WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
You don’t need to be heading out into the wilderness to wear this season’s biggest boot trend. Designers are using runway-ready details and luxe materials to give the humble hiking boot an upgrade. So although some of these might fare well on mountain trails, they’re also suitable for city-living. Ideal if you count front door to Uber as a trek.
Paraboot Avoriaz Hiking Boots
With a history of hiking boot craftsmanship that dates back to 1908, you can bet on the quality of Paraboot. Plus, they’re designed at the foot of the Alps so that must mean something.
Proenza Schouler Lace Up Hiking Boots
Weather-proof your winter look with Proenza Schouler’s boots. You’ll never be scared of snow drifts/muddy trails/puddles in the road (delete as appropriate) again.
DSQUARED2 Chunky Heel Hiking Boots
Not safe for hiking. The wildest walk you should take in these will be from the sidewalk to your dinner reservation.
Ash Alfa Hiking Boots
Is it a hiking boot, it it an ugly sneaker? We’re not sure but who cares when they look this cool.
Common Projects Hiking Boots
You can count on Common Projects to design a hiking boot that’s hugely wearable. Pair these with everything from jeans to floral dresses.
Rick Owens Brown Sisyphus Leather Hiking Sandals
Ok, so not technically a boot but this hiking sandal hybrid from Rick Owens is too good to leave off the list. Wear them with utilitarian-style cargo pants. Naturally.
Santoni, Lace-Up Hiking Ankle Boots
Hiking goes upmarket. These boots from Santoni have all the luxurious details: polished leather, a statement buckle and elegance that's usually reserved for the city.
JW Anderson, Navy Hiking Boot
JW Anderson’s boots have loafer detailing, offering a more grown-up take on gone-camping footwear. Just because you’re in the wilderness, doesn’t mean you should let standards slip.
Ganni Black Alma Shearling Lined Leather Hiking Boots
This Ganni pair has been on the feet of every Danish it-girl. You can really embrace the geography teacher look and pair them with the brand’s fleece gilet.
Roa Hiking Boots
A serious pair of boots. These have the added bonus of a distressed look so it will appear you’ve already been putting in the miles. We won’t tell if you don’t.