1. Introduction
Whether I’m exploring New England towns or climbing rocky coves in Spain’s Balearic Islands, these are the trail shoes I keep reaching for.
2. Finding the Right Trail Shoes
Anyone who has ever shopped for hiking footwear knows that support, stability, and technical features are usually prioritized above all else — which means that style tends to fall by the wayside. As a travel editor, I usually opt for comfort over fashion; however, nothing derails a vacation look like a not-so-cute shoe. A cool, versatile sneaker that can take me from the trail to city exploring is a must-have, as it also helps free up space in my luggage for other travel essentials.
3. Discovering Danner x FP Movement Sneakers
In May of this year, I was making my rounds at an outdoor showroom in New York and discovered the Danner x FP Movement 2650 Sneaker. The teal, orangey-red, and yellow color block design was retro, bold, fun, and would stand out on any trail, from desert landscapes to forested mountains to rocky coves. I had zero shame in begging for a pair on the spot.
4. Features of the Sneakers
For starters, the lightweight shoes feature durable nubuck leather uppers that give them a soft, velvety feel and look, which set them apart from other trail shoes. They also have breathable mesh linings, cushioned midsoles, and removable three-layer OrthoLite footbeds, which encourage airflow to keep me comfortable and cool while I’m moving.
5. Versatility in Different Conditions
I wore these kicks with merino wool crew socks for cooler mornings in Maine’s Acadia National Park, as well as for meandering through Bar Harbor in the evenings, and with ankle socks on sweltering 95-degree-Fahrenheit excursions to “secret” beaches in Mallorca. On every single occasion, my feet remained appropriately warm or cool — and with the right socks and apparel, I’m a firm believer that these could easily transition to fall and winter, making them an excellent year-round pick.
6. Performance and Traction
The grippy, lugged Vibram outsoles offer incredible traction on wet and dry surfaces, while the bumper at the toe and heel help protect my feet from rogue tree roots and rocks. I tested the shoes on everything from wooded trails and lake and beachside hikes in Acadia National Park to rocky coves in one of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
7. Comfort for Long Adventures
What I’ve been most impressed with is that I experienced no break-in period with these sneakers. I mean, who has time to walk around their house for weeks before a trip? Not me. Their comfy-out-of-the-box fit could be attributed to not only their supportive design, but also to the fact that these shoes offer slightly more width and wiggle-room in the forefront for stability. They didn’t pinch my toes, cut off circulation, or cause any blisters as I hit 20,000 steps in Maine in a day or while hiking for hours to different coves in Mallorca.
8. Style and Coordination
Thanks to the statement-making colorblocking, I’ve always received so many compliments when wearing these shoes. And while you might assume one would feel limited with outfit choices, I have found the hikers versatile and easy to coordinate with just about anything in my closet. I’ve paired the FP Movement x Danner sneakers with black leggings and khaki joggers and an array of tops, but they also look equally flattering with bike shorts and tennis skirts.
9. Conclusion
You can grab my new go-to hikers in two colorways: vibrant lagoon/candy apple or a more neutral vapor blue/buttercream combination. While they might seem like a splurge, I found them to be in line with the prices of other high-end brands — and a pair that is cute and comfy is definitely worth investing in. Considering these are limited edition, you’ll want to act quickly before they sell out, so you can enjoy them on all of your upcoming adventures.
