Before we knew it, Golden Week was just around the corner, and in the mountains near cities, the snow had melted, the forests were budding, and the number of people heading to the mountains was suddenly increasing. In this article, we've picked out seven new models of trekking shoes that are essential for traversing the fields and mountains in spring, based on reviews from overseas outdoor media. These high-performance trekking shoes combine multiple features, such as a comfortable fit, ease of walking, slip resistance, fatigue-reducing performance, lightweight, and waterproofing, making them easy to use and recommended as a first pair of shoes for those looking to start hiking. So, let's get started!
*The (light) trekking shoes mentioned here are low- to mid-cut hiking boots that are primarily used for day trips or overnight hikes and mountain climbing (in the snow-free season, with little to no rocky terrain). Lightweight trekking shoes in particular are sometimes called UL hiking shoes, but the line between the two is actually quite blurry, so please use the category names as a guide only
We also recommend this article about trekking shoes
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7 New Trekking Shoes to Watch Out For in 2015
La Sportiva Synthesis GORE-TEX SURROUND
previously reported on this prestigious Italian shoemaker's new shoe, which won an award from Backpacker magazine . The highlight of the collection is GORE-TEX SURROUND TECHNOLOGY . As the name "SURROUND" suggests, its key feature is its innovative design that allows breathability not only through the upper but also through the sole (openings on the side of the shoe), achieving incredible breathability from all angles. Not only that, but the upper is covered in a mesh-like resin, a proprietary technology that combines lightness and strength. Furthermore, the Vibram sole provides shock absorption and improved braking and grip. Packed with cutting-edge technology, these are the most exciting shoes of the year. However, due to their fairly low mid-cut, they may not be suitable for carrying heavy loads.
Arc'teryx Bora 2 Mid
![[BIRD AID Eligible Product] ★Authentic Japanese Product with Reliable After-Sales Service★ Arc'teryx Bora S...](https://hbb.afl.rakuten.co.jp/hgb/?pc=http%3a%2f%2fthumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp%2f%400_mall%2fmoose%2fcabinet%2fss-arcteryx%2fm250e-15s-16694.jpg%3f_ex%3d300x300&m=http%3a%2f%2fthumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp%2f%400_mall%2fmoose%2fcabinet%2fss-arcteryx%2fm250e-15s-16694.jpg%3f_ex%3d80x80)
Another big news this year is the release of their first footwear by ultra-high-performance (and high-priced) outdoor manufacturer, Arc'teryx. The seamless, laminated, one-piece upper provides excellent breathability and durability, the replaceable liner provides a superior fit and waterproof/breathable protection, and the sole, developed in collaboration with Vibram, boasts excellent grip. These first-ever trekking shoes, which are said to have taken three years to develop, are typical of Arc, and are solutions based on ideas that far exceed our imagination. This is precisely why they deliver unprecedented performance
MAMMUT Comfort High GTX SURROUND
Authentic Japanese Product [Free Shipping] Mammut Men's Gore-Tex High-Top Trekking Boots
This year, only a select few manufacturers have released shoes using GORE-TEX SURROUND technology, but now this shoe is being released by a prestigious Swiss outdoor manufacturer. The beautifully designed, large mesh upper provides excellent breathability, waterproofing, and comfort. The new gripex Sonar comfort sole, with its multi-directional lugs and two rubber layers of varying hardness, provides excellent grip. Furthermore, the IP EVA wedge and liquid rubber toe provide moderate cushioning and fatigue resistance. Considering how much functionality this shoe offers from such a lightweight design, it's a highly anticipated item
Salomon X ULTRA MID 2 GTX
Salomon's X ULTRA MID trekking shoes, long renowned for their lightweight trail running shoes, have been further improved this year. They offer a comfortable fit (SensiFit), excellent grip even on rough terrain (Non-marking ContaGrip sole), stable cushioning (EVA-shaped footbed, Ortholite, Advanced Chassis), and a lightweight (460g) for flawless performance
adidas TERREX SCOPE HIGH GTX
Adidas's outdoor category (Terrex) isn't particularly popular in Japan, but its history with trekking shoes dates back to 1978, when Reinhold Messner developed approach shoes for his ascent of Mount Everest without oxygen. Since then, the company has consistently released high-quality shoes, earning the prestigious title of "Best All-Around" from Backpacker magazine. While the shoe weighs in at 520g, compared to other lightweight trekking shoes, the incredible grip of the "stealth rubber" developed in collaboration with Five Ten and the excellent midfoot fit supported by the 3-Stripes provide a sense of stability without even noticing the weight
Five Ten Camp Four
Five Ten Men's Shoes & Boots [Free Size Exchange] Five Ten Men's…
The most distinctive feature of the company's trekking shoes, "Camp Four," which have many passionate fans among their climbing shoes, is undoubtedly its sole. It uses "S1," a "Stealth Rubber" technology also used by Adidas, which offers outstanding friction performance, providing excellent grip on the ground, whether dry or wet. While the model above features a more durable nubuck leather upper, a new model has also been released featuring highly waterproof GORE-TEX, making it even more suitable for trekking
Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX
Finally, we have the GORE-TEX SURROUND trekking shoes from European outdoor manufacturer Salewa, which has yet to be released in Japan. Backpacker magazine rated them "Best For Long-Haul Hiking," and they've even been praised for their "miraculous fit to any foot shape" and "like wearing a glove," praising their unwavering comfort even during long walks. While they're significantly heavier (605g) than previous shoes, the thick nubuck leather and Vibram sole provide a stable fit and durability that won't wear out easily even on long trails
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