trail running dress shoes?
I just moved to Germany, and there’s a couple of factors here that make footwear difficult: constant rain, and walking paths that turn into dirt trails through the woods.
Is there such a thing as trail running or hiking shoes with good grip on mud, but also with a classier upper sole? Bonus points if it doesn’t do the “wingtip sneaker” thing.
10 Replies
These don't really exist, at least not in a way that looks good. There are options, but they're not really "dress shoes". For instance have you considered maybe looking at a "classic" hiking boot?
Fracap do quite a nice one that's on sale at the moment.
https://www.endclothing.com/gb/fracap-m120-salento-sole-scarponcino-boot-m120-bss-725.html
END.
Fracap M120 Salento Sole Scarponcino Boot 725 Arabian | END.
Buy Fracap M120 Salento Sole Scarponcino Boot - 725 Arabian from END. (UK) - only £155. Fast shipping on latest Fracap
Also, Tyrolean walking shoes were made for exactly this!
Paraboot Michael's being the currently-popular option
Kleman's for a cheaper alternative
Something like this https://kleman-france.com/en/1221331421.html
PADROR G VGT
KLEMAN presents the PADROR G VGT, lug sole derby shoes made from grained vegetable-tanned leather in an Italian tannery. This sustainable technique gives an authentic appearance to the leather which is embellished over the years with a unique patina.
There's no perfect shoe which can do all of that. Just resign yourself to some sub optimal thing.
Trickers tramping shoe: https://trickers.com/products/daniel-tramping-shoe-lightweight-olivvia-classic-espresso-burnished
R E Tricker Ltd
Daniel Tramping Shoe - Lightweight - Olivvia Classic Espresso Burni...
Daniel is the name given to our original ‘Tramping Shoe,’ a style which was traditionally made for expeditions and pursuits. This classic 4 eyelet derby shoe is minimalist in its design but different from similar styles such as Robert due to its more robust appearance.
I have some Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots with a rubber sole that I think would work as well. Something like this: https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-grafton-chelsea-boot-3028379 (general advice here is don't pay full price for Allen Edmonds tho)
Also, what about CDBs?
Crepe sole in mud? 🫠
Oh...good point. Chelseas might have a similar problem, I guess, if the elastic sides get muddy
blundstones might be okay though?