If you're into an active, outdoor lifestyle, chances are high you've owned a pair of Merrell shoes. They nail the sweet spot of comfort, durability, and performance, taking you from a local trail to a rugged mountain trek without missing a beat.
Known for their ready-to-wear fit and reliable grip, Merrell is a go-to for countless adventurers. But if you're looking to explore other options that offer similar quality or a different take on outdoor footwear, we've got you covered. Here are 19 other shoe brands perfect for your next adventure.
If Merrell is the reliable all-rounder, Salomon is its speed-focused, high-tech cousin. Known for its trail running heritage, Salomon's hiking shoes are light, agile, and packed with technology like Contagrip soles for unmatched grip. They have a sportier, more athletic look compared to Merrell’s classic hiker aesthetic.
Expect their shoes to feel secure and ready for fast-paced movement on technical terrain. If you want performance gear for intense trail activities and prefer a modern design, Salomon is a top-tier choice.
Shop now at salomon.com
KEEN is instantly recognizable by its signature rubber toe bumper, giving its hiking shoes and sandals a distinctive, rugged look. Much like Merrell, KEEN prioritizes comfort and durability, making footwear that's perfect for both trails and casual travel. Their sandals are legendary for outdoor water activities.
KEEN leans a bit more into a casual, laid-back style and is a certified B-Corp with a strong focus on using eco-friendly materials. If you love Merrell’s functionality but want a shoe with an unmistakable look and environmentally conscious background, KEEN is perfect.
Shop now at keenfootwear.com
Columbia is an outdoor giant offering everything from jackets to footwear, known for packing great technology into accessible products. Their shoes feature proprietary tech like Omni-Grip for traction and Omni-Heat for warmth, delivering solid performance at a great value, much like Merrell.
Where Columbia often stands out is in its versatile, sometimes more fashion-forward designs that don't look out of place in the city. They offer a huge range of styles, from serious trail shoes to comfortable outdoor sneakers.
Shop now at columbia.com
While famous for its jackets and backpacks, The North Face makes equally impressive footwear. They bring a sleek, modern aesthetic to their technical trail runners and hiking boots, using trusted components like Vibram outsoles and waterproof FUTURELIGHT membranes. Their shoes offer performance on par with Merrell but often with a more streamlined, urban-friendly look.
This is a great option if you already love the brand's apparel and want footwear with the same reliable, adventure-ready credentials.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
Vasque is a brand for the dedicated hiker. It's built a legendary reputation on seriously durable and supportive hiking boots designed to tackle demanding trails. Think of Vasque as a more traditional, hardcore alternative to Merrell, focusing purely on high-performance design over flashy aesthetics.
With aggressive tread patterns and sturdy construction, Vasque boots are made for those who carry heavy packs and cross challenging terrains. If you need maximum support and rugged reliability, Vasque is a brand to trust.
Shop now at vasque.com
Known for its European craftsmanship, Lowa makes premium hiking boots that offer an exceptional fit and long-lasting comfort. They are in a similar performance class as Merrell but are typically at a higher price point due to their meticulous construction and high-end materials.
Lowa boots are legendary for providing excellent ankle support and stability, making them a favorite among serious backpackers and mountaineers. It's an investment in footwear that is built to last for hundreds of miles.
Shop now at lowa.com
Instantly recognizable by their maximalist, super-cushioned soles, Hokas (formerly Hoka One One) offer a different feel but similar performance to Merrell. All that extra cushioning provides incredible shock absorption and protects your joints during long hikes or trail runs. The experience is often described as running or walking on clouds.
While Merrell strikes a balance between ground-feel and cushion, Hoka goes all-in on plush comfort. If foot fatigue and joint pain are concerns for you on the trail, Hoka's unique shoes could be a game-changer.
Shop now at hoka.com
Oboz is famous for its supportive and immediately comfortable hiking shoes - one of Merrell's key selling points, too. What sets Oboz apart is the high-quality, supportive insole that comes standard in every pair, promoting better alignment and comfort right out of the box.
Many hikers find that Oboz shoes offer a slightly more snug and supportive fit, especially in the heel. Plus, the company plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold, adding an eco-conscious benefit to your purchase.
Shop now at obozfootwear.com
Arc'teryx brings its obsession with technical detail, premium materials, and minimalist design to the footwear world. Like their apparel, their trail shoes and hiking boots are lightweight, durable, and built for high-performance use. You get Merrell-level durability and function, but with a sleek, technical aesthetic and often a higher price tag.
Their designs are striking and engineered for precision on technical climbs and fast-and-light hikes. This is the brand for the outdoor enthusiast who views their gear as a finely tuned system.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
Hailing from the Italian Alps, La Sportiva is a brand born for the mountains. While they make excellent hiking shoes, their DNA is in climbing and mountaineering. This translates to footwear with incredibly sticky rubber, precise fits, and exceptional performance on rocky, challenging terrain.
Compared to Merrell's more general-purpose hikers, La Sportiva's gear is a step up in technical capability, ideal for those who are scrambling up mountainsides or hiking in highly demanding conditions.
Shop now at lasportiva.com
Montrail is Columbia’s trail-running specialty line, focusing on lightweight, agile shoes built for moving quickly. If you love Merrell’s trail running styles but want something more purpose-built for speed and performance, Montrail is the perfect fit. Their shoes provide excellent traction and a responsive feel for dedicated trail runners.
Shop now at columbia.com/montrail/
Salewa is another European brand specializing in technical alpine gear. Their hiking and mountaineering boots are engineered for precision and stability on rocky, uneven ground. They offer durable construction and weatherproofing similar to Merrell but with features tailored to more severe alpine conditions, like compatibility with crampons in some models.
Shop now at salewa.com
With Italian roots and a legacy in climbing, Scarpa creates exceptional hiking, running, and mountaineering footwear. They are known for blending lightweight construction with rock-solid performance, offering shoes that feel both nimble and supportive. They're a great alternative to Merrell for adventurers who need gear capable of tackling more technical objectives.
Shop now at scarpa.com
While standard Timberlands are a fashion icon, the Timberland PRO line is built for serious work and outdoor conditions. Their hiking and work boots offer a level of durability and protection on par with Merrell's toughest models, often with an added focus on safety features like steel toes. If you need a shoe for both the trail and the job site, this is it.
Shop now at timberland.com
Eddie Bauer brings a classic, outdoorsy heritage to everything they make, including their footwear. Their hiking shoes and boots offer a similar blend of trail-ready features and everyday comfort as Merrell. With reliable weatherproofing and sturdy soles, they are a fantastic, versatile choice for day hikes, camping, and casual wear.
Shop now at eddiebauer.com
Sorel proves that you don't have to sacrifice style for function. Once known only for winter boots, the brand now creates a range of outdoor footwear, including waterproof boots and rugged sneakers that look great in the city but can still handle outdoor elements. They deliver utility similar to Merrell but with a far more fashion-conscious design approach.
Shop now at sorel.com
Danner is an iconic American heritage brand known for its handcrafted, recraftable boots. Made with premium leather and built to last a lifetime, Danner boots offer exceptional durability and support for hiking. They are a step up in price and craftsmanship from Merrell, appealing to those who appreciate a classic aesthetic and want to invest in footwear for the long haul.
Shop now at danner.com
Ahnu creates outdoor shoes where performance meets a slightly more feminine and fashion-forward design ethos. They provide the same waterproof functionality and comfort you'd expect from a brand like Merrell but often with more refined details, colors, and silhouettes. It's a great choice for those who want a capable hiking shoe that doesn't look overly technical.
Shop now at amazon.com/stores/Ahnu
Romeo’s is a great place to look if you need durable, functional outdoor shoes without a hefty price tag. They offer reliable hiking footwear for budget-conscious adventurers who still want quality construction. While the designs might be simpler, they provide the core features - like good traction and decent support - that you need for everyday outdoor activities and light hiking.
Shop now at scivaro.com/collections/romeos
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