6 Best Summer Hiking Boots, 30+ Shoes Tested in 2023
There is something quite appealing about venturing into the great outdoors as the sun is blessing the nature all around. Being in such a bright and breezy environment, of course, calls for the best summer hiking boots.
This sun-kissed hiking lineup is a result of having gone through over 20 pairs of summer boots. Indeed, the top picks that await you here will exceed your expectations—from the most endearing summer all-rounder to the mightiest backpacking boot.
How we test hiking boots
Rounded up in this space are the finest summer hiking boots known to man. Detailed below is our no-frills-yet-meticulous process.
- Using our own funds, we purchase summer hiking boots (be they cheap or expensive).
- To find out the strengths and weaknesses of these breathable hikers, we hike in every pair under the heat of the sun for days.
- We collect reviews from experts and summer trail-goers and reflect them on our own.
A CoreScore is assigned to every reviewed summer hiking boot. This score enables us to pick out the bests of the bunch.
Best summer hiking boots overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 22% in hiking boots
- Top 28% in KEEN hiking boots
- Top 21% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Transcendent comfort
- Barely-there lightness
- 10/10 support
- Through-the-roof grip level
- Fantastic softness
- Awe-inspiring breathability
- Roomy toe box
- Attractive
Cons
- Frail heel loop
- Needs more poke protection
Verdict
Best wide toe box summer hiking boots
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- Unparalleled bounciness
- Slipper-like lightness
- Immensely comfy
- Sticky on dry ground
- Surprisingly tough
- Super-flexible
- Quite breathable
- Dries quickly
- Gives fantastic transitions
- Glove-like fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Tongue that shifts
- Not-so-clingy on mud
Verdict
Best day hiking summer hiking boots
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 9% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Incredibly supportive
- Cloud-like plushness
- Minimal break-in
- Superb grip
- Heavy-duty
- Flushes out stuffiness
- Prevents odor buildup
- Easy on and off
- Uberly low-priced
Cons
- A tad heavy (women's version)
- Squishy toe zone
Verdict
Best Merrell summer hiking boots
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- Amazing comfort
- Snug fit
- Excellent ventilation
- Versatile look
Cons
- Too narrowLack of padding
Verdict
Best value summer hiking boots
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 22% in lightweight hiking boots
- Top 29% in summer hiking boots
Pros
- Instant comfort
- No break-in period
- Featherweight
- Protective underfoot
- Superior shock absorption
- Secure collar
- Remarkable ankle support
- Breathable
Cons
- Underwhelming grip
- Lackluster responsiveness
Verdict
Most popular summer hiking boots
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 24% in hiking boots
- Top 22% in Timberland hiking boots
- Top 1% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Above-average traction
- Insanely lightweight
- Very affordable
- Supportive arch
- Lasting construction
- Above-average traction
- Sweepingly dashing
- Recycled rubber used
Cons
- Subpar ventilation
- Unruly laces
Verdict
