The Boot Book
Outdoor

The Boot Book: All-Around Performers

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The line between performance and lifestyle continues to blur in the outdoors as stylish boots are packed with tech details and core performers flash a fashionable aesthetic. Versatility — in style and performance — is often the No. 1 trait consumers are seeking in outdoor boots. “We’re seeing incredibly strong success with hiking shoes that appeal to the consumer who’s immersing in the outdoors as a lifestyle,” says Becky Marcelliano, outdoor marketing manager at Salomon. “Maybe they’re climbing peaks, or riding their bike to the bar, or planning a raft trip, or chasing the sunrise. The trend is in shoes and boots that can offer an everyday aesthetic with the fundamental technicality to allow them to adventure at the next rad opportunity.”

On the technical side, core performance styles are getting lighter, faster and more nimble, too. “More and more, people are continuing to trend towards lighter-weight, more athletic-feeling products for a range of outdoor activities,” notes Mark Mathews, VP of sales, Scarpa North America. “There is a lot of influence from running shoes and athletic footwear coming into the outdoor segment in shoes built for all-around trail use.” Whether they are being worn on the trail or the city sidewalk, these Fall 2020 boots are ready to rock.

Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX

The completely new Cross Hike is ready for any conditions with multi-directional lugs, a seamless, closed-mesh construction and a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. The mid-height style has a 20mm stack height and 10mm drop. MSRP $170.

Bearpaw Boreal

Throwback color blocking gives the Boreal boot retro appeal to spare. But it’s packed with enough completely modern features, including a removable Poron footbed, warm wool-blend lining and the brand’s NeverWet waterproofing to make it hold its own on the slopes or around town. MSRP $84.99.

Ecco Zipflex Mid

With a sole design inspired by a zipper, the Zipflex offers flexibility and comfort, as well as a distinctive aesthetic. Ecco’s DriTan Leather technology, which significantly reduces the amount of water required for the tanning process, joins Dyneema Bonded Leather by Ecco in the upper. MSRP $200.

Forsake Sophia Lace

The Sophia boot for women blends all-weather protection with sophisticated urban style. Premium full-grain leathers and waterproof/breathable membrane offer performance; the internal wedge adds comfort and style. MSRP $174.95.

Oboz Bozeman Mid Leather Pull-on

The women’s Bozeman pull-on style combines technical trail performance with mountain-town style. It has 3.5mm rubber lugs and a supportive TPU heel cup. Bozeman Collection styles also feature a new O-Fit Insole made with Bloom Algae Foam. MSRP $140.

Scarpa Rush Mid GTX

This do-it-all trail shoe pairs trail-running inspired design with the support and protection of a light, waterproof hiker. It features the brand’s new Interactive Kinetic System (IKS), a sole with five concave impact zones that compress and absorb energy as they contact the ground, allowing secondary lugs to then come in contact with the trail to increase traction. MSRP $179.

Vasque Alechemist XT UD

The Alchemist Extended-Terrain UltraDry is a modern hiker that delivers durability and protection with less bulk. It is designed to keep feet comfortable and ready for any adventure. MSRP $140.

Ecco Solice High

This stylish women’s offering from Ecco features the first footwear application of Primaloft Bio, a 100 percent recycled, biodegradable synthetic fiber insulation that adds warmth, and when combined with Hydromax, guards against winter’s tough elements. This style is at home on the slopes or in the city. MSRP $200.

Thorogood Infinity FD Series 9” Drakar

This waterproof, insulated outdoor boot features Thorogood’s patent pending FLEX-DRIVE 51 percent welt construction allowing for maximum flex in the toe and enhanced heel stability. An anti-fatigue energy return system works to absorb shock. MSRP $210.

Khombu Swift

Inspired by the U.S. Ski. Team, this women’s style for Fall 2020 offers a combination of fashion and function, taking the sneaker boot to next level. It offers the brand’s K-Guard weather protection, a K-Grip bottom and a Comfort Flex Insole.
MSRP $69.99.

Twisted X MHKBW02

This 11” waterproof boot features both Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo and Twisted X’s eco-conscious ecoTWX material, made with recycled plastic water bottles. The brand’s CellSole tech in the footbeds offers comfort and the outsole is oil- and slip-resistant.

Hi-Tec V-Lite V-Lite Shift I +

The brand makes its entrance into the lightweight speed hiking market with this lightweight, value-oriented boot. It has the brand’s MD Traction Outsole and Comfort Insole and features i-Shield water and stain resistance. MSRP $79.99.

Khombu Marcus

An urban hiker for men, the Marcus combines performance and casual style. It features the brand’s K-Guard weather protection, a K-Grip bottom and a Comfort Flex Insole. MSRP $79.99.