Take a hike: The must-have footwear trend for men this autumn

It may not be the most stylish pastime, but this season hiking has somehow become one of menswear’s most unlikeliest trends

Friday 07 September 2018 19:19 BST

Ermenegildo Zegna autumn/winter 2018 (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The concept of sportswear on the catwalk is hardly anything new. From ugly dad trainers to short shorts and track jackets, outdoor-centric styles have staked a steady place within the fashion fold.

However, for autumn/winter 2018, designers have taken it one step further.

Hiking might not be the most stylish pastime, but this season it’s somehow become one of menswear’s most unlikely trends thanks to an influx of clumpy hiking boots that expertly nail utilitarian style.

Originally designed to ramble the slopes, tackle trails and mountain tracks, we’re not talking about the type of hardy footwear your geography teacher might wear.

Oh no, because this new breed of shoes, while positively functional, are trendier than you could have ever thought possible.

On the catwalk this season, Ermenegildo Zegna coordinated a snowy runway set with chunky shearling anoraks, mountaineering capes and chunky flatform boots, while MSGM complimented a collection of printed fleeces and cardigans with hiker-sneaker hybrids.

Grenson, Brady Polished-Leather Boots, £255, Mr Porter

Similarly, Giorgio Armani’s baggy combat boots came tucked into the socks of tractor-soled, 10-hole boots.

So it’s settled, whether you’re scaling Scafell Pike or navigating a city, a pair of hiking boots will see you right. But can you settle for any old pair and what do you wear with them?

Rossignol, Chamonix Boots, £396, Farfetch

A far cry from the ultra-technical boots you might actually wear to climb a mountain, these boots are sleek in style, made from leather and the perfect accompaniment to piles of wintry layers.

For maximum style points, wear yours with equally rugged fabrics like flannel shirts, cable knit jumpers, cropped wool trousers or turned-up jeans.