Summer is prime season for footwear launches, and this year’s crop covers a wide spread. Elite racing shoes with carbon plates sit right next to budget hiking boots that cost less than a decent pair of jeans. If your current pair is worn down to a smooth patch of rubber, there’s plenty to sort through before your next trip.
- Two carbon-plated trail racers from Merrell and ASICS land at $290 and $280
- Budget hiking footwear from Nortiv 8 starts around $60 with waterproofing and wide-foot sizing
- Accessories like screen-free trackers and open-ear earbuds fill in the gaps for long days out
Race-Day Trail Shoes Built for Speed
Merrell spent five years chasing a single goal with the MTL SpeedARC Peak, and the numbers behind it are hard to ignore. The brand says the shoe went through 154 prototypes and 13,000 miles of testing. It uses a three-layer SpeedARC midsole with a PEBA-based racing foam on top, FloatPro cushioning underneath, and a lightweight carbon fiber FlexPlate sandwiched between. Underfoot you get a Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole, and the upper is Merrell’s Lightweight Maytryx. It runs $290 and launches as part of the brand’s 45th anniversary collection, complete with loud colors pulled from the ’80s, the decade Merrell got started.
ASICS answered with the MetaFuji Trail 2, which has real racing history behind it. Trail runner Tom Evans wore a prototype during his first title win at the 2025 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. The production version has a 5mm heel drop, a full-length carbon plate made for trail use, a trimmed-down ankle collar, and an integrated lace pocket. ASICS pairs FF LEAP and FF BLAST PLUS foams for a snappier push-off. It costs $280 and hits shelves August 1, with orders open now.
Hiking Footwear at Both Ends of the Price Range
Not everyone wants to spend three figures on shoes for a Saturday walk in the woods. Nortiv 8 has built its reputation on affordable hiking sneakers and boots, while the terrain and fit guidance in REI’s hiking footwear guide offers a useful way to compare styles. The new DualStride Armadillo FieldLite collection includes an ankle-height hiking sneaker and a taller traditional boot, both waterproof, both cut to fit wider feet, and both offered in men’s and women’s versions. On Amazon right now, the sneakers run $63 and the boots $60.
On the other end sits Danner, a Portland, Oregon brand with 94 years behind it. The Radical 451 mixes full-grain leather with waterproof protection, a Danner Basalt Outsole, and enlarged lugs for extra traction. There’s an abrasion-resistant, PU-coated cap and heel to fight thick brush and rough terrain, plus a Terra Force Trail platform with an exposed TPU arch that should help anyone who wants more arch support. Danner calls it a crossover boot, good for weekend hikes or long days in the field. At $200 it’s a real investment, but Danner will resole and refurbish them through its recrafting program, which stretches the value considerably. Weekend hikers driving out from places like Westbury, NY tend to appreciate a boot that survives more than a couple of seasons.
Small Add-Ons That Make Long Days Easier
Garmin released the CIRQA Smart Band, its first screen-free wearable, following the path Whoop carved out. It handles around-the-clock health monitoring, tracks more than 80 activities, runs up to 10 days on a charge, and needs no subscription. Data syncs to the Garmin Connect app for sleep insights and training info. It’s $200, with an optional arm band for $60.
For audio, the Baseus Bowie MC2 open-ear earbuds use a clip design that leaves your ears open to traffic and trail noise. They carry IP67 water and dust resistance and 55 hours of battery with the case, currently discounted to $50 on Amazon. SPIbelt marked its 20th anniversary with SPIbelt by You, a build-your-own program that lets buyers mix pocket, belt, and zipper colors on belts still handmade in Austin, Texas. And Colorado’s Raide Research added the RaceTech Tee at $150, made from 63gsm microdot air fabric, plus the UL Shell Anorak at $350, a three-layer waterproof shell that weighs 128 grams. Both ship in August, with preorders open now.
Sorting Out What Earns Space in Your Pack
Match the purchase to the mileage. If you’re racing ultras, the focus found in long-distance trail stories can help define the goal before choosing equipment. If you hike a few weekends a month, a $60 waterproof boot covers you fine. Buy the shoes first, then add accessories as you find the gaps.