How to choose the right summer hiking shoes to make the most of your outings in all weathers, 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 that goes for shoes too. You may have no desire whatsoever to wear hiking shoes — too heavy, too warm, too stiff. However, they are your most important piece of base equipment: without hiking shoes, you put your safety at risk. It is essential that your foot is properly protected, that your sole has good traction and offers a reliable grip, that your ankle is sufficiently supported, and that your shoes are comfortable enough to walk several kilometres without risking injury or discomfort. Only hiking shoes are designed and built with all these criteria in mind; only purpose-specific footwear is truly suited to hiking. Fortunately, there are perfect shoes for summer outings. Let's explore their key features!
Don't overlook the type of terrain
The first criterion to consider before choosing your shoes is the terrain. The first thing to take into account is the type of terrain and the type of hiking you are about to do. To choose the right cut, shoe composition and sole stiffness, think first and foremost about the type of ground you will be covering. Even in warm weather, it is unthinkable to head out on an alpine hike over highly rugged terrain with rockfall risk, wearing thin shoes with no toe cap and no ankle support. Equally, high-cut shoes 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 are likely to be on steep or obstacle-strewn terrain, opt for high or mid-cut shoes, rule out low-cut options, and consider complementing your kit with hiking poles.
How to choose the right summer hiking shoes?
In hot summer conditions, it is important to choose suitable hiking shoes to avoid overheating and excessive sweating. Whether high, mid or low cut, go for lightweight and breathable shoes to stay cool and wick away moisture efficiently. Let's look at the main criteria to consider before buying your summer hiking shoes.
- The type of terrain: we cannot say it enough — the first question to ask yourself when buying a pair of hiking shoes is about the type of terrain and the type of hiking you are about to do. High mountains? On flat ground? Over several days? 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 adequate airflow around 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 moisture. 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 are never fully safe from a downpour. Bear in mind that it is always possible to waterproof them with a dedicated spray, or to choose shoes lined with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex©.
- What about sandals: hiking sandals do exist and are suited to certain types of outing. Forget them if you plan to hike in the mountains, on steep or rocky trails, or anywhere with tall grass. They are also not suitable for longer hikes, as they do not provide enough ankle support. However, for short, easy outings on flat ground or paved paths, they are ideal. They also work very well for excursions in the desert or in nature with many watercourses — or at least with water crossings — as they allow excellent drainage of sand and water, unlike closed shoes.
