Elias Elhardt is nothing short of a visionary. And his signature boot, the Formative, is a testament to his fresh perspective and deep commitment to progression. With the goal of reducing the Formative’s impact on the environment, DEELUXE worked with Elias to reimagine how boots are constructed—without compromising their performance. The Formative’s streamlined design requires less resources and its shell contains Rise by Bloom, which replaces a significant portion of the traditional EVA required for footwear foam. Rise is a bio-based foam derived from algae harvested from compromised ecosystems. This approach leverages algae’s ability to sequester carbon while helping clean water and restore aquatic habitats. For a truly custom fit, the boot sports DEELUXE’s Stage 4 liner and Freeride Tongue. To further enhance comfort and performance, the Formative pairs traditional lacing with the BOA® Fit System, which secures the ankle and heel. The boot also features a Remedy sole for exceptional traction and cushioning. And an optional power strap can be used to boost control and response. True to Elias’s focus on relentless refinement, we aim to continually evolve the Formative, using it as a means to pioneer fresh technology that reduces our impact on the environment. Tread lightly and ride into the future with the Formative. Flex Rate: 7/10