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Top 10 Best Hiking Boot Brands Shaping the Industry

The world of hiking boots is a dynamic one. Established brands continuously refine their offerings, while new companies emerge with fresh designs and technologies. This ever-changing landscape can make it difficult for hikers to stay on top of the latest trends and best hiking boot brands.

 

To help navigate this terrain, we've compiled a list of the top 10 fastest-growing hiking boot brands, identified by the Charm Growth Score™. This score takes into account brand sentiment and online popularity, providing a unique perspective on the hottest names in hiking footwear.

 

Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking the perfect performance boot, or simply interested in the latest trends, this list offers valuable insights into the brands that are shaping the future of the trail.

 

1. Vessi

Photo Courtesy of vessi.com

 

Vessi takes the lead with a stellar Charm Growth Score™. This brand is known for its comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof knit boots that combine sneaker-like feel with hiking boot function. Vessi's focus on innovation has resulted in a unique footwear option for hikers who prioritize comfort and versatility. With a score of 91.9, Vessi boasts impressive brand sentiment, indicating high customer satisfaction with their blend of style and performance.

 

2. JK Boots

Photo courtesy of https://jkboots.com/

 

JK Boots stands out as a brand experiencing significant online growth. This family-owned company, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, boasts a rich heritage. Founded by John Khadzhi, "JK", the company's story began with his apprenticeship as a cobbler in his youth. JK's passion for quality craftsmanship and keen understanding of footwear construction fueled his journey to become a skilled bootmaker. Today, JK Boots continues this legacy by handcrafting high-quality work boots,  using American materials in their workshop. Their boots are known for their durability and functionality, perfect for tackling tough terrain and demanding conditions. With a stellar online growth score, JK Boots is a brand to watch in the hiking boot industry, potentially offering a unique blend of tradition and performance for today's outdoor enthusiasts.

 

3. Backcountry

Photo courtesy of https://www.backcountry.com/

 

Backcountry isn't new to the scene, but their impressive Charm Growth Score™ indicates they're continuing to innovate and win over customers. Backcountry is a retailer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel, including a wide selection of hiking boots from various brands. Their high score reflects their strong online presence and customer trust. Backcountry is a one-stop shop for hikers looking for the latest and greatest boots, with the expertise to help choose the perfect fit for any adventure.

 

4. KEEN Footwear

Photo Courtesy of https://www.keenfootwear.com/

 

KEEN Footwear is a well-established brand known for its high-quality hiking boots that prioritize durability and performance. KEEN offers a wide range of hiking boots for men, women, and children, designed for various terrains and hiking styles. Their impressive Charm Growth Score™ reflects a strong combination of brand popularity and positive sentiment. With a long history of producing reliable footwear, KEEN remains a trusted choice for hikers seeking dependable boots.

 

5. Morjas

Photo courtesy of https://www.morjas.com/us/

 

Hailing from Spain, Morjas is a brand making waves with its focus on design-driven performance footwear. Inspired by the concept of a lifestyle that seamlessly blends mountain and city environments, Morjas offers a unique perspective on hiking boots. Their boots, crafted from high-quality materials, are designed to tackle the challenges of the trail while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. Morjas uses a sturdy rubber sole for superb grip and water protection, ensuring functionality without sacrificing form. This combination of performance and style has resonated with a growing audience of hikers, propelling Morjas to become one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry. With their innovative approach and focus on both aesthetics and functionality, Morjas is a brand to watch for hikers seeking a boot that can keep up with their adventures, both on and off the trail.

 

6. Sole Freedom

Photo courtesy of https://solefreedom.ca/

 

Sole Freedom stands out as a brand catering to a specific and growing niche in the hiking boot market: barefoot hiking. Their focus lies on footwear that prioritizes a natural barefoot feel while offering the protection and support needed for tackling trails. Sole Freedom's website showcases a range of minimalist hiking boots, including the popular Waterproof Boulder Boot. These boots are designed with a wide toe box for natural foot movement and a thin sole that allows for maximum feel of the terrain. Their online presence and focus on a unique niche suggest they're a brand to watch for hikers seeking a more natural connection to the outdoors on their next adventure.

 

7. Army and Outdoors

Photo courtesy of https://www.armyandoutdoors.com/

 

With a name that reflects its heritage, Army and Outdoors brings a unique perspective to the world of hiking boots. Founded in New Zealand over 30 years ago, the company has evolved from a small warehouse operation to a retailer with a strong online presence and two physical stores. Their background in surplus supplies means they understand the importance of functionality and durability. While Army and Outdoors might not be the first name that comes to mind for cutting-edge hiking technology, their Charm Growth Score indicates they're resonating with a specific audience. Their website highlights a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel, including a selection of hiking boots from various brands. This focus on practicality and catering to those seeking dependable performance on the trail could be a reason for their growth. If you're looking for a brand with a proven track record of offering rugged and reliable footwear, Army and Outdoors might be a good place to start your search.

 

8. Trickers

Photo courtesy of https://trickers.com/

 

Trickers stands out on this list as a brand with a rich history that isn't solely focused on hiking footwear. Founded in 1828 in Northampton, England, Trickers has built a reputation for handcrafted shoes and boots known for their quality and timeless design. While not necessarily designed for the most technical hikes, Trickers' Corbett walking boot caters to a specific niche of hikers. This boot bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. Made from full-grain leather and featuring a Goodyear welt construction, the Corbett offers durability and a comfortable fit for moderate hikes and outdoor adventures. They're finding success with a new audience of hikers who appreciate a blend of heritage aesthetics and modern performance on the trail. So, if you're looking for a hiking boot that offers a touch of British tradition alongside solid functionality, Trickers could be a brand worth exploring.

 

9. Velasca Women

Photo courtesy of https://www.velascawomen.com/

 

Velasca Women carves a unique niche in the hiking boot market with a focus on design-forward footwear for female hikers. They offer a curated collection of boots that blend Italian craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Velasca Women resonates with a new generation of hikers who value both style and performance on the trail. This brand might be a good choice for hikers seeking a boot that can transition seamlessly from outdoor adventures to casual wear. Their focus on design aesthetics alongside functionality ensures they cater to a specific audience. Velasca Women is great for women who prioritize both style and comfort on the trail.

 

10. Swims

Photo courtesy of https://www.swims.com/

 

Swims also takes a unique approach to the world of hiking boots, with a focus on footwear that tackles both land and water. Their hiking boots are designed for exploration, comfort, and functionality in various terrains, including wet environments. Their Fjell boot, for example, is a lace-up boot crafted with waterproof leather and a versatile lug sole. This design caters to hikers who encounter wet or muddy conditions on their adventures. If you're looking for a hiking boot that can handle not just the trails but also water crossings and wet environments, Swims could be a brand worth considering.

 

This exploration of the fastest-growing hiking boot brands highlights the ongoing innovation and diversification within the industry. From established companies with a rich heritage to newcomers focused on specific niches, the variety of brands ensures there's a perfect hiking boot out there for every hiker and adventure. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge performance technology, timeless design aesthetics, or functionality for unique terrains, these brands are all making waves in the market.  

 

Consider exploring what these up-and-coming hiking boot brands have to offer if you are interested in what's trending in the industry.  They may just surprise you with their perfect blend of innovation, functionality, and style.

 

Get further insights into these brands and brands in any ecommerce category when you request a free trial of Charm.io today.

 

Questions about Charm? Attend our monthly Charm webinar where our Customer Success Managers will show you how Charm can help you grow your business.

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