Slip on Fab Footwear for Outdoor Adventures

Scarpa also has a nice line of "approach" shoes that are aimed more at the rock-climbing crowd, but work great on the trail. The Zen ($115) is sleek and stable.

If uber-comfort and hunter-style shoemaker Mephisto is your thing, its AllRounder ($168) is definitely outdoors-worthy. And if a bit of technology does not scare you, the new super-light, modular-fit shoe from GoLite ($90) can work as a hiker.

But my top pick this summer is the new Salomon Elios LTR ($114). The LTR is an all-leather low-rise with a relatively stiff sole that gives just enough stability to handle some rough terrain, but does not cramp your style in the heat. And it looks dang nice around town.

(I'll let you know how they hold up after my upcoming kayaking and island-hopping trip in Penobscot Bay, Maine.)

Slide on Some Sports Sandals

In sandals for use in the muck and around camp, check out what classic manufacturer Teva is doing with its Wraptor line. Keen's Venice H2 ($100) is also worth a look. Bite Footwear's X-Trail ($100) is a good choice if you want a beefier (and orthotic) performance sandal.

In way-hipper-than-they-oughta-be plastic clogs, consider Canadian shoe maker Holey Soles (starting at $25) which I think are a step more developed than the more popular Crocs (CROX Quote - Cramer on CROX - Stock Picks).

I also like what Rider Sandals is doing. And then there is the hip-for-nerds Mion futuristic sandal.

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