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.

Known as “Wyoming’s Jewel,” Sheridan, population approximately 20,000, boasts a quaint downtown and the scenic Bighorn Mountains. For runners, the area is also well-known for hosting the Bighorn Trail Run ultra run.

For Alpenglow Sports owner Brendan Madigan, being an outdoor retailer is about much more than just selling gear.“I feel a tremendous loyalty to give back to people who have supported the shop for nearly 40 years,” says Madigan. “The mountain shop, in my opinion, should be the hub of their community.

The Northwest Arkansas region where Pack Rat Outdoor Center is located has such an abundance of natural resources that the once under the radar scene is becoming more and more of an outdoor destination. When it comes to outdoor retail, the secret is already out about Pack Rat Outdoor Center.

“Being sustainable doesn’t happen in a year…and if you haven’t started, make 2019 the year, because you are behind.” This is according to Amy Horton, senior director of sustainable business innovation for the Outdoor Industry Association, which prides itself as a resource for brands looking to...

Located in what it calls the “big tin hut” in the heart of Durango, Colorado, Backcountry Experience is a retailer with a keen focus on not only offering the best gear for outdoor adventures, but also the best customer service. And when it comes to service, offering the right fit is at the top of...

Outdoor footwear Brands are exploring new terrain in the seasons ahead. Technology is impacting every category from top-tier hiking shoes to everyday lifestyle sandals. Perhaps nowhere is the innovation more apparent than in the light hike and trail run categories.