These shoes are all about fit and feel on the trail. Brands are fine-tuning the design of their footwear uppers to hug the foot, combining with midsole and outsole innovation that creates a smooth and protected ride on the toughest terrain. Here’s a peek at some new styles ready to blaze the trail.

In 1947, Frank and Jessie Stephens opened the doors of Frank’s Shirt Shop in downtown Whitefish, Montana — at first, the Stephens’ priority was selling quality men’s clothing. After acquiring a neighboring clothing store, the entire operation was renamed The Toggery.

For a half century in the outdoors mecca of Tucson, AZ, a sprawling metropolis of nearly one million with more than 120 parks and recreation areas, Summit Hut has worked diligently to serve and grow the region’s nation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Operating for 42 years in downtown Aspen, Colorado, the resort town and retreat popular with musicians, movie stars and outdoor enthusiasts, Ute Mountaineer knows the ins and outs of this popular tourist destination, elevation 8,000 feet and known largely for alpine touring and backcountry activity.

As retail origin stories go, St. Louis-based Alpine Shop definitely has a good one. And its evolution into a standout retailer with four locations — thanks in part to a thriving events business — is pretty impressive, too.

If you’re looking for a good place to buy a canoe, kayak, SUP board or any of the accessories and gear you’d need to use them, Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, WI, is the place to go.