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Columnist Eben Weiss argues that any shoe is potentially a great bike shoe
We put 49 pairs through their paces. These 7 came out ahead.
Named the best shoe for long road runs in our Best Running Shoes of 2021 <a href=”https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/run/best-running-shoes-2021-winter-buyers-guide/”>Best Running Shoes of 2021</a>. gear guide, the HOKA Bondi 7 offers the most cushion of any of their road shoes. Even though these are super plush, the internal heel counters provide plenty…
We love a piece of high-performing, multi-functional gear. One of our editors calls these shoes “close to perfect.” Thanks to the stretchy, breathable uppers, wide toe box, and treaded rubber outsole, these shoes “sit at the intersection between a runner, a travel slipper, a water shoe, and a low-cut…
This shoe brings carbon-plated speed to the masses
Blisters are history with this snug, no-slip pair
Step up your cycling game with these road, gravel, and spin shoes
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
One month and 26,000 votes after kicking off our favored footwear tournament, we have a victor
Six contenders have fallen from the mix. It all comes down to this. Your vote decides the outcome.
It’s time to settle a longstanding debate once and for all. Which sandal will be crowned king?
This simple sandal has everything you need and nothing you don’t
Eight fan favorites. Three head-to-head rounds. Only one winner.
The brand took its time entering the super-shoe race, but its new, responsive model for marathoners was worth the wait
Vasu Sojitra lost his right leg as a baby, and Patrick Halgren lost his left at 23. When the two met and realized their feet were the same size, they've traded shoes ever since.
This shoe won our Gear Guy’s test of the best men’s light hikers. “This pair was so comfortable and capable during both the hike and scree-slide tests that I wore them on a bonus hike,” he wrote. “Credit the cushy midsole, coupled with an OrthoLite insole, the…
Make like a hare in any conditions
Testers like eight boots, but we only had room for six. Here’s an all-around boot and a women’s powder-chasing boot that almost made the cut.
This year’s fastest kicks for every kind of terrain
Skimo tech meets four-buckle power
“Years ago, I threw out all of my cotton socks and replaced them with three pairs of these lightweight merino items,” wrote columnist Wes Siler. “Aside from skiing (when I wear something taller), and very cold weather activities (where more insulation is needed), that remains my setup…
Gear Director Will Taylor reviewed the Burnt Rock in our 2021 Summer Buyer’s Guide: “Merrell’s no-nonsense, stylish casual shoe can pedal you from the office to the trailhead and then provide the stability you need to hike to the summit. It’s stiff enough for good power transfer, and the…
Now’s a great time to save a few bucks on hiking gear
Keen's Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain describes how he got into the shoe business.
A little TLC can add years of life to your favorite hikers
These house slippers are a staple in columnist Jakob Schiller’s work from home kit. “They’re great house shoes that I can also wear outside,” he wrote. “The boiled wool keeps my feet comfortable with or without socks, while the rubber soles are thick enough for walking the…
Our Minnesotan travel writer spent a year looking for good snow boots. She finally found them.
Between a new wave of sponsored athletes and its forthcoming racing shoes, the legacy running brand wants a bigger piece of the action
Microspikes can provide loads of confidence when moving across icy ground. That’s why we love these for winter running: “With ten carbide teeth per crampon, Nanospikes provide reliable grip on slick surfaces,” wrote tester Fritz Huber. “They easily attach to your shoes, thanks to stretchy thermoplastic straps.”…
They're tough, comfortable, and wildly useful shoes
Winter utility and post-ski comfort
The Howser II’s water-resistant nylon upper and sturdy rubber outsole makes it one of the best technical slippers. “The microfleece lining and memory foam footbed provide ultimate comfort,” wrote contributor Graham Averill, “while stretchy panels between the insulated upper make for easy on-and-off scenarios.”…
These slippers are one of our gear editor’s all-time favorites. Each pair is handcrafted from toasty 100 percent pure, natural wool, which naturally wicks moisture from your feet so they’re always warm and dry. Plus, the rubber sole allows you to wear them outside.
A good pair of slippers can be a game changer in cold winter months. The Mule Ragg has a moisture-wicking fleece lining and durable suede sidewalls. Skid-resistant outsoles mean you can wear them both inside and outside. Don’t worry about keeping them clean—they’re machine washable.
Sometimes, sandals just aren’t warm enough around the campsite. And if you’re working from home, a reliable pair of house slippers is crucial. That’s why we like the Taft: the fluffy interior lining keeps your feet toasty, while the grippy rubber outsole allows you to transition between walks outside and…
We featured these slippers in our 2017 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The braided and tanned water buffalo upper stays true to its heritage roots in India, but the goat-leather lining and natural rubber outsole deliver a much needed dose of modern comfort: “The City molded to our feet…
Swiss footwear company On Running is betting on it
In our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide, these were our favorite all-mountain chargers. “The toothy Vibram Megagrip lugs offer killer traction, and that surefootedness, combined with massive Hoka cush, inspires confidence on technical terrain,” we wrote. The third version of the shoe has an updated tongue and a heartier toe…
The OluKai Pehuea work whether you're on the beach, in town, or on a cruiser bike
Outside columnist Jakob Schiller loves his Lowdown Flips because of their durability and comfort: “I’ve probably put over 400 miles on them,” he wrote. “Now the footbeds bear an imprint of my toes, the soles are slightly worn down, and the webbing is filthy. But they aren’t…
Our Gear Guy crowned the Workman Mid Comp Toe the best mud boot in his test. “The flexible footbed, coupled with a hugging heel cup, kept the Workman Mid absolutely snug on my foot while climbing the muddy hill,” he wrote. “And they never let a drop…
In our Gear Guy’s test of the best men’s flip flops, he highlighted the Nohona Ulana’s classy vibe: “You could almost wear a pair in the office on a casual summer Friday,” he wrote. “On flat ground, the supple leather toe post and subtly contoured footbed made…
For those who like the freedom of flip-flops but need more orthopedic support, these are the shoes for you. The sandals got top marks in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide for their cushioned, shock-absorbent footbed and deep heel cup. The uppers use recycled PET webbing that’s both stylish and…
We included this mountain-bike shoe in our roundup of the best gifts for cyclists because it’s stylish, functional, and comfortable. We especially like the grippy Stealth S1 rubber for sticking to flat pedals while on rough trails. Plus, the suede-and-mesh upper looks good enough around town during off-the-bike adventures.
This shoe is stylish enough for around town but has the technical chops for charging down singletrack. The dot-rubber Stealth Phantom outsole is key for gripping flat pedals even on bumpy rides and is non-marking, so you don’t have to worry about them messing up floors inside. Plus, the shoes…
Find the trail runners that work best off-trail and in mixed conditions
In our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide, this was our favorite all-mountain charger. “The toothy Vibram Megagrip lugs offer killer traction, and that surefootedness, combined with massive Hoka cush, inspires confidence on technical terrain,” we wrote. The third version of the shoe has an updated tongue and a heartier toe…
This shoe was one of our favorite pieces of men’s cycling gear in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The AM7s don’t get major points for style, but the comfortable fit more than made up for it. With a moderately still midsole, we found the shoe ideal for a few…
They’re ideal for casual adventures and chores around the backyard
Kicks to keep feet fresh no matter what your mileage
We included the Torrent Pro in our review of the best water shoes of 2019. “This technical shoe is ideal for boaters, with a low-profile sole and rounded heel that fit into the tight spaces of kayaks and pack rafts,” we wrote. Midsole drainage ports and a breathable mesh…
From protective equipment to hand sanitizer to donations, here's how gear producers are helping to slow the spread of the virus
The Boot is one of contributor Jakob Schiller’s top three favorite slippers. “If you love backcountry ski huts or car camping in the fall, you need a pair of these slippers,” he wrote. The rubber sole and thick wool upper keep your feet warm and dry on cold hut…
We included these shoes in our 2018 Winter Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best winter hikers. “We loved the speed-lacing setup, which was a breeze to cinch and take off, as well as the rubber heel rand, which totally eliminated blisters,” we wrote. The boot’s Gore-Tex membrane keeps your…
We love the Boulder X’s classic leather build, super cushioned sole, and grippy Vibram rubber outsole. Contributor Jakob Schiller fully endorsed it in his article about the best approach shoes. “I loved them so much I wore one pair for four years straight,” he wrote.
The outlandish-looking trail model is designed to enhance stability. Here's how it stacks up.
This boot earned our approval thanks to its technical chops in challenging weather. We praised the Arctic’s grippy outsole in our 2020 Winter Buyer’s Guide: “The Vibram ArcticGrip sole stuck to every surface, from frozen granite steps to slick and steep roots on the Appalachian Trail.”…
In a new column, Dr. Brian Cole answers readers' questions about over-the-counter meds and weak ankles
Our tester Wes Siler loves these shoes for hiking and backpacking trips. Siler said the Lone Peak 4 “is more comfortable and has better grip than anything else I’ve tested.” Altra designed the Lone Peak 4 for hikers and runners with a wide, comfortable footbed and exceptional traction on…
This trail runner is one of our top choices for big alpine outings. “With its narrow last, rock-solid fit, and big six-millimeter lugs, it can quickstep through sketchy rock piles and bank tight switchbacks with confidence,” wrote our tester.