If you are looking for a new pair of hiking, backpacking, running or cycling shoes we have gathered a few of our favorite for this summer. I have always believed that having the right shoes for whatever you are doing matters. i have came across or heard too many people say that their feet hurt and they dont think they will be able to finish. We would love to hear from any readers on their favorite shoes. Please leave us a comment on Facebook or this article.
Hiking
Columbia Women’s Yama Swift
The Yama Swift features a breathable mesh upper, is lightweight and great for high-velocity aerobic activities. The breathable toecap, mudguard and lightweight construction mean you’ll stay comfortable, stable and protected during activities in the great outdoors. The perfect blend between a trail running and hiking shoe.
Features:
• Techlite lightweight cushioned midsole
• Omni-Grip rubber for optimal traction on all surfaces
• Breathable sandwich mesh upper with monomesh screen
• Protective toecap and mudguard
• An air cushion located in the heel, calibrated for a women’s foot frame to absorb shock and enhance stability on the trail
• One-piece outsole provides durable traction
• Weight: size 7, ½ pair = 8.9 oz/252.31g
• MSRP: $100.00
• http://www.columbia.com/Women%E2%80%99s-Yama%E2%84%A2-Swift-Shoe/BL2564,default,pd.html#detailsTab
Helly Hansen Rapide Leather Mid HTXP
The Rapide Leather Mid HTXP is a supportive, mid-cut, waterproof leather hiking boot. It has a Helly Tech membrane for waterproof protection and the Helly Wear toe and heel cap provides protection from blunt impact. This boot offer versatility, comfort and the protection that you will need for most hikes.
Features:
• HellyWear – Is a high abrasion TPR/Synthetic material
• Premium EVA midsole
• Helly Grip Outsole
• TPU Midfoot stabilizer
• Premium quality leather and suede
• HellyTech performance membrane
• MSRP: $130.00
• http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us/item/rapide-mid-htxp-leather-10735/
Backpacking
La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX
The new Hyper Mid GTX is a lightweight hiking boot that excels for backpacking. It features lacing down to the toe just like a climbing shoe and Vibram Idro Grip X-Traction, which is super sticky to provide superior traction. The Dual-density EVA midsole delivers excellent stability and cushioning for longer days out on the trail.
Features:
• Durable Roughout leather uppers equipped with to-the-toe lacing for a precise fit
• Sticky Idro-Grip Vibram® X-Traction™ outsole is grippy and secure in every type of on or off trail environment
• Dynamic Tech
• Strobel Lasted
• Leather/ Lorica®/ UreTech / AirMesh/ Vibram® rubber rand
• Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort Footwear
• Dual Density MEMlex/ TPU Stabilizer/ RockGuard
• Vibram® Idro Grip X-Traction™ / Impact Brake System™
• Weight: 16.47 oz / 467 g
• MSRP: $180.00
• http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/climbingapproach/hyper-mid-gtx
Scarpa Epic Pro GTX
Whether it’s long-distance hiking, backpacking with a light shoe or alpine approach, the SCARPA Epic Pro GTX is a do-it-all shoe that’ll handle whatever terrain is thrown at it. A very supportive shoe for its weight, the Epic Pro GTX employs the new Vibrame Aronne sole, which blends lugs for hiking with a friction platform for off-trail use and rocky terrain. The Epic Pro GTX is effectively a light hiker built on a trail-running chassis that also adds in some features of an approach shoe. The upper is suede, synthetic leather and polyester mesh, with Gore-Tex to keep water at bay. A TPU insert offers stability, and a sturdy toe rand offers protection for rugged terrain.
Features:
• Compression molded EVA
• Planet Friendly – Adhering to SCARPA’s Planet Friendly guidelines, materials are between 30 to 100 percent recycled content
• Rubber toe rand
• Versatile Vibram® Aronne outsole
• 13.2 ounces per shoe, men’s 42.
• Men’s and women’s specific fits.
• MSRP: $139.00
• http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/epic-pro-gtx-womens
Running
ECCO BIOM Evo Racer
This running shoe with low cut lace trainers is designed to combine comfort and Natural Motion. Lightweight and flexible for supreme performance with the one component midsole. Asymmetrical collar and tongue ensures an improved ankle position and support for feet. Anatomically correct foot-shaped last provides additional comfort and support from toe to heel.
Features:
• Uppers made of strong, light-weight textile
• Unlined, breathable upper
• One component, direct-injected PU midsole
• Low to the ground sole construction
• Natural anatomical last
• Asymmetrical collar and tongue construction
• Extremely light weight and flexible
• MSRP: $130.00
New Balance 870v3
An ideal shoe for mild overpronators, the 870v3 continues to deliver what runners have grown to love in the series but enhanced to the next level. The evolution of the 870 series continues to deliver the fastness of REVlite and security of the foot during every day runs. Intelligent geometries of the 870v3 allow for a stable footprint with flexibility, torsional stability and a mild post at midstance. Enhanced features such as T-BEAM, aid in the stability quotient of a surprisingly light and flexible shoe. A larger ABZORB® crash pad extends from the heel into the midfoot area, ensuring shock absorption for a variety of foot strikes. Grounded in performance – the 870v3 is the ideal shoe for runners in need of mild support seeking an exciting, REVlite experience.
Features:
• 8mm drop
• Blown rubber outsole
• Breathable air mesh
• No sew welded seams
• Synthetic/Mesh upper
• PL-1: Natural Last
• Type:Stability
• Weight:221 grams (7.8 oz)
• Men’s and women’s specific fits.
• MSRP: $109.99
• http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-870v3/W870-V3,default,pd.html
Brooks Glycerin 11
One of our testers said “these shoes are built to handle many miles on them and a ride that will keep your feet and legs fresh. With Brooks DNA, this shoe responds to your every step, dispersing impact and providing ideal comfort and protection as the pace and surface change. The segmented crash pad customizes the individual’s lay down with just the right amount of cushion and stabilization, giving the runner a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Features:
• Tuned Density Midsole
• Full-length S-257 Cushole
• Universal Sprung Platform
• HPR Plus – A higher durability, abrasion-resistant rubber outsole compound that wears longer.
• Moisture-Managing Element Mesh/Liner
• 3D Fit Print
• Profile Sockliner
• Conformable Saddle Construction
• Synthetic Overlay Materials
• Moisture-managing Element Linings
• MSRP: $150.00
• http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-Glycerin-11-Mens-Running-Shoe/110143,default,pd.html
Trail Running
Salomon Sense Mantra
The shoe for runners looking to make the transition to forefoot running. This light-weight training shoe is made for mid-foot strikers who want a natural motion shoe as well as protection and neutral cushioning. This shoe is made in response to Salomon team runners looking for a high-mileage shoe to assist with making the forefoot transition. With EndoFit™ construction the shoe can also be worn without socks making the runner’s contact with the trail even more direct.
Features:
• Second Skin Seamless Construction
• Breathable open mesh
• Seamless Sensifit™
• Salomon’s Quicklace™ with Lace Garage
• Propriotection™
• EndoFit™
• Racing Last
• Midsole height 10 mm/16mm
• 6mm heel drop
• Weight 238 G/8.4oz (Size US 7), 260 g/9.2 oz (Size US 9)
• Men’s and women’s specific fits.
• MSRP: $120.00
• http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-mantra.html?article=327831
Helly Hansen Pace Interceptor
The Pace Interceptor is Helly Hansen’s most technical trail runner yet featuring Helly Tech Performance waterproof breathable protection, Helly Wear Protection to protect from unruly rocks and roots, HH Roll Cage, and C Zone cushioning. These are truly the flagship in their trail running shoes. Boasts all the traction, protection, stability and cushioning even the most discerning of runners could ever dream of.
Features:
• Helly Techë Performance membrane
• Combination of synthetic and mesh for protection, comfort and breathability
• Helly Wear protection
• Anti-slip heel lining
• No-saw welded re-inforcement
• C-ZONE Cushioning
• C-ZONE + Forefoot Cushioning
• Midfoot TPU stabilizer
• Helly Grip
• MSRP: $120.00
• http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us/item/pace-interceptor-ht-10760/
New Balance Minimus 1010v2 Trail
The updated Minimus 1010v2 Trail continues to offer the perfect blend of minimal and traditional features with fit updates and innovative advancements. The 1010v2 continues to round out the Minimus collection for New Balance by acting as a gateway for runners looking for lower stack heights but with more traditional support. This update reengineers the outsole featuring a slightly more rugged lug construction that will guarantee the 1010v2 can handle any terrain a runner faces. The upper on the 1010v2 remains very similar to the first version, welding a tight mono mesh with synthetic materials to create the ideal blend of weight reduction and further enhancing the durability of the shoe.
Features:
• 4mm drop
• Lightweight cushioned midsole
• Minimal outsole provides traction only in areas needed
• Synthetic/Mesh upper
• TYPE:Minimal
• Men’s and women’s specific fits
• MSRP: $109.99
Watersports
Sperry Top Sider SON-R Pong Sneaker
The SON-R Pong Sneakers are great paddling shoes designed with SON-R technology that is intended to improve traction and allow paddlers to feel a better connection with their boats and the ground during launches, landings, portages and other times out the boat. SON-R enhances proprioception by enabling your body to gain improved awareness of what is happening beneath your feet.
Features:
• SON-R Technology™ Heightens Natural Sensory Responses with Articulating Outsole Pods that Transfer Information from Ground to Feet
• Interactive Foot Bed with Independent Chambers Improves Sensory Feedback
• Adaptive Wave-Siping Disperses Water Underfoot to Reduce Slippage on Wet / Dry Surfaces
• Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Provides Maximum Outsole Traction that Increases Stability and Agility
• Anti-Microbial Linings Minimizes Odor
• Internal Drainage
• MSRP: $80.00
ECCO Njord Speedlace
The Njord Speedlace is a multi-functional watersport shoe that will deliver on your next adventure. The drainage system allows water to quickly escape and the synthetic leather and mesh textile upper provides excellent breathability. The lightweight EVA and rubber outsole is super lightweight with great grip on flat surfaces make this a great aqua shoe.
Features:
• Uppers made of textile materials
• Lightweight EVA and rubber outsole
• Cemented
• Functional, integrated drainage system
• Open mesh upper and sole construction for excellent breathability
• Super lightweight and superb grip on flat surfaces
• Multifunctional water sports shoe
• This product can be used in fresh and salt water
• Men’s and women’s specific fits
• MSRP: $100.00
• http://us.shop.ecco.com/ECCO-Womens-Njord-Speedlace/858003,default,pd.html
Climbing
Scarpa Instinct VS
SCARPA’s new Instinct VS combines a powerful Bi-Tension rand system with all-Lorica construction, a combination that allows the shoe to dynamically adjust to different kinds of high-grade climbing. Lorica is a synthetic leather that stretches but won’t stretch out. The result is a shoe that combines high performance for bouldering, sport climbing or hard trad with a surprising amount of comfort. Moderately downturned, the Instinct VS employs a very powerful, slipper-like elastic top, and then improves control, power and fit even more with a floating Velcro power strap over top of that.
Features:
• A two-part sole, with 3mm thick Vibram XS Edge Rubber
• A rubber toe patch aids hooking
• 100% Lorica®
• Bi-Tension™ active randing system
• Floating velcro strap
• Rubber toe patch
• Vibram® XS Edge
• MSRP: $169.00
• http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/instinct-vs
Cypher Code
The Code is a great shoe for someone who wants to get into climbing. Keeping the foot at a relatively flat profile, the Code does a impressive job at keeping the foot compact. This leather shoe is lined inside with moisture wicking material as well as 5mm Enigma rubber on the outside. Its high rand and deep heel-cup are great for sport and trad climbing.
Features:
• Weight: 510 grams (Size 9)
• Last: SLC Slope Compact
• Upper: Leather
• Lining: Synthetic
• Type: Lace up
• Sole: 5mm Enigma
• MSRP: $79.95
• http://cypherclimbing.com/shop/code
Cycling
Giro Chamber shoe
Giro collaborated with Aaron Gwin to develop the Chamber. It has a skate-inspired, street shoe look with a low-profile upper and an internal bootie that secures the foot and keeps mud, rocks and other debris out. An EVA midsole, Poron XRD heel cushioning and a dual-density Vibram rubber outsole dial in the comfort and support you need to take the A-line on any trail or track.
Features:
• Skate Style Upper, Internal bootie retention system
• Dual density Vibram rubber outsole, Molded SPD compatible shank
• Aegis Single Density Footbed
• 536 grams (size 42)
• MSRP: $140.00
• http://www.giro.com/us_en/chamber.html
Teva Freewheel
Teva designed this cycling shoe to be both functional and fashionable. With a Spider365 rubber sole and PedaLINK outsole, these shoes will stick to your pedals. The canvas upper is breathable but also looks good so you don’t feel like you are wearing your cycling shoes while shopping. And the Mush insole will remind you of wearing a pair of Teva flip flops.
Features:
• Spider365 Rubber sole will hold its grip in all kinds of environments.
• PedaLINK outsole was designed specifically to interface with the unique platform of a bike pedal.
• Aggressive tread designs at the toe and heel will grip the dirt when you’re hoofin’ it.
• Canvas Upper
• A minimal upper design gives you all you need and nothing more
• A rubber bumper will protect your toes.
• Women’s specific shape and fit
• A Mush® Infused Insole brings the absurd comfort of our flip flops into a shoe
• Weight: 10.3 oz
• MSRP: $65.00
Pearl Izumi Elite RD III
The Elite RD III has a uni-directional carbon power plate the deleivers ultra-light stiffness to the shoe. The anatomic buckle closure follows the natural anatomic shape of the foot to eliminate hot spots and remove pressure from your instep. Direct-Vent technology for cooling and drainage, help keeps these shoe comfortable and dry.
Features:
• ELITE 1:1 Heel Cup: synthetic leather lining for maximum heel hold and power transfer
• ELITE Insole: with dual density EVA for superior Longitudinal and Transverse Arch Support
• Pearl Izumi one-piece upper provides a second skin fit, minimum weight and maximum comfort
• 39-47 in 1/2 sizes, 48, 49
• Weight: 265g (size 43)
• Men’s and women’s specific fits
• MSRP: $200.00
• http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=103&product_id=1795335&outlet=&color_code=223
Lifestyle
Freewaters McCoy Sandal
For the guy that wants a classic full leather sandal but with contemporary styling, materials and social give back. The McCoy’s are extremely soft and comfortable right out of the box, and only get better as they mold to your foot. Tested by legendary Endless Summer II surfer Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, daily in Costa Rica. And the best part is that each pair supports clean drinking water projects and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features:
• Full Grain Leather with embossed detailing.
• Soft webbing toe strap.
• Full Grain Leather with embossed detailing.
• Arch Support and soft Recycled Cork/EVA provides instant comfort and durable support.
• Assembled with Water Based Glue.
• No-slip, non marking sponge rubber.
• Green Certified Leather
• Recycled EVA/Cork midsole
• Arch Support
• MSRP: $50.00
• http://shop.freewaters.com/MCCOY-at-Freewaters-in-PID12223-FM-039.aspx
Cushe Shumakers Mark
Take to the city or the sand in Cushe’s men’s Shumakers Mark, knowing that the Cushe team did not sacrifice function for a pretty face. The Shumakers Mark is where the classic sneaker meets Cushe’s standards of design and comfort.
Features:
• Perforation station – How cool is this gonna be in the city this summer.
• Upper Material: Soft full grain leather.
• Lining: Ventilated mesh.
• Footbed: Moulded EVA with microfiber.
• Outsole: Moulded rubber.
• MSRP: $110.00-$165.00
• http://www.cushe.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/29708M/71426/Mens/Shumakers-Mark-Slip-On
Olukai Nohea Perf
The Nohea Perf is a breathable, slip-on perfect for an all-day use. Versatile Drop-In Heel™ for shoe or slide functionality, beautiful hand-sewn moccasin stitch and perforations for incredible breathability.
Features:
• Soft and supple low knap suede with laser perforations and a moccasin hand-sewn toe, Dri-Lex® suede lining.
• EverFit, long lasting anatomical contoured footbed, lined with Dri-Lex® synthetic suede and embossed leather heel patch. Removable and washable.
• Non-marking molded gum rubber outsole with a Kava root inspired tread design.
• MSRP: $100.00
• http://www.olukai.com/Product_Featured_Nohea%20Perf_20200-8A20.aspx
Luna Sandals Mono
The Mono is a do everything, go everywhere sandal. The Mono is made up of a light, moldable Vibram sole combined with the Pittards Premium Leather or non-slip MGT footbed for a total thickness of 12mm. The protective, lightweight sole allows for a wide variety of uses from casual wear to trail running, while the overall thickness means the ankle holes can be countersunk to reduce wear on the laces.
• Men’s and women’s specific fits
• MSRP: $75.00
• https://www.lunasandals.com/products/37-mono