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The brand of hiking shoes isn’t something that you should overlook when buying outdoor shoes because you will spend hours in those shoes. Meaning, they must provide comfort and protection.
However, there’s a large number of outdoor shoe brands out there. Meaning, you can get overwhelmed by the different hiking shoes that vary in weight, traction, breathability, material, and so on.
That’s where this article kicks in and saves you time! Today, I will discuss some of the greatest brands on the market with hopes of helping you choose the right one, so let’s get started right away.
5 Outdoor Shoe Brands For High Miles & Low Impact
Each footwear brand provides hiking shoes and other shoes with unique features and different benefits. To help you choose the right outdoor shoes, I’ve reviewed 5 reliable and trustworthy brands.
They set themselves apart from the competition by utilizing high-quality materials, providing acceptable prices, and having years of experience in making durable hiking footwear as well as other accessories.
Although they don’t have the lowest prices on the market, they’re a good investment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best outdoor shoe brands for high miles & low impact for passionate hikers.
KEEN
Founded in 2003 in Oregon, KEEN performs continual environmental and social efforts that leave a very positive impact. It’s a company known for the Newport scandal that decreased the use of perfluorinated components that aren’t good for the planet and people and replaced them with safe materials.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a brand that cares about nature and humans, then KEEN makes a perfect choice for you. It’s also great for families. The brand sells boots and shoes for both young and old. What I appreciate the most about their shoes is their dry membrane that protects your feet from the water.
The dry membrane also allows your feet to breathe. Two of their most popular shoes include Terradora II Vent for females and Targhee II Mid for males. You can easily find their items throughout both Canada and the USA. They’re also distributed worldwide. Many people appreciate their high-quality shoes.
They’re known for their comfort, acceptable prices, unique appearance, and a wide array of products. Last but not least, I want to mention that KEEN gives back to non-profit organizations all over the world.
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Salomon
Established in 1947, Salomon only produced ski bindings for the first 3 decades. Nowadays, they provide hiking, trekking, mountaineering, backpacking, and running footwear after expanding their line.
They started producing ski boots and skis and released their first line of hiking shoes in 1992. The brand was purchased by Adidas in 1997 and then sold to the Finnish Amer Sports in 2005. This brand has been a part of large corporations for the last few decades. Therefore, their products lack a bit of charm.
However, they come at excellent prices and make a great option for hikers who don’t want to spend too much money on their shoes. Great models include the X-Ultra hiking shoe and the Quest 4D backpacking boot among other great models. They’re also known for their signature skiing gear and apparel.
Watch This Video: Salomon X-Ultra Hiking Shoe Review
Merrell
Merrell launched their first hiking boot in 1983 and won the hearts of many hikers. With headquarters in Michigan, US, Merrell was bought by Karhu, the Finnish shoe manufacturer brand in 1987. In the next 10 years, sales skyrocketed. However, the brand was later sold to Wolverine World Wide.
And since 1997, Merrell has focused on making lightweight hiking shoes as well as trekking, trail running, casual, and backpacking shoes. You just can’t go wrong with Merrell shoes. They’re high-quality, budget-friendly, and long-lasting shoes. You can easily find Marrell top-notch shoes all over the world.
Popular models by Merrell include their Moab hiking boots available in low, mid, and high versions. So, if you’re looking for high-performance hiking boots, look no further than Marrell. They’re durable, flexible, and usually waterproof shoes that will support every step of your journey for a long time.
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Lowa
Another excellent outdoor shoe brand for high miles and low impact is Lowa. This brand was founded in 1923 with headquarters in Germany and a wide range of high-quality and long-lasting footwear.
They produce hiking, trekking, mountaineering, tactical, backpacking, rock climbing, and hunting shoes. The almost century-century old brand is a favorite among hikers, rock climbers, and mountaineers.
They produce their shoes in Europe to guarantee a great quality as well as excellent working conditions for the craftsmen and women who carry the brand’s reputation. If you’re not sure about this brand, note that they provide high-performance shoes. They’re just perfect for adventurers and hiking enthusiasts.
Therefore, if you’re looking for top-notch shoes, look no further than Lowa. What I appreciate the most about their shoes is the double injection. It consists of a complex injection process utilizing two different layers and provides optimal cushioning and extra comfort. They also have quite reasonable prices.
Popular shoes by Lowa include Renegade GTX Mid Wide hiking boot for women and Renegade GTX Mid hiking boot for men. They’re made of high-quality materials like the rest of their models. Another thing I appreciate is their lightweight design. Their hiking boots aren’t as heavy as competitive hiking boots.
Despite being lightweight, Lowa’s hiking shoes provide excellent support, durability, and cushioning. The company uses polyurethane midsoles which provide much better performance than EVA midsoles.
Although Lowa is headquartered in Germany, it’s also popular in North America and other large markets around the globe. They’ve been making high-quality shoes since the very start and till this very day.
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Columbia
Columbia Sportswear Company was founded in 1938 with headquarters in Portland, Oregon, USA. It first started as a ski apparel brand. Nowadays, they’re designing and distributing sportswear, outerwear, and footwear. They also deliver camping gear, headgear, ski apparel, and outerwear accessories.
This brand claims that they’re focused on making things they can be proud of. Meaning, they’re not only after financial gains but also giving back to their communities. They also try to lower their environmental impact in different ways because they believe that corporate responsibility is a company-wide effort.
I would also like to mention that Columbia has one of the least expensive models on the market. They’re perfect for hikers on a budget who don’t want to pay too much for their gear but still want some quality. Even their cheapest hiking boots provide incredible comfort, protection, and last for a very long time.
Columbia has been taking care of adventurers around the world for more than 8 decades. And although this American brand is best known for ski clothing, it has started becoming a favorite among passionate hikers as well. They appreciate the colorful and aerodynamic shoes as well as the great heel support.
Wondering if Columbia is the right choice for you? Well, if you’re looking for a long-lasting, durable shoe with a super light foam that responds to movement and provides excellent energy return, then yes, it’s a great choice for you. Other impressive features include excellent shock absorption and great comfort.
Some of their most popular shoes include Trailstorm waterproof hiking shoes. They’re available for men and women. Have you ever tried Columbia shoes or some of the other brands listed above? If so, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts, suggestions, questions, and experiences.
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Outdoor Shoe Brands – What’s Your Pick?
If you’re searching for hiking boots or other outdoor shoes, then you might get overwhelmed due to the large range of brands on the market.
The few brands mentioned in today’s article have some of the greatest models that will not only last for a very long time but also provide amazing heel support, excellent cushioning, and good shock absorption among other impressive and unique features.
Hopefully, this article on outdoor shoe brands can help make your decision easier. However, don’t forget to check online reviews so you get a better picture of what each brand stands for and what type of products they sell. Also, read customer reviews on their shoes before you purchase.
In other words, do as much research as you possibly can because you don’t buy hiking or other types of outdoor shoes every day, so make sure you make the right purchase. If you have experience with any of the brands listed above, please drop a comment below!
Let’s exchange experiences and help each other make a well-informed decision because your shoes can either make or break your outdoor experience.
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