running and triathlon shops and independent sporting goods stores. Multisport competitor TJ Gray (design director) and partner Ashley Brown (product director) developed XTERRA’s product line. Former Nike designers, they have also launched designs for Salomon, adidas, Puma, Fila, Prince and Steve & Barry’s.

Gray and Brown are co-owners of New Hampshire-based 20 Degrees North, the company that acquired the performance-gear license for XTERRA in October of 2007 from TEAM Unlimited. Twenty degrees north is the latitudinal coordinate for the Hawaiian Islands, where the XTERRA race series has its roots. XTERRA’s other co-owners are president and CEO Greg Niel and COO Mark Kilgore. Niel had previously worked with adidas and Fila; Kilgore with Nike, adidas and Fila.

For more information contact Zack Smith (503.519.7186; zack@zacksmith.net) or visit the XTERRA booth (No. 38167) at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.