The changing weather demands a wardrobe adjustment. Trade shorts for pants, tank tops for shirt jackets, and the sandals for something that’s waterproof and a little higher cut. Here are five pairs of high-top leather boots that are casual but could probably be used for a hike in a pinch.
Forsake Phil Mid ($140)
Forsake makes technical shoes that look great around town, and its new isn’t any different. A waterproof breathable membrane joins with a full-grain leather upper for protection against the elements, while the low-profile outsoles have inner lugs that can handle the trail without looking overbuilt on the streets.
Lems Boulder ($150)
You wouldn’t know it at first glance, but this is crazy light (just 9.9 ounces) and incredibly flexible; it can essentially roll up into a tube, making it easy to pack in a bag. The forefoot and heel are the same height (zero drop) and the toe box is wide so your feet have room to expand while hiking.
Ridgemont Outfitters Outback II ($130)
We raved about the back in 2014 when Ridgemont Outfitters was just a fledgling upstart, and the boot has only gotten better. The upper is made from waxed full-grain leather and waxed canvas, all with a DWR coating. The lugged, natural-rubber sole and EVA cushion midsole are comfortable and stable on the trail, but we like the sneaker aesthetic, which makes us want to wear these boots about town.
Mammut Chamuera Mid ($160)
leans on traditional hiking-boot styling (high ankles and beefy lugged outer soles) for those who want a classic look on and off the trail. The full-grain leather upper is soft, pliable, and waterproof, while the Vibram EcoStep rubber outsole is grippy, stable, and green—it’s made from 30 percent recycled materials.
Teva Arrowood 2 Mid Waterproof ($150)
into the crossover category disguises a waterproof upper and a beefy rubber outsole that can handle rain, mud, and scree in a two-tone sneaker that would look just as at home in the skate park as on singletrack. The inner is lined with breathable mesh, the footbed is comfy EVA foam, and the Float-Lite midsole will last forever. Plus, it’s all just 12.5 ounces per shoe.