How hikers became 2020’s most-wanted shoe style
Practical and chic, hiking boots are far more wearable than you think
The news that hiking boots are standing firm as this winter’s biggest shoe style will surprise no one. As we face another stint of woodland walks and rambles round the local park, the success of this sturdy sole mate needs little explanation.
Cast your eyes down to pavement level and hiking-boot hysteria is plain to see. Whether we’re hitting the school run, popping out to top up pasta supplies or enjoying a well-earned escape from our kitchen office, a lug-sole boot is as essential to lockdown 2.0 as the Great British Bake Off.
Couple our need for shoes to see us through winter walks that resemble arctic expeditions with a desire for fashion that makes us feel safe and stable in a treacherous world, and it’s clear that hiking boots are here to stay. This means a good pair is well worth the investment.
For an all-terrain solution, outdoorsy labels such as Barbour and Gabor are great options combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. Put simply, this means you can jump in a puddle and look good while doing it.
Those after something with more fashion credibility should investigate labels such as Ganni – the Danish cult classic has a winter boot of which dreams are made - and And/Or. The latter have perfected a design classic with their Rudi leather lace-up style.
Straddling the middle ground between sneakers and all-weather boots, Scandi footwear label Shoe the Bear are also worth checking out – their Agda boots look sublime with jeans and offer a less heavy-duty alternative to those of us who normally live in trainers.
When you've got the boots you want, wearing them couldn't be easier – pretty much anything goes. Most hikers work beautifully with straight-leg jeans and an oversized coat and serve as a fine complement to a long-sleeved dress (should you find an excuse to wear one). Less obviously, this sort of boot also works beautifully with a pair of joggers – team with a sumptuous cable-knit for a cold weather look that’s loaded with feel-good factor.
Of course, you may already have a pair of trusty hiking boots in your locker. To get the best out of an old favourite try teaming them with a pair of slub socks – opt for contrasting shades and leave a little on display. Investing in a few spare sets of laces will also boost longevity – any colour goes. The march continues.
