6 of Our Favorite Shoes and Boots to Put Your Best Foot Forward
It’s easy with any of these kicks, all category toppers in our 2020 Footwear Awards. The shoes, sandals, and boots you’ll find here won’t fail you, no matter where your adventure leads.
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We tested this footwear everywhere from the Oregon Coast to the mountains in Colorado to the high desert in California. Here are our top picks, representing our very favorite boots and shoes for everything from a week-long backpacking trip to an afternoon tidepooling at the beach.
Best Everyday Boot: Vasque Breeze LT GTX
The mark of an everyday hiker is how much you want to wear it— even when you’re not on the trail. We’ve found ourselves stepping into this boot for grocery runs: It’s comfy, and it looks great, so why not rock it as a daily?
Best Casual Hiker: Teva Gateway Mid
Water-resistant and sure-footed thanks to the rubberized sole, this around-town boot is great for road trips and day hikes alike.
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Best Adventure Sandal: Birkenstock Atacama/Sahara
One of the most comfortable sandals comes with an Achilles heel: The cork footbed can be damaged by rubble on the trail. That’s why Birkenstock created these adventure sandals. Thanks to the burly protective layer underneath, the cork stays safe—while rugged lugs keep your feet where they belong: On the trail, not up in the air.
Best Fitting Boot: Tecnica Forge GTX
There’s no substitute for a perfect fit, which is why we love the custom footbed system in the Forge, which can be molded for your exact shape with a quick visit to any licensed retailer. What’s more, the women’s version of this boot isn’t just based on a scaled-down men’s “last,” or silhouette. It’s specifically made for female feet, which means a better fit for longer hikes without burning or discomfort.
Most Cushy Ride: Hoka One One x OC Ultra Tor Hi
This collaboration with fashion brand Opening Ceremony puts a monochromatic, all-white spin on the ultra-plush hiking boot from Hoka One One. And while darker colorways more suited for the trail do exist, we like the striking image this one presents no matter where you roam. The eVent upper keeps moisture at bay and the overall feel is that of a running shoe with trail traction.
Danner Jungle 917 Boot
Minimalist construction means these hikers are lighter and let your feet breathe. We found them the perfect companions for 100-degree hikes along with beers afterward. Nothing like roasting your dogs to ruin the stoke of a great hike.
Plus, a Word on Socks
What’s inside matters. Wear a statement sock with technical underpinnings—like this one, from Smartwool—and you won’t just complement your kicks, you’ll also wick moisture away during hikes and stave off stinky feet, thanks to the naturally anti-microbial properties of Merino wool.
This Came from the 2021 Waters of the West Issue—Read It Here!
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