Best Footwear 2020

There are so many great new footwear options this season that our gear specialists had difficulty choosing their favorites. There are sturdy new backpacking boots, lightweight and responsive trail running shoes, and everything else in between. Here are our top footwear picks for Spring/Summer 2020:

Altra Tushar Mid

We’ve been huge fans of Altra ever since they first introduced their signature foot-shaped running shoes and zero drop design (meaning that the stack height of the heel and forefoot are the same). Pretty much any day…

Oboz Arete Low B-DRY Waterproof

Based in Bozeman, Montana, the folks at Oboz are outdoor adventurers at heart and well aware of what you need from a shoe to confidently venture into the backcountry. The low-cut Arete Low B-DRY Waterproof is…

Arc’teryx NORVAN LD 2

The Norvan LD 2 trail running shoe offers a fantastic balance of weight, durability, and responsiveness. Despite the sleek and lightweight design, the shoe has impact-reducing EVA cushioning for all-day runs and extended mileage. It has a…

Garmont G-Trek High GTX

Garmont’s Anatomically Directed Design (ADD) has always impressed us and it’s a stand-out feature of the new G-Trek High GTX backpacking boot. This asymmetrical construction better mirrors the ergonomic shape of your foot than most traditional…

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4

Ultrarunner Karl Meltzer has won more 100-mile footraces than anyone in history and at one time he held the fastest known time on the Appalachian trail. Not surprisingly, a shoe that bears his nickname needs deep cushioning…

LOWA Toro EVO GTX Mid

Combining the traditional rugged load stability of a traditional hiking boot with the responsive nimbleness of more modern construction, the Lowa Toro EVO GTX Mid boot is an excellent balance of weight, durability, weather protection, and…

Salomon Cross/Pro

We’re always a bit skeptical about “hybrid” products as there’s always some risk that what you end up with is something that can be used for multiple purposes but is only so-so at any of them.…

Topo Athletic Runventure 3

In the Runventure 3, runners get lightweight construction, a platform that promotes a natural stride, and excellent underfoot protection and all at an affordable price. As with all Topo Athletic shoes, your heel and midfoot are held…

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GTX

A sleeker version of Salewa’s iconic Mountain Trainer trekking boot, the low-cut Mountain Trailer Lite GTX trail shoe is a great option for hiking, trekking, or travel. We love the anatomical fit you get with all…