The 12 Best Shoes for Adventure Travel
From running rivers to summiting peaks, these new lines of men's and women's footwear tackle any adventure and look good doing it.
Danner Campo 2650 GTX Hiking Shoe
Using GORE-TEX and leather uppers with cushy Vibram souls that grip even in the wettest conditions, the Danner Campo 2650 GTX hiking shoe is weather-proof, lightweight footwear for the street or the trail. Sock-like ankle guard keeps moisture and debris out, and the Campo works well with gaiters for even more protection.
Buy It: Backcountry
Mammut Ducan Knit High GTX Boot
Known for professional rock climbing and mountaineering gear, Mammut brings that demanding technical knowledge to their new Ducan Knit High GTX hiking shoe. Designed for alpine work but at home in any rugged terrain, the weatherproof Duncan uses a proprietary steel-spring sole for rock-solid support while being comfortable even after a full day of mountaineering.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $248.95
Vivobarefoot Tracker FG Boot
Vivobarefoot combines its unique feels-like-your-barefoot construction into a sturdy boot designed to protect your foot and ankle. Its tread grips mountain trails and wet rocks. This water-resistant leather shoe can pack tight in luggage, and the removable thermal insole makes this a year-round adventure companion.
Buy It: Vivobarefoot.com, $240.00
Lems Trailhead Hiking Shoe
The new Lems Trailhead shoe is a lightweight, minimalist hiker built for the trails but stylish enough for everyday wear and travel.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $130.00
Merrell MQM Collection
Merrell's new MQM Collection includes several men's and women's designs ranging from trail runners to mountain climbers. Choose breathable mesh or waterproof Gore-Tex depending on your adventure, and the lightweight-yet-robust construction won't hold you back at all. Merrell's renowned tread design brings plenty of traction to your action.
Buy It: Merrell.com, $79.99-$140
OluKai Nalukai Kapa Boot
Lightweight and water-resistant with a grippy sole, OluKai’s Nalukai Kapa boots can handle Kauai's Kalalau Trail and look good enough for a celebratory dinner out after.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $130.00
Chaco Odyssey Sandal
Chacos have long been the go-to for river adventurers, and their new Odyssey sandals combine breathable mesh and a toe box that protects, thick soles for hikes right out of the boat, antimicrobial treatment for those epic journeys and comfortable straps to keep them snug, all with vegan-friendly construction.
Buy It: Chacos.com, $100.00
Danner Raptor 650 Boot
Made of leather and wool and completely waterproof, Danner's Raptor 650 boots boast Primaloft insulation to keep your feet warm in the snow and stable on ice with Vibram Escape soles. This great-looking boot will keep up with you during the day and take you out at night in any mountain town.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $59.97-$84.97
Scarpa Mojito GTX Shoe
Scarpa has long been a mountaineering go-to, and their new Mojito GTX Collection introduces shoe and boot designs made of water-resistant suede with Gore-Tex lining to let your feet breath while keeping the elements out. Fun colors dress up this serious outdoor footwear, making them look great alone in the mountains or with friends in town.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $198.95
Vasque Breeze LT GTX Boot
Lightweight, waterproof with GORE-TEX, sticky traction and bomber construction, the Vasque Breeze LT GTX boot is perfect for fast summits and long days on the trail. New colors add some swag to your send.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $159.95
Salomon Outback 500 GTX Boot
With flexible Gore-Tex mesh to keep the elements out and solid protection at the toe box, heel and ankle, the Salomon Outback 500 GTX successfully marries comfort with serious support for intense days while weighing only 500 grams, making it one of the lightest choices in its class on the market.
Buy It: Backcountry.com, $209.95-$219.95
Hoka One One Sky Collection
Relatively-new-kid-on-the-footwear block Hoka One One earned a solid reputation for its cushioned running shoes and now extends that to its new hiking line, the Sky Collection. These waterproof shoes and boots offer ankle support with a unique strap that comfortably locks the shoe or boot in place, and the Vibram soles secure you to the trail or rock. Whether you pick up a pair for trail running or longs days with a heavy pack, you'll appreciate the comfort ultrarunners have been enjoying since 2010.
Buy It: HOKAOneOne.com, $170-$220