DANNER MOUNTAIN 600
The Danner Mountain 600 perfectly straddle the line between fashion and functionality at a solid price point of $200.
Charles Danner began making boots for loggers in Portland, Oregon, in 1932, and the heritage brand epitomizes the rugged style of the Pacific Northwest that has crossed into urban fashion in recent years. Some Danner boots are still handmade in Portland but these are more expensive, like the Mountain 600’s more serious older brother, the $380 Mountain Light.
Danner Mountain 600
The Mountain 600 couples a Vibram SPE midsole with a Fuga outsole for grip on wet and dry surfaces and are part of their Performance Heritage range that combine classic styling with lightweight innovation.
ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKER
As we’d expert from sportswear giant Adidas, their hiking footwear range are all about performance and comfort with a twist of urban styling.
The $200 ultra lightweight Terrex Free Hiker treads the line between hiking boot and sneaker mixing the sock-like comfort of Adidas flyknit with a molded toe cap for protection and a cushioned, grippy sole suitable for all terrain. And a torsion bar provides a stable, controlled and natural flex of the midsole and foot.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
Adidas teamed up with NYC fashion store KITH for a special edition rainbow-tinged version of the line last year. The line sold out in days proving that hiking boots are walking the walk on the High Street too.
FRACAP
Italian brand Fracap was launched by Antonio Capello in 1908 and their boots are still handcrafted at the company’s Tuscany factory with locally sourced vegetable tanned leather.
Now they combine their traditional values and style with innovative modern technology — allowing shoppers to customize their boot and choose the material, color, sole, eyelets and laces.
Fracap Magnifico M120
Customize your boots from hundreds of possible combinations from $322 at the Fracap site. Or End Clothing offer a wide range of non-customizable styles from $259. These more expensive than others on our list, but if we’re going to splurge then let’s do it on top-quality bespoke Italian craftmanship.
COLUMBIA SH/FT
Another hiking shoe for sneaker fans is the Columbia SH/FT Outdry Mid Shoe.
Columbia have long been a solid choice for outdoorsy types but have not been known for style — until now. And the mix of the brand’s sensible reputation with this eye-catching shoe make them a bold choice.
Columbia SH/FT
They come in seven color combinations including this daring retro-influenced teal and purple pair which nods to the brand’s 90s color palette.
They are made of comfortable, breathable stretch knit but are totally waterproof. And currently on sale at $78, the price feels very comfortable too.
OUTDOOR VOICES x MERRELL MOAB 2
It’s hard to talk hiking shoes without mentioning Merrell, and the Moab 2 is their most popular boot.
And this collaboration with activewear brand Outdoor Voices brings some extra flair to the trail standard with its ‘silver birch’ color scheme, while using all the practical and performance-led technology that Merrell boots are known for including comfortable leather, supportive footbed and Vibram traction.
Moab 2 Mid Ventilator
The Moab 2 Mid Ventilator has plenty of substance and a splash of style for $110.
KAHRU FUSION 2.0
Most part-time hikers don’t need to wear speciality shoes to enjoy the great outdoors, so a robust sneaker completes our list.
The Finnish brand Kahru’s Fusion 2.0 range are billed as running shoes — a rework of the 1996 Fusion that led the market at that time. But the sturdy design built for the snowy Nordic climate make these more than adequate for all but the most hazardous hikes. And Kanye West has been spotted wearing the brand on the mean streets of Brentwood, Los Angeles — so safe to say they can survive the exploration of designer clothes stores and fancy restaurants too.
They come in dozens of different color block styles, like these from their Cross-Country Ski Pack range for $99.
Karhu Fusion 2.0: Cross-Country Ski Pack
Fun fact: In 1951, Karhu sold its signature three stripes trademark to Adidas for two bottles of whiskey and about $1800. A fun fact, that is, unless you were the Kahru employee to negotiate that deal.
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