Durham-based Implus is one of the world’s largest sellers of footware accessories such as insoles, shoelaces and shoe deodorizers. The company has been expanding its product line over the past couple of years to include socks, hand warmers and other outdoors items.

The Highgear acquisition will give Implus a wider variety of products to distribute from its new headquarters and warehouse complex, a 252,000-square-foot build to suit the company moved into about a month ago.

“The addition of Highgear to the Implus brand family greatly increases our reach to the growing outdoor consumer segment,” said Todd Vore, president of Implus. “Highgear’s line of products allows us to meet the many needs of outdoor enthusiasts and complements our other outdoor brands: Yaktrax, Granger's and Little Hotties Hand & Body Warmers.”

Highgear, which is based in Fletcher, just south of Asheville, is the fourth major brand acquisition for Implus over the past three years. The others were Yaxtrax, a line of winter traction footwear; Sneaker Balls, a line of sports air fresheners; and Little Hotties Warmers, a leading provider of hand, body and toe warmers.