How to choose the right summer hiking shoes to make the most of every outing in all weathers and all year round?
When it is very hot, it can be tempting to wear as few layers as possible in your summer hiking outfit, and the same goes for footwear. There are times when you simply do not want to wear your hiking shoes — too heavy, too hot, too stiff. Yet they are your most essential piece of base equipment; without hiking shoes, you are putting your safety at risk. Your foot must be properly protected, your sole must be grippy and offer good grip, your ankle must be adequately supported, and your shoes must be comfortable enough for you to walk several kilometres without risking injury or any kind of discomfort. Only hiking shoes are designed and built with all these criteria in mind; only purpose-specific footwear is suited to hiking. Fortunately, there are perfect shoes for summer outings. Let's explore their features!
Don't overlook the type of terrain
The first criterion to consider before choosing your footwear is the terrain. The first thing to take into account is the type of terrain and the type of hiking you are about to undertake. To choose the height of the upper, the composition of your shoes, and the stiffness of the sole, think first and foremost about the type of ground you will be walking on. Even in hot weather, it is unthinkable to set off on an alpine hike over highly rugged terrain with rockfall risk, wearing shoes as thin as slippers, with no toe cap and no ankle support. In the same way, high-cut boots are not suited to desert outings, unlike low- or mid-cut shoes, or even hiking sandals. Furthermore, if you are prone to repeated sprains and there is a chance you will be hiking on steep or obstacle-strewn terrain, opt for high- or mid-cut shoes, rule out low-cut footwear, and consider completing your kit with hiking poles.
How to choose the right summer hiking shoes?
In summer during intense heat, it is important to choose the right hiking shoes to avoid overheating and excessive sweating. Whether high-cut, mid-cut or low-cut, go for shoes that are lightweight and breathable, to stay cool and effectively wick away perspiration. Let's look together at the key criteria to consider before buying your summer hiking shoes.
- The type of terrain: we cannot stress this enough — the first question to ask when buying a pair of hiking shoes is what type of terrain and what type of hiking you are about to tackle. High mountain? Flat plains? Multi-day? A few hours? Every type of outing calls for a specific type of shoe.
- Cool shoes: obviously low-cut hiking shoes are the coolest, but whether you choose a high, mid or low cut, the composition of the shoe also plays a role. Avoid synthetic leather at all costs — it will make you sweat and will not allow proper ventilation of the foot. Consider opting for suede or nubuck over untreated leather, as they are thinner and lighter. Or simply go for mesh, which is even lighter.
- Breathable shoes: opt for breathable shoes that wick away perspiration. Once again, avoid synthetic leather shoes — suede and nubuck are more breathable than leather, and mesh even more so. That said, shoes made from synthetic fabrics are the least durable, and even in summer you can never rule out a shower. Bear in mind that it is always possible to waterproof them with a specific spray, or to choose a pair lined with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-tex©.
- What about sandals: there are indeed hiking sandals that are suited to certain types of outing. Rule them out if you are planning to hike in the mountains, on steep or rocky trails, or simply in areas with tall grass. They are also not suitable for longer hikes, as they do not provide sufficient ankle support. However, for short, easy outings on flat ground or tarmac, they are perfect. They are also a great choice for excursions in the desert or in nature rich in waterways, or at least with water crossings, as they offer excellent drainage of sand and water, unlike closed shoes.
