How to choose the right summer hiking shoes to make the most of every outing in all weathers and all year round?
In very hot weather, it can be tempting to wear as few layers as possible in your summer hiking outfit. The same goes for footwear: heavy, hot and stiff hiking shoes may be the last thing you want to wear. But they are your most important piece of basic kit, and hiking without suitable shoes puts your safety at risk. Your feet need proper protection, soles that hold the ground and provide good grip, sufficient ankle support and shoes comfortable enough to walk several kilometres without injury or discomfort. Only hiking shoes are designed to meet all these needs; footwear made specifically for hiking is essential. Fortunately, there are shoes suited to summer outings. Explore their key features.
Don't overlook the type of terrain
Terrain is the first thing to consider when choosing footwear. Think about the type of terrain and the type of hiking you plan to do. Before deciding on the height of the upper, the materials and the stiffness of the sole, consider the ground you will be walking on. Even in hot weather, setting off on an alpine hike across very rough terrain with a risk of rockfall in thin, slipper-like shoes without a toe cap or ankle support is out of the question. Equally, high-cut boots are not suited to desert outings, unlike low- or mid-cut shoes or even hiking sandals. If you often sprain your ankle and may encounter steep or obstacle-strewn ground, choose high- or mid-cut footwear rather than low-cut shoes, and consider adding hiking poles to your kit.
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.
- Cooler footwear: low-cut hiking shoes are naturally the coolest option, but whether you choose high-, mid- or low-cut shoes, the materials also matter. Avoid synthetic leather: it makes your feet sweat and offers poor ventilation. Consider suede or nubuck instead of untreated leather, as they are thinner and lighter. Or choose mesh, which is lighter still.
- 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.
