Unlike more ‘gentlemanly’ hobbies like golf, tennis, and sailing, hiking isn’t a typical source of stylistic inspiration. However, with the advent of dad style, came several unlikely trends, including technical backpacks, fleece, insulated jackets, and hiking boots. Ruggedly stylish yet functional, the latter is a sartorial takeaway that works both on the trails and the streets.
Like many utilitarian garments that get co-opted by the sartorially minded crowd (read: blue collar style), hiking boots have been iterated by luxury fashion houses such as Dior and Prada. That said, these often lack the technical credentials to back up their outdoorsy aesthetic.
The best hiking boots for men are equally at home pounding the pavements of the concrete jungle as they are traversing rocky terrain. For hiking boots that unite substance with style, look to heritage brands like Diemme, Fracap, and Danner. Rooted in technicality, they go the distance without sacrificing form. Plus, the rise of technical style has seen many of these brands team up with contemporary fashion labels — of late, Diemme has collaborated with the likes of J. Crew, Throwing Fits, and Mr P. on stylish hiking boots that can be teamed with slim-cut corduroys and cargo pants alike.
How to wear hiking boots for men
Despite their name, hiking boots needn’t be relegated to the great outdoors. What separates stylish hiking boots from their technically driven counterparts is material; city slickers should opt for premium materials like leather and brushed suede over textiles like Gore-Tex and mesh. Silhouette is also key here; opt for clean silhouettes that look more akin to Chelsea boots than sneakers and avoid those laden with an abundance of mesh or suede overlays. While brands like Merrell and Salomon make a good technical hiking boot, these styles are best avoided if you’re looking to wear your hiking boots in non-hiking settings.
Whether you’re an office trekker or a weekend wanderer, we’ve got you covered on how to wear hiking boots for any occasion.
Casual
When the cold weather hits, hiking boots make the perfect footwear accompaniment to layered looks. Stay warm by teaming chinos or jeans with a chunky roll neck sweater and a gilet or chore jacket. Hiking boots in chestnut brown or black leather or tan suede finish off the look well.
Smart casual
For an outfit that’s well put together yet retains casual appeal, team brown or black leather or suede hiking boots with slim-cut jeans in a dark shade like black or indigo with knitwear and a structured coat, or opt for slim-cut neutral coloured trousers with a shirt or simple crewneck sweater and a blazer.
Business casual
In laid-back offices where oxford or derby shoes feel a bit too strait-laced, hiking boots are a perfect footwear choice. Leather boots teamed with thick wool trousers or suiting separates and a collared shirt strike the ideal balance between business and casual. Just ensure you keep your boots in good nick with regular polishing to avoid coming across as scruffy.
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The best designer men’s hiking boot brands
To help keep you stylish on and off the trails, these are the best luxury and designer hiking boots for men.
1. Fracap
Founded in 1908 by Antonio Cappello, Italian label Fracap’s footwear has been produced by the same bloodline for over a century. Fracap boots are made with vegetable-tanned leather at the family’s factory in Puglia, Italy. Instantly recognisable by its iconic red laces, Fracap boots utilise traditional bootmaking techniques, while experimenting with contemporary elements.
Headquarters: Puglia, Italy
Founder: Antonio Cappello
Founded: 1908
2. Grenson
One of the most widely respected shoe and bootmakers around the world and in the UK, British label Grenson was founded in Northampton by William Green in 1866. While the luxury footwear label specialises in more classic styles like oxford shoes, loafers, and derby boots, they also have a range of premium hiking boots in clean silhouettes, perfect for smart casual wear. In addition to their traditional leather offerings, Grenson also has a small selection of dedicated vegan footwear offerings.
Headquarters: Northampton, England
Founder: William Green
Founded: 1866
3. Moncler
Luxury Italian fashion house Moncler excels in creating aesthetically pleasing technical gear well-suited for the great outdoors, making it a natural choice for hiking boots. Seamlessly merging fashion with tactical construction, Moncler’s hiking boots are at home on the mountains and down at the pub. Think premium materials, meticulous Italian construction, and references to Moncler’s signature tricolour branding.
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Founders: René Ramillon, André Vincent
Founded: 1952 in Grenoble, France
4. La Montelliana
Established in 1965 in Montebelluna, Italy, La Montelliana creates fine footwear using traditional shoemaking techniques. Though they’re made with hiking in mind La Montelliana boots often play host to a touch of whimsy, whether it’s a leopard-print upper or shearling ankle detailing.
Headquarters: Montebelluna, Italy
Founded: 1965
5. Danner
Since their inception in 1932, Danner shoes have been worn by the military, the police force, polar explorers, and outdoorsmen alike, gaining them a reputation as some of the finest footwear in the world. Founded in Portland, Oregon by American Charles Danner, Danner boots remain designed and made on US soil. Classic in their design, Danner boots are made with purpose in mind, however, they look pretty darn good too.
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, America
Founder: Charles Danner
Founded: 1932
6. Diemme
Founded and family-owned since 1992, Italian footwear label Diemme has been producing high-end footwear for the likes of Chanel, Bottega Venetta, and Maison Margiela. Each pair of boots is handcrafted, with Diemme utilising traditional shoemaking techniques to create unique, contemporary styles; think leopard prints, fur detailing, and coloured panels. Of late, Diemme has collaborated with brands like Mr P. and J. Crew (pictured above) on hiking boots that exude rugged style.
Headquarters: Onè di Fonte, Veneto, Italy
Founders: Dennis and Maico Signor
Founded: 1992
7. Viberg
The eponymous label was founded in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1931 by Edward Viberg, who learnt the craft of shoemaking from a British immigrant. Viberg utilises traditional bootmaking methods, with Goodyear welt (allowing for resoling), Stitchdown, Naildown, Goodyearwelt, Cemented and Side Wall Stitched footwear. With leather and suede variations, Viberg boots have a clean silhouette with a distinctly masculine feel, making them ideal for casual wear.
Headquarters: Victoria, Canada
Founder: Edward Viberg
Founded: 1931
8. Oliver Sweeny
British designer Oliver Sweeney founded his eponymous label in 1989, after two decades of learning his craft from some of the best shoemakers in the business. Produced in an Italian factory, Oliver Sweeney boots combine traditional shoemaking with 21st century technology and innovation. Sweeney’s designs are traditional in nature, infusing details of yesteryear like vintage-effect leathers and calfskin linings.
Headquarters: Yorkshire, England
Founder: Oliver Sweeney
Founded: 1989
9. Thesus Outdoors
The newest brand on this list, Thesus Outdoors creates hiking boots from sustainable materials such as nylon made from repurposed marine plastic and recycled rubber. Balancing playful colour-blocking and a durable rubber lug sole with a clean silhouette, they’re apt to add interest to otherwise neutral casual outfits. While their core style, the Weekend Boot, is available in a plethora of vibrant colourways, there are also a few neutral options that work well with casual and smart casual ‘fits.
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Founder: Sofi Khwaja-Horekens, Nicholas Horekens
Founded: 2014
10. Filling Pieces
Founded in 2009 by Guillaume Philibert, Filling Pieces is perhaps best known for its sneakers. However, the brand’s boot offering is not to be overlooked, with its hiking boots sitting in the space between streetwear and high fashion, while boasting impressive heavy-duty construction. Combining nylon with nubuck, nappa, and ruberised leather, the Filling Pieces Mountain Boot features striking contrast leather details yet is elevated enough to pair with relaxed suiting or separates.
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founder: Guillaume Philibert
Founded: 2009
FAQ
Some of the best hiking boots are made by Grenson, Viberg, Moncler, Fracap, and Danner.
The best designer hiking boots are made by Moncler, Diemme, and La Montelliana.
Hiking boots in clean silhouettes can be worn for casual, business casual, and smart casual outfits. Team them with slim-cut chinos or jeans, or opt for suiting separates or dress pants and structured outerwear for an office-appropriate look.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of La Montelliana