Merrell is a renowned outdoor shoe brand that has established itself as a leader in the industry. With a rich history dating back to 1981, the brand has gained a reputation for producing high-quality footwear designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts.

The brand consistently incorporates state-of-the-art materials and features into their shoes, ensuring that wearers are equipped with the latest advancements in performance footwear. Whether it's their proprietary M-Select Grip outsole technology for excellent traction on various surfaces or their aia-cushioned heels for enhanced shock absorption, Merrell continuously strives to provide the best possible footwear experience.

Merrell offers a diverse range of outdoor footwear options to cater to different activities and terrains. From hiking boots and trail running shoes to water shoes and lifestyle footwear, the brand has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Each product is thoughtfully designed with comfort and functionality in mind, incorporating ergonomic designs, supportive features, and breathable materials to keep feet comfortable and protected during challenging outdoor endeavors.

The brand strives to minimize its environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and supporting responsible manufacturing practices. This dedication to sustainability reflects Merrell's ethos of caring for the environment and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the great outdoors.

Merrell's popularity and success can be attributed not only to its exceptional product quality but also to its ability to connect with its customers. The brand understands the needs and preferences of outdoor enthusiasts and actively seeks their feedback to continually improve and innovate. This customer-centric approach has garnered a loyal following and a strong reputation that has made Merrell one of the top outdoor shoe brands in the world.

Founded: 1981

Headquarters: Rockford, Michigan, United States

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrell/

Website: https://www.merrell.com/

Vasque footwear has been a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. With more than 50 years of continuous innovation in footwear, they remain committed to delivering excellent on-the-trail performance. Vasque understands that each individual has unique feet, which is why they offer a diverse range of lasts and styles, making their footwear suitable for a wider variety of people.

The brand specializes in providing shoes and boots specifically designed for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities. If you enjoy spending time in nature, you'll appreciate Vasque's focus on providing footwear that maximizes comfort and ease of movement with every step.

Whether you're in need of a sturdy boot at a reasonable price point or looking for options tailored for trail runners and hikers, Vasque offers choices like the Vasque Men’s Breeze LT GTX or the Vasque Women’s Breeze LT GTX. For backpackers and wilderness adventurers, the AT series is particularly well-suited. Once these shoes are broken in, they offer exceptional support, even on rough trails and with heavy loads.

Vasque utilizes a compound rubber that provides solid grip on rocky surfaces, ensuring traction and stability during outdoor activities. Additionally, their in-house waterproofing technology proves valuable when crossing creeks, traversing muddy terrains, or tackling snowy conditions. Those new to Vasque footwear also appreciate the brand's emphasis on protection. The shoes feature ample shielding to safeguard the toes and underfoot area, while the secure collar design helps prevent ankle strain.

Founded: 1964
Headquarters: Red Wing, Minnesota, United States
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasquefootwear/
Website: https://www.vasque.com/

Keen is an outdoor shoe brand that has built innovative hybrid shoes that have allowed people to connect with the outdoors since 2003. Keen began with a simple question: Can a sandal protect the toes? The answer was a resounding YES. Keen shoes and sandals are designed to enhance every outdoor adventure while keeping your feet safe.

One of the key features that sets Keen apart from other outdoor shoe brands is their patented toe protection technology. Keen shoes are designed with a unique rubber toe cap that provides enhanced protection for the toes, preventing injuries from rocks, roots, or other hazards encountered on the trails. This feature not only adds an extra layer of safety but also extends the lifespan of the shoes, making them a reliable choice for rugged terrain.

Keen shoes are also known for their exceptional comfort. Many of their models feature a contoured footbed that provides excellent arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption. This ensures that wearers can enjoy long hikes or walks without discomfort or fatigue. Keen offers a range of footwear options, including hiking boots, trail running shoes, sandals, and casual shoes, catering to different outdoor activities and personal preferences.

Keen supports various environmental and social initiatives through their "Keen Effect" program. This program focuses on giving back to communities and protecting natural resources, ensuring that the brand's commitment to the environment goes beyond just creating quality outdoor footwear.

Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, United States
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keen/
Website: https://www.keenfootwear.com/

La Sportiva's mission is to bring you the best technical footwear to explore the outdoors. For 90 years, they have been producing innovative footwear, and they are looking forward to the next 80 years. One of the standout features of La Sportiva shoes is their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each pair is built with precision, using top-quality materials to ensure longevity and functionality.

For hikers and backpackers, La Sportiva's hiking shoes and boots are trusted companions on challenging terrain. They provide excellent stability, traction, and durability, allowing adventurers to navigate through rugged trails with confidence. The shoes feature advanced technologies such as Vibram® outsoles and Gore-Tex® membranes, ensuring optimal performance and protection against the elements.

When it comes to climbing, La Sportiva has earned a stellar reputation among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their climbing shoes are at the forefront of innovation, offering exceptional sensitivity, precision, and grip. With specialized designs for various climbing disciplines such as bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing, La Sportiva caters to the specific needs of climbers of all levels.

Trail runners also flock to La Sportiva for their lightweight yet supportive shoes. Designed for speed and agility on rugged terrain, these shoes provide excellent traction and stability, enabling runners to tackle any trail with ease. The brand's commitment to innovation ensures that their trail running shoes incorporate the latest technologies, such as impact brake systems and breathable mesh uppers.

In addition to their technical prowess, La Sportiva shoes are also recognized for their stylish designs. The brand seamlessly blends performance and aesthetics, offering shoes that not only perform exceptionally well but also look great on and off the trail.

Founded: 1928
Headquarters: Ziano di Fiemme, Italy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasportivagram/
Website: https://www.lasportiva.com/

Oboz is an outdoor shoe brand based in Bozeman, Montana, that was founded in 2007. Oboz thinks about shoes through the lens of biomechanics and engineering. This design concept results in comfortable footwear that improves your performance and experience on the trail, whether you're hiking, running, portaging, or simply exploring.

Happy feet are key to happy hikes. A standout feature in all Oboz shoes is the footbed, which adds support and cushioning to every step. The same level of care and attention goes into every part of every shoe, from toe to tread and inside out.

Oboz hiking shoes and boots have been tested in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, so you can be confident that they can withstand the rigors of trail life. Rugged hiking boots provide ankle support for heavier loads or long days on the route, whereas light trail shoes allow you to travel rapidly through rocky terrain. Oboz's B-Dry waterproof technology keeps feet dry on muddy spring excursions and drenched winter strolls. When the temperature rises, Oboz sandals provide dependable support and grip for beach days and weekend excursions.

Oboz is also a very eco-friendly brand, with a concept that includes planting a tree for every pair of shoes sold. The brand donates shoes that are either samples or unsellable to non-profit organizations, and they also offset the carbon emissions from all shoe shipments. Additionally, their headquarters is powered entirely by wind energy. Oboz is not just concerned with decreasing their environmental impact; they also manufacture some wonderful walking shoes and boots with their own distinct style. They are robust, grippy, and keep you comfy all day long.

Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Bozeman, Montana, United States
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obozfootwear/
Website: https://obozfootwear.com/

LOWA was created in 1923 by Lorenz Wagner in the Bavarian Jetzendorf and has made a name for itself in outdoor and mountain activities due to its high level of quality as well as the well-known comfort of its shoes. To this day, LOWA, which has surely become a household name, is a market leader for its sense of innovation and absolutely blows away its clients—amateurs, enthusiasts, and pros alike.

Mountain sports can be really difficult at times. LOWA only employs carefully selected materials to satisfy the high needs of each terrain. Depending on the situation, synthetic materials, Nubuck leather, and even full-grain leather are employed. GORE-TEX, among other materials, is used in waterproof shoes to offer the finest waterproofing and breathability. Vibram soles and other techniques that give the best grip provide the essential hold on mud and slippery rocks.

Even climbing pros like Stefan Glowacz, Hans Kammerlander, and Alix von Melle recognize the significance of LOWA shoes' attention to detail and dependability, and thus they all opt to wear the shoes created by this traditional Bavarian brand on their expeditions and tours. As a member of the European Outdoor Group, the brand also supports numerous forestry efforts in the Alpine foothills as well as numerous international environmental preservation projects.

Founded: 1923
Headquarters: Upper Bavaria, Munich, Germany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowa.outdoor/
Website: https://www.lowaboots.com/

Hanwag is one of the most prestigious names in outdoor footwear, with over 100 years of alpine experience. Hans Wagner, a third-generation shoemaker, mastered the rare and difficult craft of double stitching in 1919. This technique, combined with the extra time, work, and attention Wagner placed into each of his shoes, became renowned, and demand for his footwear increased steadily. Hanwag shoes quickly became one of the most sought-after and beloved brands in the world. The brand remained in the family until 2004, when one of Hans his descendants, Sepp Wagner, decided to sell it to Fenix Outdoor, which also owns Fjallraven, Primus, and Brunton.

Despite the passage of time and changes of ownership, Hanwag is still produced in much the same manner as it has always been. Hans' innovative double stitching technique (which few other shoemakers have mastered to this day) is still employed, and each shoe is almost entirely handmade in Europe. As a result, Hanwag shoes are among the finest hiking, mountaineering, and ice boots available anywhere on the planet. Hanwag boots and shoes are unrivaled in quality and durability, and a single pair can last for years and years.

Alongside innovation and expertise, the Hanwag range has been evolving into fits that work better for customers. Hanwag boots can accommodate most foot types, and Hanwag has been making great strides in making fits for the wider foot and bunion-specific models.

Founded: 1921
Headquarters: Vierkirchen, Germany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanwagofficial/
Website: https://www.hanwag.com/

Timberland is a globally renowned outdoor shoe brand known for its rugged yet stylish footwear. Established in 1952 in the United States by Nathan Swartz, Timberland first gained recognition for its innovative injection-molding technology that ensured completely waterproof shoes, setting a unique selling proposition in the market. The brand offers a wide selection of outdoor shoes, including hiking boots, sneakers, and boat shoes that are highly functional and aesthetically appealing.

Timberland shoes are popular footwear that can be paired with a wide range of outfits. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on your preference. Despite their fancy leather exteriors, Timberland shoes are relatively affordable compared to other leather shoe options. You can choose from a variety of colors, including classic yellow, gray, and light pink. Wearing a pair of these shoes can elevate your style on the trail, as hiking clothes are often not very fashionable.

In addition to being stylish, Timberland shoes are also designed to be durable and resilient. They are often worn for work and need to withstand long hours on the job. This means that you can rely on them to stay strong and sturdy even when you're out on the trail and encounter challenging terrain.

Timberland aims to develop eco-friendly production techniques by reducing waste, conserving energy, and using recycled materials where possible. This philosophy extends beyond their products, as Timberland frequently engages in community service and social responsibility drives to protect the environment and better the lives of the less fortunate.

Founded: 1925
Headquarters: Stratham, New Hampshire, United States
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberland/
Website: https://www.timberland.com/

Salewa is an outdoor shoe brand that originated in Germany in 1935. The brand has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality and innovative footwear designed for mountaineering, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Salewa outdoor shoes are focused on functionality. The brand uses advanced materials and technologies to ensure that their shoes provide optimal performance in various terrains and weather conditions. Salewa incorporates features like Gore-Tex membranes for waterproofing, Vibram outsoles for excellent traction, and 3D lacing systems for a precise and secure fit. These features make Salewa shoes reliable companions for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best performance from their footwear.

Salewa also places a strong emphasis on comfort without compromising functionality. The brand incorporates ergonomic designs, cushioning systems, and breathable materials into their shoes to provide maximum comfort during long hikes or climbs. The shoes are designed to provide stability and support to the wearer, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall performance.

Some of their popular models include the Salewa Mountain Trainer, known for its exceptional climbing performance and durability. The Salewa Speed Hiking Collection features lightweight shoes designed for speed-focused hikers and trail runners, providing excellent grip and control on various terrains.

Another notable shoe is the Salewa Wildfire series, which offers versatility and precision for approach hiking and scrambling adventures. The Salewa Ultra Flex Mid GTX combines ankle support with flexibility and waterproofing capabilities, making it suitable for diverse weather conditions. With a commitment to innovation and performance, Salewa's outdoor shoes cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring they can conquer their adventures with confidence.

Founded: 1935
Headquarters: Bolzano, Italy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salewa/
Website: https://www.salewa.com/

A global leader in footwear manufacture and design, Scarpa tirelessly develops its products with innovation year after year. It today remains a family-owned brand with headquarters and performance footwear manufacturing facilities in the same regions of northern Italy where it all started in 1938.

Scarpa shoes demonstrate the brand's commitment to creating high-quality footwear that excels in durability and traction. Scarpa walking boots are built with the newest technology and quality materials to give ideal support and protection for your feet, allowing you to tackle any route with confidence.

Scarpa also serves individuals looking for everyday comfort and style. Scarpa walking shoes are intended to be both utilitarian and fashionable. Their shoes provide unrivaled comfort, support, and versatility, whether you're strolling through the city streets or exploring local trails. The famous Scarpa Mojito is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike, offering a mix of casual elegance and performance-driven features.

Scarpa hiking boots are the ideal partner for those trekking into more challenging terrain. These boots are specifically built to resist the demands of strenuous hikes, with improved ankle support, tough outsoles, and superior waterproofing technologies.

Founded: 1938

Headquarters: Treviso, Veneto, Italy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarpaspa/

Website: https://www.scarpa.com/