Provided
With a utilitarian chic that’s stronger than ever, hiking boots are now a viable, all-day wearable option.
My friend looked puzzled when I told her that my hiking boots weren’t new. I’ll admit the gray and black Merrell boots I donned for an afternoon gusty walk looked brand new. I bought them a year ago, but the truth is they haven’t seen much off-road activity.
Despite my best intentions, they have yet to tread Arthur’s Pass or climb Tongariro. But they did an amazing job of keeping my feet dry and comfortable while walking the dog daily through the nasty streets of Auckland.
There was a time when hiking boots wouldn’t have been on my kit list for an urban stroll, but with a utilitarian chic going from tough to tough (we got the work boot, we got the boot military), hiking boots are now a viable and wearable all-day option.
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On the Chloe catwalk, colorful hiking boots and chunky tonal rolled up socks were paired with form-fitting knit skirts and comfy fitted wool coats.
Perhaps the ultimate blend of high fashion and function is Gucci’s collaboration with outdoor specialists The North Face. They do everything a Gucci-mad fashionista could want on a hike, from logo tents to oversized down jackets in woodland-inspired prints and neat little backpacks — everything but the cleats.
But it’s their hiking boots that stand out: a trippy mix of Gucci monogram canvas and orange leather, complete with metal eyelets and red-striped laces. The trend is in full swing.
Not that everyone will shell out US$1,490 ($2,350) to hike in Gucci-style shoes. Not everyone will want to spend $1,750 on Jimmy Choo’s deluxe upholstered sheepskin version, either. But the best thing about utility-inspired fashion is that you can find the authentic style that inspired the designer’s look at a less jaw-dropping price.
The leather versions might be the favorite of purists. Look at the Danner boot – it’s a classic tan leather snub nose boot with cherry red laces. It will do tough jobsites while delivering classic hiking shoe looks that have launched a slew of imitations. Made in the USA, I would use these as style inspiration because I’m too leery to buy something online that has to fit very well in multiple places. But then I was spoiled.
I bought my Merrells from Shoe Clinic, the New Zealand sports shoe specialist with stores across the country. They’re so sure of their in-person service that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Wear them everywhere and if you are not satisfied, you can exchange them for something else.
For a more technical take on the classic round-toe look, see the Oboz Bridger Boots in Kathmandu, $370. In terms of style, the color is a winner. Even if you had no use for fashion, this red leather might put a smile on your face when you put them on.
Many 90s fans focused on the sneaker/hiking shoe combo. They typically come in practical, muddy tones, but you can always take inspiration from Gucci and inject your own pop of color with some bright laces. Teva’s Grandview Boots, $330, are technical hiking boots that feature lots of clever details for ultra-lightweight comfort.
Timberland’s Raeburn X EK+ Garrison Mid Hiker, $300, is lined with a recycled plastic blend to keep feet dry and has what they describe as one of their “stickiest tractions yet. on the sole.
Finally, I’ll add the Trail Runners from Allbirds, $240. These are not hiking shoes, rather they are super grippy and supportive trainers. But they’re beautifully groovy and tick all the right techy-chic boxes, especially the pair with yellow soles and khaki and gray uppers. They’re definitely sturdy enough for dog walking, and more.
