Whether or not you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just temporarily trying to get away from it all doesn’t matter. What matters is that you finally decided to ditch the city streets for a road less paved. But before you and the crew head out to the backcountry for a quick weekend hike, look down at your feet and ask yourself this: “What are thooooooose?”
All jokes aside, if you want to make it back from your outdoor adventures safe and sound, it’s imperative that you’re booted up properly. Js and Yeezys just aren’t going to cut it on rugged, uneven terrain. With that said, here are 10 Great Sneakers For Hitting the Trail This Weekend.
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3
If track spikes and hiking shoes had a baby, this would be it. The Terra Kiger 3 features a low-profile design that allows unimpeded mobility while still providing the support and stability required to handle uneven terrain. A beveled heel and super aggressive traction lugs on the outsole round out a shoe that is ready to hit the backwoods this weekend and beyond.
New Balance 574
Is this a true trail shoe? Not really. Does it have that outdoor aesthetic though? Absolutely. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the 574 is constructed using durable suede and has a high-traction rubber outsole. If you’re headed out to a quick day hike and still want to make it back to the city for happy hour, this is the shoe.
Nike Dual Fusion Trail
The Dual Fusion Trail is holding it down for the lightweight trail sneaker category. The shoe, with its trail-ready upper and gusseted tongue to block out rocks and water, is precisely tuned to handle outdoor terrain. Despite its low-profile build, the Phylon midsole on the Dual Fusion comes through in the clutch when you need to put in some miles in the backcountry.
New Balance 980 Fresh Foam Trail
Comfort is paramount when you’re out in the middle of nowhere trying to navigate over and around rocks and ‘ish. Luckily, the Fresh Foam Trail delivers on that front, doing away with all unnecessary bulk and focusing solely on providing the weekend trailblazer with lightweight cushioning and support.
Nike Free Hyperfeel Trail
The Free Hyperfeel Trail is living proof that you don’t need a bulky shoe to hit the backcountry. The shoe’s Flyknit upper is supportive and comfortable, keeping your feet cool and dry. A combination of Lunarlon cushioning and a trail-specific Waffle outsole allow you to stay focused and take even the craziest of terrain.
adidas Vigor TR 6
The Vigor TR 6 may not win you many style points amongst the birds and the bees but it’s a heavyweight in the performance category. From the durable mesh upper to the high-grade Traxion outsole, the shoe is reinforced from heel to toe. Comfort, support, protection—you get it all with this one.
Nike ACG Hoodland
Some folks like to venture out to the great outdoors booted up proper. For you, there’s the ACG Hoodland. This boot is designed to hold you down year-round, as it features a DWR coating for water-resistance (i.e. you can keep hitting the unpaved path well past summer and fall).
Nike Wild Trail
At this price point, the Wild Trail is a steal. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has the durability needed to live up to the hype on the trail. Foam on the collar and an internal EVA sockliner provide exceptional comfort on uneven terrain, and the breathable mesh upper helps keep your body temperature regulated as you work up a sweat.
Saucony Excursion TR8
A brand known for its dope retros and performance-heavy running shoes also makes a solid trail shoe. The Excursion TR8 has a rugged build that protects against rocks and other debris. There’s extra padding around the tongue and collar for comfort, along with a Heel Grid system for support and stability. As if that wasn’t enough, Saucony slapped an XT-600 carbon rubber outsole on the shoe for proper footing on virtually any type of terrain you’ll come across.
Reebok ATV19 Plus
If this shoe as one purpose in life, it’s to help you conquer Mother Nature—or at least get to know her a little better. While the shoe looks pretty standard from the midsole, up, the oversized ATV+ lug outsole is unlike anything that has hit the trail before. Whether you encounter mud, grass, snow, or sand during your outdoor adventure, this shoe will help you own it.
