From luxury fashion houses to streetwear labels, technical outdoorwear has been getting its flowers recently and the end result is (nine times out of ten) fire.
Dior's releasing collections that are a hiker's paradise and collaborations between Salomon and Comme des Garçons proved that luxury fashion is getting becoming more acquainted with hiking and trail-ready brands.
However, being able to decipher which pieces have the technical credentials to back up their outdoorsy look can be tricky. In particular, when searching for good hiking sneakers, different sneaker and shoe manufacturers often incorporate their own midsole technology into their products leaving one to wonder what makes good hiking shoes these days.
First off, durable outsoles are crucial to your expedition. Brands like Vibram and Continental are well-known icons for their advanced research when comes to applying grip. Depending on the weather conditions you'll want to have strong, durable protection to keep your feet free of rain or snow, or breathable mesh and ripstop uppers for the Summer months. All things considered, when searching for a sturdy hiking sneaker, the style must also be considered.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite brands that are prepared to handle wet or dry surfaces during your next hike while also being a flex in the city.
Check out our favorite hiking footwear options below.
Salomon XT-Quest 2
XT-Quest 2
Salomon
This Salomon sneaker borrows its looks from early-2000s hiking footwear but, under the bonnet, it has the contemporary tech Salomon is known for. Functional features include a dual-density midsole, an articulated 4D advanced chassis, and a Contagrip rubber outsole which help to provide superior stability and traction.
La Sportiva TX Hike GTX
TX Hike GTX
La Sportiva
Borrowing technology from La Sportiva's Mountain Running line, this hiking shoe is made for those wanting to zip through trails at speed. The shoe comes with a focus on recycled materials, including a Vibram® Eco Step Evo tread and a GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane made with end-of-life plastic.
Merrell Wilderness SE
Wilderness SE
Merrell
When you see hairy, textured suede alongside metal lace hooks, you know you've got an old-school hiker on your hands. This shoe is inspired by Merrell's first-ever hiking boot and comes in an updated low-top silhouette.
HOKA Kaha 2 Low
Kaha 2 Low
HOKA
HOKA has quickly built a reputation for its technology-driven running shoes and the Kaha 2 is one of its outdoor-focused models. The shoe comes with anti-abrasion reinforcements, the brand's signature MetaRocker™ technology, and a GORE-TEX membrane — because who likes having wet feet?
ROA Katharina Sneaker
Katharina Sneaker
ROA
Italian label ROA makes some of the best-looking outdoor footwear around and the Katharina is a staple shoe in its seasonal collections. Offered here in a simple, all-black colorway, the shoe features sturdy, technical nylon on the upper and a Vibram Megagrip tread sole.
Teva Grandview GTX Sneakers
Grandview GTX Sneakers
Teva
Teva's premium hiking shoe has everything you could need for a day in tough conditions: it's fully waterproof, comes with responsive cushioning, and sits on top of Vibram's Mega Grip outsole for heightened traction.
Moncler x Salehe Bembury Trailgrip Grain Sneakers
Trailgrip Grain Sneakers
Moncler x Salehe Bembury
Linking up with Moncler to create a full uniform for the great outdoors, Salehe Bembury upgraded the brand's Trailgrip shoe with colorful finishes and his signature fingerprint motif. Sat on top of a special Vibram MEGAGRIP rubber compound, the shoe's upper is crafted from embroidered ballistic nylon which has been made waterproof through a GORE-TEX membrane.
Norse Projects Arktisk Lace-Up Runner Sneakers
Lace-Up Runner Sneakers
Norse Projects Arktisk
The Arktisk sneaker sees Norse Projects bring its minimal style to the world of technical footwear. The shoe comes crafted from diamond-structured ripstop nylon that is backed with a Hydro Guard membrane for total water and wind protection alongside an OrthoLite insole for long-lasting cushioning.
New Balance UALGSBB
UALGSBB
New Balance
New Balance’s iconic trail boot, the Rainier, is back in color schemes and material executions that draw from the brand’s 1980s archives. The shoe comes upgraded with contemporary tech such as a lightweight EVA bottom and Vibram outsole.
Nike Air Humara QS Sneakers
Air Humara QS Sneakers
Nike
Nike's outdoor-focused ACG subline adds the brand's signature Zoom Air technology to rugged hiking shoes, such as the Air Humara. Having recently been the subject of a Jacquemus collaboration, this shoe comes crafted from a mix of hard-wearing fabrics.
Keen x Hiking Patrol Jasper Rocks SP
Jasper Rocks SP
Keen x Hiking Patrol
A must-follow Instagram page for anyone interested in functional fashion design, Hiking Patrol linked up with Keen to put its spin on the Jasper sneaker on its 15th anniversary. An approach shoe for climbers, this model comes with a cushioned footbed, grippy rubber sole, and contoured fit to take on rocky ground.
Arc'teryx Acrux TR GTX Boots
Acrux TR GTX Boots
Arc'teryx
An expert in outdoor wear, Arc'teryx's footwear is every bit as technically crafted as its popular outerwear. These boots come with a SuperFabric® upper that features a unique micro-plated technology to make it highly flexible, surprisingly lightweight, and abrasion-resistant.
On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
On
The best part about On's Cloud technology is that it can be reworked on any model to handle uneven surfaces and wet or dry terrains.
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