7 Best Summer Hiking Shoes in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
7 Best Summer Hiking Shoes in 2023
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Are you looking forward to busting some trails this coming summer season? If so, don’t settle for anything less — be in the best hiking shoes possible by considering the summer kicks on display below.

Do you need a doozy in the comfort department? Maybe you’re quite desperate for a grippy summer pair? Or perhaps you just need something super-affordable? Whichever kick you need, there’s more than enough summertime goodness waiting for you here. 

We went over with a fine-tooth comb in testing each of these summer shoes. We made sure that we personally witnessed and experienced the shoes before we describe them so everything remains factual - No BS!

Best summer hiking shoes overall

Merrell Moab 3
88
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Based on our lab analysis and test hikes, we have come to the conclusion that the Merrel Moab 3 is the best overall summer hiking shoe. Don’t be deceived by its workhorse appearance; this shoe was extraordinarily comfortable from day one. It kept our feet cool on hot summer hikes with excellent breathability and its flexible midsole allows our foot to flex naturally over uneven surfaces, improving its already stellar grip. What’s not to like?!

We were mightily impressed by the shoe’s ability to breathe and keep our feet sweat-free on hot days. We took a closer look at the shoe’s upper and saw that the tightly-woven mesh has plenty of ventilation pores. We found this great for drainage when we encountered damp conditions. To double-check our observations, we pumped smoke into the shoe to see how much made it through the pores. No surprises there - the smoke passed quickly and easily through the upper, so we awarded it 4/5 (5 is the most breathable).

The Moab 3 is a star for comfort. With its 14.5 mm-thick padded tongue (2 mm thicker than average) and extra padding around the heel, we needed no wear-in time. We noticed how nimble the shoe feels on our test hikes, so we brought them into the lab to crunch the numbers. We bent them to 90° with a force gauge, which measured an impressive 24.9N. Since the average is 39.2N, we know that this is a seriously flexible shoe!

On the other hand, we don’t recommend this shoe to hikers looking for something lightweight to cover a lot of ground quickly. At 16.2 oz (460g) the Merrel Moab 3 is 0.7 oz 20g heavier than average.

Pros

  • Supremely comfy
  • Zero break-in
  • Boss-level support
  • Solid grip
  • Stable platform
  • Fantastic cushioning
  • Fits various foot shapes
  • Cheaper than average
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not quite sleek-looking
Full review of Merrell Moab 3

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Men
Women
Any color
Walnut (J03589)
Black Night (J03587)
Kangaroo/Coyote (J13554)
Walnut/Moss (J03628)
Granite V2 (J03588)
Incense (J03627)
Black (J03702)
Avocado (J03703)
Brown (J03676)

Best summer hiking shoes for easy hikes

Danner Trail 2650
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

A shoe with a glowing pedigree, the Danner Trail 2650 took top place as the best summer hiking shoe for easy hikes. It is exceptionally breathable and incredibly lightweight, not to mention flexible and comfortable.

On our hikes through wet grass, the leather and mesh upper got wet fairly quickly, but the good news is that the shoe is superbly breathable and our feet dried out soon after. This makes them our go-to choice for summer hikes since it keeps our feet cool and dry - and free of blisters!

No one wants a clunky boot for easy trails, and that’s where lightweight hiking shoes come into their own. The Danner Trail 2650 knocks the socks off the competition - in our lab, they weighed in at just 11.3 oz (320g). Comparing these shoes to the average of 13.5 oz (384g), there is nothing clunky about these shoes!

We found these shoes are suited to chilled rambles as well as longer, more technical trails. The generous EVA midsole was supremely comfortable on our hikes and required no breaking in. In addition, the flexible midsole offers a very natural feel, as well as improving the grip. We bent the shoe to 90° with a force gauge and measured 31.6N. Since the average is 39.2N, this is an impressively flexible shoe and it flexed comfortably with our foot over rocks and roots.

The thick cushioning underfoot is great for increasing the comfort of this shoe, but we did notice a significant lack of ground feel. Therefore, we don’t recommend the Danner Trail 2650 to hikers who prefer to intuit what they are hiking on.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good grip
  • Incredible midsole
  • Protective TPU shank
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Fits true to size
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Ankle support isn’t there
  • No waterproofing
Full review of Danner Trail 2650

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Men
Women
Any color
Brown Red (61272)
Black/Gray (61275)
Multi (61282)
Brown (61278)

Summer hiking shoes with the best stability

What makes it the best?

When we need a lightweight pair of shoes for summer hikes that support us even on the most technical of trails, we reach for our trusty Salomon X Ultra 4s. They are supportive and grippy, plus lightweight and exceptionally breathable, making them our top choice for summer hiking shoes with the best stability.

We also tested the stability of the shoes on different terrains out on our hikes. We were amazed how well these shoes stick to wet rock, soggy trails and loose gravel, so we flipped them over in the lab to take a closer look. First we measured the depth of the lugs on the Contragrip sole. They are pretty substantial - at 5.2 mm deep, they are 0.9 mm deeper than average. The classic chevron design prevents slipping when we are walking uphill or downhill, and the chunky heel lug keeps us steady on loose descents.

On our test hikes we got caught out by rain and found ourselves dodging puddles. Of course, our feet got wet, but we were astonished to find they dried out quicker than our wet clothes! We know, then, that we’re talking about a very breathable and quick-drying pair of shoes, making them an excellent choice for hot summer days - sweaty feet begone!

For hikers who are fed up with having to stop to retie shoe laces, Salomon’s quick laces may be a blessing. We found they locked our feet in securely and, along with the plastic shank in the midsole, kept our ankles from twisting. It gave us a lot of confidence in our footholds when rock hopping and light scrambling.

We don’t recommend these to hikers who will be doing a lot of walking in muddy areas. The 41 chunky lugs are tightly packed, and we noticed they had some problems shedding mud, making them slippery.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Exceptional breathability
  • Excellent grip
  • Comfortable midsole
  • Great ankle support
  • Insanely protective

Cons

  • Lacing system is not adjustable
  • Some issues with rubbing at the ankle
Full review of Salomon X Ultra 4

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Men
Women
Any color
Bungee Cord/Black/Vintage Kaki (L413859)
Quiet Shade/Black/Quiet Shade (L413856)
Blue (L414530)

Best lightweight summer hiking shoes

What makes it the best?

If there is one word that can describe the Moab Speed outside the bounds of “fast” and the like, “liberating” should be it. Dubbed by Merrell as their tackle-any-trail shoe, this agile hiker will draw out the creative adventurer bubbling inside you. Yes, the Moab Speed is poised to live up to its moniker, especially once you get it on nice and secure.

Pros

  • True to size
  • Nice fit
  • Amazing arch support
  • Quick-drying
  • Well-cushioned
  • Quick break-in time
  • Very comfortable
  • Grippy
  • Versatile
  • Feels light

Cons

  • Heel lock is sub-par
  • Not for wide feet
  • Sole wears quickly
Full review of Merrell Moab Speed

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Men
Women
Any color
Brown (J06708)
Black/White (J06709)
Black (J13539)
Black (J13540)
Brindle (J06677)
Black/Multi (J50034)
Black/Asphalt (J06703)
Falcon (J06771)

Summer hiking shoes with the best grip

Salomon Outpulse
84
Great!

What makes it the best?

The gist concerning the Outpulse from Salomon is a simple one—it's laser-focused on propelling every step ever forward. It's a dreamy warm-weather trail kick that envelops the foot in absolute comfort, making you think less and hike more. It might not be the toughest shoe, but while it lasts, the Outpulse will help you crush those hiking miles in a speedy fashion.

Pros

  • Comfy right away
  • 10/10 tenacity
  • Relaxing fit
  • Quite breathable
  • Bouncy
  • Ideal for long hikes
  • True to size

Cons

  • Questionable durability
  • Sliding tongue
Full review of Salomon Outpulse

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Leek Green/Poppy Red (L415849)
Wrought Iron/Bleached Sand/Vibrant Orange (L415851)
Ebony (L471521)

Best summer hiking shoes for water activities

What makes it the best?

"These are just badass shoes" perfectly carries the overall sentiment found in the reviews of the Aqua X Sport. Indeed, this grippy kick from Xero Shoes doesn't back down in wet environments, nor is it fazed by dryland in the heat of the sun. Its lightweight, aquatic design is also matched with tons of flexibility and comfort, making watery adventures extra exhilarating.

Pros

  • Incredibly tenacious
  • Lighter than the Mesa Trail
  • Super comfortable on day one
  • Effectively expels water
  • Dries quickly
  • Quite versatile
  • Air cool
  • Mighty flexible

Cons

  • Pricy for a water shoe
  • Can get odorous
Full review of Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport

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Men
Women
Any color
Moonlit Blue Orange (ARMMBO)
Grå (ARMSGB)
Surf (ARMSRF)
Black (ARMBLK)
Blue/Yellow (ARMBLY)

Best budget summer hiking shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Adidas Terrex AX4 is a superbly versatile hiking shoe and represents excellent value for money. At 90$, it is $22 cheaper than average for summer hiking shoes. It certainly won’t break the bank, and yet it offers a bunch of features, making it the best value summer hiking shoe. In our lab tests and out on the trail, it proved remarkably breathable, with perfect cushioning and rock-solid stability, making it a great day hiking shoe for the warm summer months.

On our hikes, we found the Terrex AX4 carefully walks the line between breathability and water repellency - quite rare in hiking shoes. In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe to gauge its breathability. We rated it 3/5 - right in the middle of the range. Photos taken with our microscope show the tightly-woven fabric upper, whose ventilation pores are small enough to prevent water from dew-soaked grass and light drizzle from seeping into the shoe.

Our feet could breathe on our hikes, keeping them comfortable and blister-free whilst also dealing with light summer showers. Even after a couple of creek crossings, our feet dried out surprisingly quickly, thanks to the breathable upper.

Our feet were well-protected from sharp stones on the trail, so we tested the hardness of the midsole in the lab. Pressing a durometer against the midsole, we found it to measure 39 HA, 19% firmer than average. In practice, we found this firmer midsole supported our feet over longer distances whilst boasting top-notch protection from sharp objects.

We were impressed by the stability this shoe offered on our hikes and investigated it in the lab. We measured the width of the midsole with a caliper - the forefoot is 1.8 mm wider than average, and at the heel, 1.1 mm wider than average. In our manual tests of the heel counter, we rated it 5/5, the stiffest possible. Every little helps - the stiff heel counter keeps our feet firmly in the shoe, and the wider-than-average platform stops us from rolling our ankles on steep and rocky trails.

We don’t recommend this shoe to hikers looking for a fully waterproof shoe for multi-day hikes or multiple stream crossings. The Adidas Terrex AX4 GTX is a fully waterproof iteration of this shoe. 

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Feels like a trail running shoe
  • Breathable
  • Water-repellent
  • Solid grip
  • Durable for the price
  • Stable platform
  • Contains recycled materials

Cons

  • Lacks toe protection
  • Flimsy insole
Full review of Adidas Terrex AX4

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Unisex
Any color
Negbás Carbon Gricua (HP7388)
Viopla Fusazu Negbás (HP7393)
Blue (HP7392)
Coral Fusion/Crystal White/Impact Or (HQ1047)
Gray (IF4872)
Black (FY9673)
Wonder Red Linen Green Pulse Lilac (GY8621)
Core Black/Grey Four/Mint (FZ3255)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best summer hiking shoes

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We relish returning the insulated boots deep in the closet every year and blowing the dust off our favorite lightweight and breathable summer hiking shoes.

What to look for in summer hiking shoes

Let’s take a look at some key components of summer hiking shoes. 

Breathability to promote temperature control

If hiking shoes suffocate your feet, you will overheat, sweat, and struggle to remain comfortable.

Therefore, summer hiking shoes need to be breathable. Breathability comes from using materials that allow airflow and moisture evaporation. For example, the Merrell Moab 3 combines synthetic leather and mesh to provide breathability and durability.

Breathable summer hiking shoes don't only allow adequate temperature regulation. They also dry out quicker. This is perfect for summer hiking, where the occasional storm or river crossing may soak your feet. With sunshine and airflow, your shoe quill dries out within the hour. 

Lightweight materials to prevent foot fatigue 

Hiking shoes designed for the summer season tend to be lightweight. Typically, this results from shoe manufacturers wanting to use breathable materials. These materials coincidentally are lighter weight.

Salomon-X-Ultra-4-weight.jpg

Average weight of a summer hiking shoe is 12.3 oz (350g)

Lightweight shoes are ideal for summer because they prevent foot fatigue. Believe it or not, your feet and legs work out less with lighter shoes. Lightweight hiking shoes help prevent overheating and allow you to go farther and faster, should you choose.

Reliable grip to tackle various terrain 

As you continue to investigate hiking shoes for the summer, consider the terrain you plan to hike through.

  • Are you headed to the desert?
  • Do you frequent moderate fire roads? Or technical single-track trails?
  • Do you hike off established trail networks?
  • Does the terrain you enjoy get muddy during the summer?
  • Is the terrain loose? Steep? Rocky?

Next, take a look at the outsoles of different hiking shoes. The lug profile of hiking shoes will tell you a lot about the terrain it's designed to excel.

  • Deep lugs facilitate traction on loose terrain.
  • Widely spaced lugs prevent mud build-up. 
  • Uni-directional lugs help push you forward in steep terrain. 
  • Aggressive lugs under the heel help you brake and slow you down.

adidas-terrex-ax-4-outsole.JPG

Protective features to shield your feet

It’s a common misconception that summer hiking shoes do not provide enough protection for your feet. On the contrary, many hiking shoes include many of the same protective features as their winter counterparts, minus the thick insulated uppers.

Let’s look at the Salomon X Ultra 4 as an example.

One layer of protection, cushioning, comes from the outsole and midsole. The Salomon X Ultra 4 utilizes two different types of foam in the midsole. Stiffer foam is used beneath the heel, while the softer foam is in the forefoot.

Another layer of protection comes sandwiched between the midsole and outsole– a stiff plastic shank. The shank not only protects from sharp rocks and roots. But it also adds to the shoe's stability by adding rigidity.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 also boasts a robust protective toe guard. Part of the outsole wraps upwards to the toe and integrates with a rubber toe cap.

All of these features of X Ultra 4, and the protective features on other hiking shoes, protect your feet from rough trails and, therefore, may increase your endurance.

Salomon-X-Ultra-4-Upper.jpg

Summer is one of the best times of the year for water hiking and other water-related sports, like kayaking and canoeing. The hot and humid temperatures mesh perfectly with the refreshing waters of lakes, streams, and oceans.

If you want to enjoy water hiking or other water sports this summer, it’s best to be prepared with the appropriate footwear. Yes, that’s correct – you should wear shoes when participating in these activities.

Wearing hiking shoes designed to be used in or around water provides your feet with valuable protection. That’s because riverbeds, beaches, and even waterparks can be dangerous places for exposed feet. 

Grå

Of the shoes we reviewed in this article, the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport is, by and large, the best choice for water hiking and other water-related summer activities. This is because they are incredibly lightweight, weighing only 5.8 and 7.2 ounces for women’s and men’s models.

The Aqua X Sport is well known for its sticky outsoles. They are perfect for traction and grip on wet surfaces, such as rocks in rivers and algae-covered logs.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for summer hiking, the Aqua X Sport is one of the most breathable shoes on the market. The synthetic mesh upper dries extremely quickly and prevents your feet from overheating.

Choosing socks for your summer hiking shoes

The socks you choose for summer hiking are almost as important as your footwear. There are four critical components of socks for summer hiking that we recommend considering:

  • Breathability: The more ventilation that your socks and shoes can facilitate, the better. Ventilation will prevent your feet from overheating and sweating profusely. Ventilation will also facilitate quicker drying if your feet get wet from precipitation like rain or creek crossings.  
  • Moisture-wicking/anti-microbial fabric: Socks for summer hiking should be made with wool or synthetic materials. You want to avoid socks made with cotton at all costs.
    • Wool socks: breathable, odor-free, wick away moisture (sweat) from your feet, and regulate temperature effectively; but not so durable.
    • Synthetic socks: more durable, dry more quickly than wool; but don’t wick moisture away from your feet as effectively, notorious for developing an odor.
  • Thin/low-weight: High-quality sock companies create socks with different weights and thicknesses. Summer hiking socks should be light or mid-weight. Socks specifically designed for hiking will have a little extra fabric strategically sewn into the high-wear zones for extra durability and comfort.   
  • Cut: We recommend socks extending slightly above your shoe's collar for summer hiking. In doing so, you expose your skin to facilitate more cooling and evaporation while preventing chaffing around your ankle. Crew and quarter crew cut socks are ideal. In general, you want to avoid mid and over-the-calf or knee-cut socks. Unless you choose to prioritize the extra protection these types of socks can offer you, especially when wearing shorts.

Bonus: Tips for summer hiking

Summer is one of the best times to get out into the great outdoors and enjoy hikes of all lengths and difficulties. But, regardless of your objective, be it a jaunt through the local trails in your backyard or a larger mission into the backcountry, it’s critical to be safe.

Danner-Trail-1650_23.jpg

Here are some tips to ensure that your summer hiking adventures remain as safe (and fun) as possible.

Prepare and plan ahead

Before leaving the house, it’s critical to prepare and plan ahead. What exactly do we mean by this?

  • Plan your route ahead of time and investigate using various platforms, like maps and hiking apps. 
  • Prepare adequate water and food for the objective. If it's a short trip, then you need snacks and water. If you are gone all day, don’t forget to pack lunch and extra water.
  • Notify someone of your route, destination, and estimated arrival time back home.
  • Prepare the proper clothing and equipment. Items like adjustable layers, headlamps, and a first aid kit are essential.

Check the forecast

Checking the weather before you go is essential. It may inform what objective you choose and when you should turn around. It could convince you to stay home and go the next day. Ultimately, checking the forecast can keep you safer (and drier) throughout all your summer hiking adventures.

Use a turnaround time

Turnaround times are hard deadlines where you commit to turning around and heading back to the car parked at the trailhead or base camp. Turnaround times are critical because they prevent you from getting carried away or succumbing to summit fever.

With well-timed turnaround times, you can avoid getting stuck in afternoon storms and returning to the trailhead or base camp in the dark.

Avoid hiking alone

Hiking alone can be a super fun way to enjoy the outdoors. You can move at your own pace and enjoy the quiet of nature all around you.

However, hiking alone can also be dangerous. If you can, avoid hiking alone, especially on long and technical trails. On the other hand, with a hiking partner, you can give or receive help if an emergency occurs.

Wear the appropriate footwear

Hiking shoes are like tools. You want to pick the right tool to complete the task at hand. For example, you don’t use an Allen wrench to drive a nail into a piece of wood. Instead, you would use a hammer.

It’s the same with hiking footwear. You wouldn’t use four-season hiking boots for light and fast peak-bagging missions. Instead, you would select a pair of lightweight summer hiking shoes or trail runners from your footwear quiver.

Frequently asked questions about summer hiking shoes

Can I wear hiking sandals for summer hiking?

Hiking sandals are a popular footwear option, especially during the summer. The main advantage of hiking sandals for summer climates is their breathability. They help keep your feet from overheating and dry out quickly if you are hiking through or around bodies of water.

However, one obvious drawback of hiking sandals is the need for more protection. So if you are hiking through particularly rough terrain, you might consider leaving the sandals at home. But hiking sandals are fantastic for short jaunts, easy terrain, or spending time around basecamp during a summer backpacking trip.

keen-newport-h2-weight.JPG 

Do my summer hiking shoes need to be waterproof?

The answer to this question is– it depends. None of the shoes in this article are considered to be waterproof. However, many of them are water-resistant. This is because summer climates tend to be warm and dry. Therefore, the extra money and weight for waterproof shoes might not be worth it for your summer footwear. Not to mention that waterproof shoes tend to have less breathability and dry out slower when soaked.

If there is precipitation during the summer, it’s typically from the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that comes and goes. Having waterproof shoes for these storms may be nice, but the enhanced breathability and drying of nonwaterproof shoes may suit you better.

How do I prevent blisters during summer hikes?

Blisters form from heat, friction, and moisture. Therefore, avoiding these three things is the best way to prevent blisters from forming.

Avoiding heat and moisture is possible by wearing breathable shoes and socks. For example, hiking shoes that incorporate breathable materials like synthetic meshes. Lightweight hiking socks constructed with wool are ideal for breathability and ventilation.

Too much friction comes from ill-fitting hiking shoes. If your hiking shoes don’t fit well or haven't been laced correctly, your feet will move around on the inside of the shoe as you hike. Over time, the extra movement will create friction that creates hot spots and blisters in high-wear areas such as the heel and toes.

merrell-moab-3-gusseted-tongue.JPG

How we test hiking shoes

RunRepeat is the place to be for compelling collections, including this summer-ready lineup. Here is what helps us come up with the top picks:

  • We purchase summer hiking shoes with our own money.
  • We wear these breezy hikers during the summer months to gauge their truest potential.
  • To make our reviews as comprehensive as possible, we support our claims and experiences with evidence. We measure the different aspects of the shoes using our own invested tools inside our lab. Not only that but we view each shoe in a zoomed-in perspective by splitting them in half.
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.