Run Through Time With Hi-Tec
Celebrating 50 Years of HI-TEC
Hi-Tec, the leading producer and distributor of outdoor footwear, apparel, and accessories in
South Africa is preparing to celebrate its 50 th anniversary. The company was founded in England
in 1974 by Frank van Wezel, and it has always been dedicated to creating high-quality products
that help people enjoy the outdoors, whether they are strolling in a park, hiking in a forest, or
climbing a mountain. With the belief that spending time in nature is important, the brand is
committed to remaining relevant in the ever-evolving sports and outdoor industries, as well as
producing functional and comfortable products whilst maintaining their consistent drive to
create new technologies.
Hi-Tec’s ORIGINAL styles defined the brand as they represented a unique sports discipline on
which the design and thought processes were built on. For the 50 th anniversary the brand pays
homage to these styles by introducing a range that pays tribute to the past but also highlights
their commitment to future growth of the Hi-Tec brand. These original styles were the Squash
Classic-1974 (Court style), Silver Shadow-1981 (Running style) and the PCT -1985 (Hiking style).
The brand then took their latest development – the GEO range of products and combined the
upper styling of the ORIGINALS with the GEO soles and midsoles, thus creating the ORIGINAL
SINCE collection.
To celebrate the golden jubilee, Hi-Tec is launching the “Run Through Time” campaign. The
campaign aims to take customers on a journey through the brand’s incredible stories, from
being the shoe of choice for 23% of runners in the first-ever London Marathon to global football
superstars wearing the Kings Cup boots in the 90s. By proudly becoming the official shoe of the
Wimbledon Tennis Championship in 1995, Hi-Tec has been redefining sport, culture, and
outdoor activities since its inception.
Simon Spreckley, Founder and CCO of FUTUREBORN, said, “We’ve had the privilege of
collaborating with Hi-Tec on the ‘Run Through Time’ campaign, using tech and AI to breathe life
into the brand’s remarkable stories. In an era where the world’s leading lifestyle and apparel
brands are built off incredible stories, we are excited to help Hi-Tec tell theirs.” Hi-Tec continues
to work tirelessly to keep up with the latest trends and to evolve the aesthetics, technologies,
and materials that are carefully implemented in all their designs. The brand has redeveloped
some of the most popular styles and put a fresh spin on them. Their goal is clear: to get the
world outside and enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Hi-Tec is running a social media competition where one
lucky winner stands a chance of winning R50,000. The campaign is launching on the 15 th of April
2024, with a spectacular 3D billboard to be seen in Braamfontein, along with the launch of 9
new Original Since footwear that will be available online and in stores. Consumers are
encouraged to visit the exciting activations located in these Hi-Tec stores: Tygervalley Mall, The
Grove Mall and the Kolonnade Shopping Centre, as well as being on the lookout for weekly
teasers showcasing shoes that were iconic over a certain era. Hitting their 5th decade mark, Hi-
Tec is determined to make it a memorable one for everyone.
ENDS
