As the summer gets its top off and starts being all gregarious, we thought it’d be a good point at which to share some of our fave bits and bobs from brands we love/like. This Outdoor Essentials Series acknowledges that in the UK at least, the minute the weather starts behaving, we all hit the hills and generally take the sunshine where we can.
We will focus on a different category of products that will ultimately help you enjoy your summer in style. This opener focuses on footwear.
Merrell Moab Speed GoreTex Shoes
These will see you through most of your summer adventures, whether traipsing the trails or treading the boards on Brighton pier. The sort of hybrid nature of these means they might just find favour with the masses. Get on them before they do.
Get them here
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Hierro 7 Trainers
Can’t look at these without thinking they were designed by Jurgen Klinsmann. Reality is if you’re taking it to the trails, this men’s Hierro V7 GTX is developed to handle the rigours of off-road running, with full waterproofness thanks to GORE-TEX liners. So not only do they look great, they also work well.
Get them here
Novesta Star Master
What’s that? You think these aren’t a suitable outdoor shoe? Well, I’ve got news for yo. They are. They really are. Sometimes when you’ve set up camp and you want to just have a little walk around rocky territory (not Philadelphia, I mean like, actual rocks) Novesta are perfectly suited. I refer you to the line in cult televisual comedy Nuts in May, where Keith advises Candice-Marie that we need plimsoles for clambering about the rocks. He’s right, too. Light, durable, comfortable.
Get them here
Salomon X-Mission 4 Suede Trainers
Challenging the Merrell and New Balance options above, these X-MIssion 4 from Salomon are dependable, easy to wear and boast that same rugged sole all outdoor-themed footwear must possess. They’re also not mega expensive.
Get them here
Mephisto Rainbow Oregon Leather in White
Something a bit more conventionally outdoors with a heritage feel, here. Except, wait… they’re white! No way will these be suitable for your big massive walk? Well, they will. Because despite the colour these are comfort shoes of serious distinction. You might wait until your big walk along the promenade on holiday to pull them out, but when you do, you’ll not be disappointed.
Get them here
Timberland 5 eye Boat Shoe
Another timeless footwear classic with a rugged outsole, here. If you’re heading off up a hill, maybe leave these back at basecamp for the day you spend out on the lake.
Get them here
KEEN Men’s Targhee Vent
This summer take on their established Targhee Hiker footwear will see you right on your big walk up hill and down dale. Keen are a big fave in the office and it’s because of fully functional footwear like this, plus the fact they do so many nice different styles.
Get them here
Nike ACG Air Moc
The fact these are on sale at Size? suggests they’re not really a technical shoe, but they are. Comfort is key and these will serve you well as you pick strawberries or whatever it is you kids do these days.
Get them here
Hoka One One U Clifton L GTX
This list wouldn’t really be a list worth reading without Hoka and its oversized outsole playing its part.
Get these here
Suicoke x Carhartt WIP Moto Sandal
Chunky sandals might not be your thing, but these are a compelling prospect. Suicoke have made this sort of thing their own, and the addition of a bit of Carhartt DNA only adds to the allure.
Get them here
