As technical attire continues to play a key role in fashion’s stylistic discourse, ALYX, Prada and many other brands have solidified it as a major reference point for collections. With fashion houses circling around the category for transitional seasons that require lightweight layering options, it was only a matter of time until the focus switched to footwear.
Over the past few seasons, some of the best hiking boots have come from surprising sources. Upstart brands such as ROA, who sit in the space between fashion and functional hiking gear, as well as more tried-and-tested brands such as Timberland and Salomon, have released an eclectic mix of styles. While some are more functional than others — and we wouldn’t recommend taking on the Alps or the Himalayas in any of the below — they’re all built to withstand basic hiking terrain.
Whether you’ve ever blazed a trail, flip-flopped, or prepared a slackpack need not matter, as our selection of the best hiking boots will have you sold on the aesthetic alone. Featuring brands such as adidas Terrex, Nike ACG and ROA, our roundup proves that functional gear deserves a place in any wardrobe, irrespective of your intentions to hit the trails or not.
Scroll through what we believe to be some of the most stylish and best hiking boots below. They might not have you climbing Mount Everest, but you’ll look damn good doing whatever it is you do in them.
Shop the Best Hiking Boots for Summer 2021 Below
Vivienne Westwood x ASICS
Gel-Katano 27 LTX
ASICS x Vivienne Westwood
There's no denying that you'll stand out wearing Vivienne Westwood's GEL-KAYANO 27 LTX collaboration. Inspired by the label's archive latex stockings, the eye-catching design is made with performance in mind, boasting an inner sock construction overlaid with a semi-translucent TPU material. ASICS' FLYTEFOAM technology and GEL midsole provide you with more than enough cushioning each step of the way, in addition to considerable rebound. While this isn’t a hiking boot per se, the outsole’s grip and the overall breathability of the sneaker make it one of the best hiking boots for summer.
Salomon
XT-6 Advanced
Salomon
This wouldn't be a proper outdoor gear roundup without the inclusion of Salomon. Having become increasingly popular in high fashion circles, the French sportswear brand remains focused on providing customers with the best performance products available. The XT-6 is specifically made for ultra-distance races in the most adverse conditions, but don't let that intimidate you. The sneaker can just as easily be paired with slacks as it can with a hydration pack and trekking poles.
KidSuper Studios x PUMA
Trailfox Boot
Puma X KidSuper Studios
If vibrant colors are your thing, look no further than KidSuper Studios. The Brooklyn-based collective blessed PUMA with its designing expertise to deliver a bold reimagining of one of the brand's retro trail runners, the Trailfox, resulting in one of the best hiking boots of 2021. KidSuper's take on the silhouette no doubt challenges the conventional look of a sneaker, as the Trailfox is outfitted with a functional rugged outsole and an intriguing doubled-up lace closure.
Burberry
Contrast Sole Boots
Burberry
Yes, luxury fashion houses do rugged footwear, too. The price point just tends to be a tad higher. We completely understand, though, if you opt-out of rocking denim boots on your next mountain adventure. Nonetheless, there's a time and a place for Burberry's Contrast Sole Boots. So maybe lace these up for an afternoon around town instead of an all-day trail expedition.
Bee Line x Timberland
Garrison Trail Mid Hiking Sneakers
Bee Line x Timberland
This particular collaboration from Pharrell's Bee Line by Billionaire Boys Club and Timberland is meant to pave the way for a new generation of hikers. While aesthetically pleasing, the Garrison Trail Mid is fully equipped to handle whatever you throw its way. Waterproof construction ensures the outside elements don't creep in, while TimberGrip technology is applied to provide superior traction. The shoe is also adorned with 3M reflective accents to enhance visibility. In short: it looks good and is one of the best hiking boots around.
adidas
Terrex Eastrail Hiking Shoes
adidas
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To offset the high-priced luxury option, adidas Terrex came through with one of the best hiking boots, that is significantly more wallet-friendly. The Terrex Eastrail retails for just $70, yet is still plenty capable of handling rugged terrain. The shoe is noticeably lightweight, featuring a cushioned midsole made for a day out on the trails. It also provides you with a stabilized feel to award confidence while moving on wet, uneven surfaces.
Nike ACG
Lahar Low
Nike ACG
Nike ACG's Lahar Low is another one that's probably more at home in an urban environment as opposed to steep ridges and cliffs. Drawing from the Lahar Escape Boot of the 1980s, the shoe delivers a retro design that is widely coveted. While geared towards city wear in most instances, the Lahar Low doesn't skimp on construction. It pairs heavy-duty leather with a rugged tread that provides durability and multi-surface traction. This is one of the best hiking boots for that LA-type of hike, where you’re in the wilderness, but never far from the city.
ROA
Italian footwear label ROA is undoubtedly for mountain lovers thanks to its rugged construction and performance-focused approach. However, fashion-forward designs and a series of streetwear collaborations have given the brand crossover appeal. The Andreas Boot is one of ROA's go-to silhouettes featuring classic hiker elements, such as metal eyelets, hiking laces, and a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole. And with that print on the upper, this definitely one of the best hiking boots around. What’s not to love?
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