For the upcoming fall and spring hiking seasons, a few outdoor footwear brands went back to their roots to breathe new life into their original hiking boot designs. With retro styles from the 30’s-70’s, all updated with the latest in footwear technology, these new hiking boots will give you some serious old-school cred when out on the trails.
Founded in England in 1974, Hi-Tec got its start as a court-sport footwear company. In 1978, the company introduced their first light hiker, the Sierra Lite. For Spring 2013, Hi-Tec is bringing back this classic look, updated with all the modern footwear technology you have come to expect from the company and adding some colorful flair.
The Sierra Lite Original ($70) features a water resistant suede and mesh upper to protect your foot from the elements, while a moisture-wicking liner keeps your foot dry from the inside out. The traditional eyelet lacing system provides a secure fit and the durable carbon rubber MDT hiking outsole keeps you upright over uneven terrain. Sorry guys, this one is only for the ladies and comes in three different color combinations (pink/white, purple/limoncella, bermuda/wine).
The North Face Back To Berkeley 68 ($120-$130) hiking boot takes you back to the company’s beginnings in California. This 60’s vintage-inspired boot features a waterproof nubuck leather and suede upper combined with PrimaLoft Eco insulation to combat the cold. The traditional metal hardware lacing system provides durable, lasting wear, while the grippy outsole bites into slick, icy terrain.
For 2013, The North Face will add a lighter-weight, spring and summer Canvas version ($110) of the iconic Back To Berkeley hiking boot to the collection, featuring a
soft chambray upper and the same retro, throwback styling.
One of my favorite old-school hiking boot companies is Oregon based Danner who have been handcrafting boots since 1932. Popular in Japan, the new Danner Shibuya ($200) features a one piece full-grain leather upper, a cushioning polyurethane footbed, a classic leather liner, and the strength and stability of the classic Danner stitchdown construction. The Vibram outsole provides superior traction, stability, and shock absorption over rough terrain.
The Merrell Lazer Mid Origins ($120) are a retro-styled hiking boot complete with tweed accents and eyelet lacing system on the waterproof suede upper. The recycled mesh lining is treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution to help resist odor. The recycled sticky rubber outsole will give you good traction over those wet autumn trails.