If you're into climbing, serious hiking, or mountaineering, you already know La Sportiva. The brand is legendary for its high-performance footwear that blends technical precision with rugged durability, making it a fixture on challenging trails and rock faces worldwide.
But part of the fun of gearing up is discovering other great brands that share a similar commitment to quality and innovation. If you love what La Sportiva does but are curious about what else is out there, we’ve rounded up 29 other brands that deliver exceptional outdoor gear.
Salomon is a powerhouse in the outdoor world, offering fantastic gear for trail running, hiking, and mountaineering. They are known for their lightweight yet durable shoes featuring innovative tech like Contagrip soles for incredible traction. Compared to La Sportiva, Salomon often comes in at a slightly more accessible price point, making it a great option for both seasoned adventurers and those just starting to explore more demanding trails. They seriously excel in comfort and moisture-wicking materials.
Shop now at salomon.com
Scarpa is another Italian icon specializing in top-tier footwear for climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. Their gear beautifully merges traditional craftsmanship with modern technology like Gore-Tex waterproofing. While both Scarpa and La Sportiva are titans in the technical footwear space, Scarpa really emphasizes long-trek comfort and rugged durability. They offer a slightly broader range of casual outdoor shoes in addition to their hardcore climbing models.
Shop now at scarpa.com
For hikers who prioritize all-day comfort, Merrell is a go-to brand. They design incredibly versatile hiking boots, trail shoes, and sandals that are built to feel good right out of the box, with excellent arch support. Price-wise, they are generally more affordable than La Sportiva, landing in the $80 to $200 range. While you won't find super-technical climbing shoes here, Merrell is an unbeatable choice for everyday outdoor wear and reliable trail performance.
Shop now at merrell.com
Arc'teryx is synonymous with premium, high-performance outdoor gear. Best known for their technical apparel, they also make exceptional footwear for mountaineering and hiking. Their aesthetic is sleek, minimalist, and built for the most extreme conditions using innovative materials like GORE-TEX and Dyneema. If La Sportiva is your workhorse, Arc’teryx is the high-end, precision tool for serious climbers and mountaineers who want cutting-edge performance.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
Instantly recognizable by their maximalist midsoles, Hoka has cornered the market on cushioned comfort. Their trail running shoes and hiking boots offer incredible shock absorption and stability, making them a favorite for long-distance runners and hikers. While La Sportiva focuses on nimble, responsive grip for technical terrain, Hoka is all about protecting your joints and providing a plush ride, making them perfect for anyone who prioritizes cushioning.
Shop now at hoka.com
As a giant of the outdoors, The North Face offers a huge range of gear, including solid footwear for hiking, trail running, and mountaineering. Their shoes are known for being durable, weather-resistant, and dependable all-around performers. Compared to La Sportiva’s laser-focus on technical climbing and running, The North Face has a broader, more mainstream appeal with more accessible price points while still delivering reliable performance for outdoor adventures.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
Columbia is known for making practical and affordable outdoor gear that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Their shoes, boots, and sandals often use proprietary waterproofing and dependable grip technology, making them great for wet conditions. Their style is definitely more casual and approachable than La Sportiva's highly specialized gear, making Columbia an excellent choice for family hikes and everyday outdoor enthusiasts.
Shop now at columbia.com
Oboz is all about creating hiking footwear that focuses on comfort, stability, and eco-conscious manufacturing. Their supportive insoles are fan favorites, and the brand has a strong commitment to sustainability. Oboz offers more budget-friendly options than La Sportiva, making them a fantastic choice for hikers who want a super comfortable and reliable boot for long days on moderately technical trails.
Shop now at obozfootwear.com
Keen’s signature feature is its protective, reinforced toe caps, which make their boots and sandals incredibly durable and ready for rocky terrain. The brand has a loyal following for its rugged, adventure-ready footwear that feels both protective and comfortable. Where La Sportiva is dialed in for technical climbing, Keen excels at creating versatile, everyday outdoor shoes that transition perfectly from the trail to the pub.
Shop now at keenfootwear.com
For the ultralight crowd, Montbell is a dream. This Japanese brand specializes in minimalist yet highly functional gear that's built for serious backpackers and mountaineers who count every ounce. Their shoes are surprisingly tough despite being incredibly lightweight, without skimping on grip or protection. Montbell is a great alternative to La Sportiva for anyone focused on fast-and-light adventures like thru-hiking or alpine climbing.
Shop now at montbell.us
Primarily famous for their high-quality carabiners, harnesses, and headlamps, Black Diamond has also established itself as a top player in climbing footwear. Their shoes are engineered with a focus on precision and grip, directly competing with La Sportiva's technical climbing models. Black Diamond’s shoes are often specialized for very technical routes and aggressive climbing, making them a top pick for dedicated climbers in gyms and on crags.
Shop now at blackdiamondequipment.com
Eddie Bauer offers a collection of outdoor footwear that blends classic style with practical features. Their hiking boots and trail shoes are typically more affordable and designed for casual adventures rather than extreme conditions. If you're looking for a dependable shoe for relaxed day hikes or running errands around town in bad weather, Eddie Bauer provides a great balance of comfort, weather resistance, and budget-friendly pricing.
Shop now at eddiebauer.com
Specializing entirely in climbing shoes, Mad Rock delivers high-performance models for both entry-level and expert climbers. They're particularly known for nailing aggressive, downturned shapes with excellent grip. This makes them a direct-line competitor to La Sportiva’s climbing range but often at a much more affordable price, proving that top-tier technical performance doesn't always have to come with a premium price tag.
Shop now at madrockclimbing.com
Just as a quick point of comparison, let's reset our benchmark. La Sportiva is the industry standard for technical outdoor footwear that excels in the most demanding environments. Known for their incredible grip, precise fit, and innovative durability, they are the go-to for serious climbers, mountaineers, and trail runners who require their gear to perform flawlessly. From their iconic climbing shoes to their rugged mountaineering boots, this is the brand everyone else is measured against.
Shop now at lasportiva.com
Vasque has been making rugged hiking and backpacking boots for decades, with a strong focus on long-haul durability and foot support. Their boots are built to withstand heavy loads and rough trails, and their excellent waterproofing is a highlight. They feel similar to La Sportiva’s hiking line in their commitment to serious performance but are often a bit more affordable, making them a stellar choice for dedicated backpackers.
Shop now at vasque.com
Operating out of the Dolomites, Salewa creates purpose-built gear for alpine mountaineering and technical climbs. Their footwear is engineered with innovative support systems, waterproof membranes, and a notoriously precise fit that climbers love. They are a close European peer to La Sportiva, offering exceptionally durable and reliable shoes for anyone who spends their weekends navigating scree fields and vertiginous ridges.
Shop now at salewa.com
Evolv is another brand that lives and breathes climbing. Their shoes are loved by both indoor and outdoor climbers for their unique blend of aggressive performance shapes and surprising comfort. From bouldering to sports climbing, Evolv knows how to make a shoe stick. While La Sportiva has a broader outdoor scope, Evolv’s tight focus makes them a go-to for climbers who geek out over rubber compounds and perfect heel hooks.
Shop now at evolv.com
Black Yak is a brand for alpinists who push boundaries. They engineer high-performance gear designed for Himalayan expeditions and extreme conditions, including durable hiking and mountaineering boots. They share La Sportiva's commitment to no-compromise technical function but often with a unique aesthetic and innovative material use. Check them out if you want top-tier, lightweight performance gear that stands out from the crowd.
Shop now at blackyak.com
Kamik focuses on creating practical, waterproof, and warm footwear at a price that won’t make your eyes water. They are your best friend for slushy city sidewalks, rainy day adventures, and casual outdoor activities. Think of them as the more accessible, everyday alternative to a specialty brand like La Sportiva - perfect when you need durability and protection from the elements without needing elite technical performance.
Shop now at kamik.com
Yes, Osprey! Primarily celebrated for their industry-leading backpacks, Osprey has dipped its toes into the footwear world. Their hiking shoes are designed with the same thoughtful logic as their packs: lightweight, supportive, and ridiculously comfortable over long distances. They make a fantastic pairing for backpackers who want a seamless gear system built to go the distance.
Shop now at osprey.com
Lowa has earned its stellar reputation over nearly a century of German engineering, producing incredibly high-quality hiking and mountaineering boots. Known for fantastic durability and a dialed-in fit, their footwear is on par with La Sportiva's high-end offerings. Lowa boots are a top pick for serious trekkers and climbers who invest in gear they can trust unconditionally in the backcountry.
Shop now at lowa.com
Rooted in classic American craftsmanship, Danner builds rugged, handcrafted boots that look as good as they perform. Their hiking and outdoor work boots are built to last a lifetime and can even be recrafted. While they share a reputation for rugged durability with La Sportiva, Danner's aesthetic leans more towards timeless, heritage style, making their boots perfect for both the trail and everyday wear.
Shop now at danner.com
Vibram is the secret sauce behind many great outdoor shoes, including models from La Sportiva - they're the undisputed masters of high-performance rubber soles. While they don't produce a full line of shoes, their FiveFingers minimalist shoes and Furoshiki wrapping soles are truly creative. For the dedicated gearhead, exploring Vibram directly is a fun way to understand the pinnacle of grip and durability technology.
Shop now at vibram.com
With a foundation in climbing hardware, Wild Country also produces fantastic climbing shoes that deliver on safety, performance, and precision. Their range is dialed specifically for the crag, offering models with aggressive profiles and high-quality rubber that excel on technical routes. Like La Sportiva, they're built for people who are passionate about climbing and need gear they can implicitly trust.
Shop now at wildcountry.co.uk
This Swiss brand lives for the mountains, making top-end gear for alpinism, climbing, and high-altitude adventures. Mammut’s footwear, from mountaineering boots to trail shoes, shares La Sportiva's commitment to safety, innovation, and unwavering durability. Their gear is trusted by professionals worldwide and is a fantastic choice for anyone tackling truly extreme environments where failure is not an option.
Shop now at mammut.com
This is Columbia's performance-focused sub-brand, specializing in gear for trail runners and endurance hikers. Montrail shoes are built for long, grueling miles - balancing comfort, stability, and weather resistance to keep you moving strong. They are a great alternative to La Sportiva’s trail running line, often at a more approachable price point while delivering solid technical performance.
Shop now at montrail.com
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