7 Best Summer Hiking Shoes in 2024

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.

Hoka Skyline-Float X stood out in our lab tests and actual trail adventures, providing not only a breezy experience but a cushioned, stable, and energetic one too. Its maximalist nature delivers heavenly comfort that keeps us chasing the miles even under the scorching heat of the sun, easily winning the comfort game among summer hiking shoes.

The upper embraced us with lots of delicate padding that feels luxurious on foot. Despite this, it offers infinite airflow as it’s dotted with ventilation holes, as confirmed by our lab with a flawless breathability rating.

The midsole offers bottomless cushioning and protection against landing impact. Our caliper reveals a sky-high stack of 39.0/31.0 mm. Surprisingly, the ride feels steady thanks to the supportive Pebax plate, midsole sidewalls, broad landing base, and dual-density foams. Our durometer reveals that the top layer is a plush 22.0 HA, gently compressing underfoot and propelling us forward with liveliness. Meanwhile, the bottom layer, balanced at 27.9 HA, enhances our stability.

Further instilling confidence in our strides is the Vibram outsole’s unmatched traction. The 3.7 mm lugs boasted its adhesive power no matter where we went, from loose ground to wet rocks, and even muddy tracks.

However, the plush nature of the upper absorbs water and drains it out poorly. We recommend staying away from wet conditions in this pair.

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.

One of our top essentials on our warm-weather trail adventures is the Salomon Outpulse. Not only does it provide a firm hold on loose and dry soil but it also affords us ease and comfort in the great outdoors. Our feet are unburdened by difficulties the whole time we are sun-soaked!

We observed the gripping power of the Salomon Outpulse to be outstanding in various trails. Wet, dry, and muddy, the Salomon Outpulse never had us doubt our strides and balance.

Regarding the foot feel, we couldn’t be more satisfied. The pored upper of this hiking shoe sure does its job of allowing uninterrupted air penetration. With feet as fresh as ever, we are able to hike for miles.

On uneven terrains and rough off-roads, our feet also remained unbothered and the fantastic midsole made it all possible. The collar also has a lavish padding, steering us far from blisters. Unfortunately, the durability failed to impress us. We found the Salomon Outpulse to be best suited for hikers who go on leisurely and intermediate expeditions.

In a combination of lab assessments and test hikes, we crowned the KEEN NXIS Speed the best lightweight summer hiking shoe. This featherweight shoe is airy and cool during the summer months and has a robust outsole that stood up to rigorous testing.

Weighing in at just 11.8 oz (335g), the KEEN NXIS Speed is one of the lightest hiking shoes to pass through our lab. It weighs 1.4 oz (44g) lighter than our calculated average. We noticed the difference on our hikes, and we felt light, nimble, and energetic without a clunky pair of shoes to weigh us down.

The porous upper of the NXIS Speed goes a long way toward allowing significant airflow into the shoe. We pumped smoke into the shoe to test for breathability and we were mightily impressed by the plumes that came puffing out of the shoe. We awarded it a perfect 5/5 for breathability, making this an airy, comfortable kick for hot summer hikes.

In the lab, we applied a Dremel for 20 seconds at 10K RPM and 3.2N to the outsole. The resulting damage was a mere 0.5 mm deep - 50% less than average! With 4 mm lugs and an extra 3 mm of rubber outsole, we expect to share many miles of hiking with the KEEN NXIS Speed before the outsole wears out.

We measured the notably soft midsole with our durometer, finding it to be 20.9 HA, 30.6% softer than average. This didn’t give us enough support while carrying a heavy pack, so we don’t recommend the KEEN NXIS Speed to hikers needing something suitable for carrying heavy loads.

ACG Watercat+ emerges as the top choice for water hiking among the summer hiking shoes we tested. Living up to its "all conditions gear" reputation, it excels most notably in and around water—effortlessly navigating currents while providing exceptional drainage. With its low stance and suction-like grip, it ensures excellent ground feel and stability on wet rocks.

The shoe's innovative design facilitates breathability and rapid drying. The basket-weave construction allows for efficient ventilation, while drainage holes in the sole ensure quick water release. Even after complete submersion, our feet dry rapidly. Further confirming the obvious is its 5/5 score on our breathability test.

Featuring a flexible and grounded build, the Watercat+ provides a nearly barefoot sensation, enhancing agility and balance, especially in underwater environments. Its impressive flexibility contributes to a closer connection to the terrain. Our bend test confirms it's 19.3% more flexible than its counterparts. Additionally, its lower-than-average 22.0/17.3 mm stack results in a leveled 4.7 mm drop, further emphasizing surface feedback.

True to its feline-inspired name, the Watercat+ delivers outstanding traction on slippery surfaces, thanks to its rounded beehive-patterned outsole that mimics suction cups.

However, the minimalist upper may not provide sufficient ankle support for pronators. Those with stability needs should consider alternative options.

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.