Gear Shed: Summer Trail Shoes

Together with our partners we’ve picked our favourite summer trail shoes, in alpha order, for your crush-it summer.

Columbia Escape Thrive Endure Shoe

Columbia calls their new Escape Thrive Endure a ‘performance multi-sport shoe’ and it is definitely that. With a slightly higher cut (but lower than a mid-cut), it lands somewhere between a trail-runner and a light hiker. The TechLite Plush midsole delivers a smooth and cushy heel-to-toe transition, ensuring lasting comfort on the trickiest trails. Plus: secure midfoot lockdown and a wet-dry traction outsole keep you going for longer hauls. OutDry waterproof, breathable construction means you can rock the trail in any weather. www.columbiasportswear.ca

Kodiak Women’s Brigden Shoe

Urban/retro style and trail-tested performance come together to create the totally unique new women’s Brigden: part sneaker, part hiker, all stoke. With a suede and textile upper, it breathes easy in the heat. While a high midsole sidewall cradles the foot, the combo of a lightweight EVA insole and slip-resisting outsole means exceptional comfort and traction, from pavement to loose rocks. Plus: Recycled materials help limit your environmental impact. www.kodiakboots.ca

Merrell Women’s Bravada 2 Sneaker

The first thing that struck me when I wore the Bravada 2? No pressure points right off the bat. I ruptured my Achilles tendon two years ago and often have a hard time finding shoes that don’t aggravate that old injury. These ones fit like a glove without pressure on the back of the heel and have become my go-to for trail and dog walks. Like all the Merrells I’ve owned over the years, the wider footbed really works for me as well. Rarely do I find a pair of shoes that doesn’t have to be broken in, and this is one of them. It’s a big bravo from me to the Bravada 2! –Kristy Davison www.merrell.com

Related:

The North Face Flight VECTIV

These trail shoes are light, fast, and responsive—made for high performance over long distances. Designed with input from TNF athlete team, they’re built to optimize energy return and reduce downhill tibial impact by ten per cent to propel you toward your running goals. Available at The North Face stores in Banff, Jasper, Blue Mountain Village, Whistler and at www.thenortheface.com

Salewa Wildfire Leather

Made for the trails or the town, Salewa’s approach shoe offers supreme comfort, stability, and durability—all in one sleek suede leather design. On top of performance, this hiker boasts the Salewa Committed badge, meaning the shoe meets ethical production and material standards to minimize environmental impact. Look good and feel good in your new everyday approach shoe. www.salewa.com

Check out our new podcast!