Boots ready, friends too? Women’s hiking sets off again
Two autumn colors, a walking shoe and the desire to go out together. The new Merrell x Sweaty Betty collaboration leads us to talk about female hiking: what the capsule proposes and where to start if the forest calls you.
You know that message in the group chat: “Shall we do something on Sunday?” The answer could be a trail, with time to stop and people you enjoy being with. Meanwhile, Merrell and Sweaty Betty bring autumn colours to the Moab Speed 2 GTX. Let’s look at the shoe before choosing where to go.
The capsule is the starting point of the news. What interests us, in addition to the shoe, is the invitation to imagine a day out: which path to choose, with whom to go, what to bring and how to find a rhythm that leaves room for everyone. Because there are some decisions that make the difference between beautiful photos in the woods and we really go there.
New: a shoe, two autumn colors
The collaboration brings together US outdoor brand Merrell and British activewear brand Sweaty Betty. The Moab Speed 2 GTX comes in Bracken Green and Utility Brown. The manufacturer lists a Gore-Tex membrane, Vibram TC5+ outsole, FloatPro cushioning and FlexPlate structure.
The shoe costs €170. Before choosing the colour, think about your trails and try the fit with the socks you will wear: heel, toes and room to move. The view can wait a few minutes; your feet will thank you.
A technical data sheet is useful to understand how a product is presented. The choice of footwear also requires attention to the intended path and personal fit. In the dressing room take time: try, take a few steps and ask for clarification. The color that conquers you can be the beginning of curiosity; to take you on the path will be your feet.
The most interesting part? The output together
Walking together is an appealing idea with or without a new collection. Suggest a nearby trail, a place you know or an outing with a qualified guide. The group chat has some practical questions to settle: how far, what equipment and what pace will let everyone enjoy the day?
As readers we can gather a very practical idea: when you invite someone to walk, tell the day well. How long will it last? Will there be a difference in altitude? What kind of terrain will you encounter? How will you return to your starting point? Saying only "is easy" leaves too much to the imagination. What for a friend is habitual, for another can be a first experience.
Even before travelling you can build a small climate of trust. Better to know if someone prefers to stop often, if they are uncomfortable on certain steps or if they need to return within a time. It is information with which to choose a realistic proposal together.
Women and outdoors: what the data say
The 2026 edition of the Outdoor Participation Trends Report of OIA in the United States reports a female participation in outdoor activities of 53,4%. The ratio also indicates a frequency problem: the audience widens, but the average participant carries out five annual outputs less than 2019. These are American data on the overall outdoor, not measures of hiking alone or the Italian situation.
For those who organize their free time, the cue is interesting: a beautiful day can remain an isolated episode, or become an appointment that you want to repeat. It is worth wondering what would make it sustainable in your agenda. The proximity, the expense, the transports and the company count as much as the panorama.
The first hike begins before the trail
The indications of the CAI of Lendinara invite you to choose the itinerary according to your own physical and technical skills, inquire about the area and consider the passage of the slowest people. Among the attentions to be prepared there are weather, suitable equipment, tools for orientation, necessary for the unexpected and communication of the path to someone who stays at home.
For a group at first experience it may be useful to rely on qualified accompaniment, explaining in advance what you are looking for. Reading a poster calmly and asking an extra question helps to distinguish a suitable proposal from one that requires different skills. An inscription makes more sense when you know what day you're saying yes.
In the group there must be room for your step
There is a very concrete kindness in turning around and checking that all are still together. In announcing a break without making anyone feel too much. In deciding a goal that belongs to the group, instead of pursuing the path that only one person had in mind.
If you want to try, the message to your friends can start right here: "Choose something that is good for everyone?" The new shoe will have its moment. First comes that simple agreement, which turns an idea into a day to share in the group.
