Summer hiking is easier and more enjoyable if you’ve got the best summer hiking shoes. In this best hiking shoes buying guide, we grabbed the top pics so you can keep hitting the trail in comfort and ease all summer.
No matter what the season your feet can take a beating when hiking. This eventually creates a swampy, sweaty environment in your shoes most especially during the summer. To cope up with the hot weather, you need the right shoes that are made to be used for the summer.
If you are an avid hiker, then you know that seasons don’t stop you and it’s never about the weather, but the clothes you wear.
Here are our top picks for the ultimate best hiking shoes for the summer.
What Shoes Should I Wear for Summer Hiking?
In general, the right hiking boots should provide enough protection, support, traction, and all-day comfort.
- Consider a lighter, less clunky pair of hiking shoes
- Pick a breathable hiking shoe
- Good traction for all kinds of surfaces
- Make sure you’re comfortable
- Nonwaterproof are more breathable making them a better option in the summer than their waterproof counterpart
- Quick drying materials
Finally, your shoe should fit comfortably – look for a pair that is snug in the heel and roomy enough around the toes.
If you are planning an extended hike, it is wise to bring along a spare pair of shoes so that you can switch them out when necessary. With these tips in mind, you will be ready to tackle any summer hikes with the right shoes!
Best Summer Hiking Shoes
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like a summer hike to get your blood pumping. But if you want to make the most of your experience, it pays to invest in the right footwear. That's why we've put together this list on the best summer hiking shoes for 2023!
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Aero Hiking Shoes is our pick for the best summer hiking shoes for women.
From day hikes to lightweight backpacking trips the Salomon’s X Ultra line of hiking footwear is one of the best on the market. Combining lightness, durability, breathability and on-trail performance, this pair is the perfect summer hiking shoes for women.
The Pros:- Designed specifically for women
- Lightweight
- The breathable polyester mesh panels in the uppers keep feet cool
- Stable even on rugged terrains
- Moisture wicking soft textile linings
- Excellent heel support
- Utilizes tongue gussets to block debris from getting inside
- Extended tail that keeps jersey tucked-in
- Features mud guards and integrated rubber toe caps
- The lines on the outsoles make it more flexible
- Needs more cushioning especially on hard surfaces
We pick Merrell Men's Moab Ventilator as the best summer hiking shoes for men.
Known for its stability, and great overall performance on trail , it came as no surprise why the Merrell Moab Ventilator is considered as the best hiking shoes on the market. You can rely on its breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable on a hot summer hike.
The Pros:- Out of the box comfort
- Vibram outsole for excellent traction
- Compression-molded EVA foot frame
- Breathable
- Reasonable price point
- Durable
- Great for wide feet
- Beginner friendly shoes
- A bit heavy
- Lacks stability in the heel area
The KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoes is our pick for the best waterproof summer hiking boots.
This shoe has been a popular choice among hikers and backpackers thanks to its excellent support, protection and overall comfort on different types of terrains. Its waterproof yet breathable membrane along with moisture wicking liners makes it a great pair of hiking boots for the summer.
The Pros:- Made of waterproof and breathable membrane
- Durable and rugged
- Rubber outsole provides high-traction grip
- Non-marking rubber outsoles
- Excellent arch support
- Enhanced torsion stability
- Has S3 heel support prevents ankle injuries
- Features Keen.Dry liner wicks away moisture
- Can feel a bit warm due to its waterproof membrane
The Adidas Terrex Ax3 is our pick for the best budget hiking shoes for summer.
Coming in below $100, the Adidas Terrex Ax3 hiking shoes is the best option for hikers on a budge. And if your feet tend to get sweaty during a hike, don’t you worry because these shoes are made of breathable materials keeping your feet cool day in and day out.
The Pros:- Superior comfort
- Breathable
- Durable
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight
- Plenty of cushioning
- Cool design
- Slightly narrow toe box
The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is our pick for the best lightweight hiking shoes for summer.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is designed to be lightest on the trails. Combining strong protection, dynamic cushioning and the new breathable mesh uppers this shoe offers limitless uses for trail runners.
- Features breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool
- Lightweight foam for a more responsive ride
- Can handle various ranges of trails from moderate to technical
- Extended tail that keeps jersey tucked-in
- Impressive grip
- Superior foot protection
- Well balanced cushioning
- Narrow fit
How do I keep my feet cool when hiking?
When hiking, it is important to keep your feet cool in order to maximize comfort and minimize the risk of blisters or chafing.
- Wearing lightweight and breathable hiking shoes
- Make sure to choose socks made of moisture-wicking material.
- If you stop for a break and find that your feet are damp, take off your socks and let them air-dry for a few minutes.
- If possible, change your socks during the hike to prevent moisture from accumulating as you walk.
Fun & Cool Hiking Clothes
More Hiking Gear Resources
- My Absolute Favorite Wide Toe Box Shoes
- Best Kids Hiking Clothes On The Market
- 5 Best Kids Hydration Packs On The Market
- Best Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
More Related Resources
Are you suffering from bunions or need a pair of hiking shoes to accommodate your wide feet? Make sure to read our list of the best wide-toe box hiking shoes on the market.
And if you’re hiking somewhere cold check out this post about safety tips for cold weather hiking.
