If you have ever been hiking in the height of summer, you will know how uncomfortable things can get if you do not have the right footwear. Of course, staying hydrated is an important consideration, so you should always take plenty of water and try to walk in the shade where possible.
But aren’t hiking shoes usually sweaty and not ideal for the summer? This is a common misconception, but there are some incredible hiking shoes for summer that will help your tootsies stay cool while you enjoy the view.
What To Look For In Hiking Shoes For Summer
When you are shopping for summer hiking boots, it is vital that you take a look at the features and materials that have been used to make the shoe. The last thing you want is to end up with a pair of hiking shoes that are nothing but uncomfortable. With that in mind, let’s explore what you should be looking for in hiking shoes for summer.
Materials
Perhaps one of the most important things that you should be looking for in your summer hiking shoes is a breathable material.
The material should be lightweight and breathable but should not compromise on quality and durability. In most cases, you will find that the best hiking boots for summer are made from leather, GORE-TEX, or mesh.
Foot Support
The whole reason that you use hiking shoes in the first place is to support the feet as you hike over rugged ground and uneven terrain. Another common problem with using more lightweight materials is that some manufacturers will compromise the level of support that the shoe gives.
Look for added stabilization in the structure of the shoe and how the product is constructed. If you do now have adequate support, then you may end up with muscle strains and a lot of discomfort whilst hiking.
Waterproof
Just because it is summer, that does not mean to say that there won’t be a downpour or that the trail will be dry and dusty. In some parts of the world, you can be almost certain that there will be a lot of wet weather over the summer months. For this reason, you should be certain that your shoes are waterproof.
Just because they are made from a breathable material, that doesn’t mean that they cannot also be watertight. If they are not, you will likely find yourself running for cover at the first few spots of rain, and this can ruin your hiking experience.
Fortunately, one of the most common materials used in summer hiking shoes, GORE-TEX is also incredibly waterproof, so you will be getting the best of both worlds.
Durable
Nobody wants a pair of hiking boots that are going to fall apart after a few uses. Unfortunately, because many of these types of boots are made from a more lightweight fabric, some may not be as durable as robust winter boots.
However, that doesn’t mean that all summer hiking boots are not durable. There are plenty of products that will deliver on all fronts; you just need to make sure that you check this before buying.
If you are buying your hiking shoes in a store, it is easier to judge the quality and get a feel for the shoe. However, if you are buying online, this may be a little more challenging. The best way to determine durability is to take a look at previous customer reviews and make use of guides like this one.
The Best Hiking Shoes For Summer
If you search for summer hiking shoes, you will likely be confronted with an array of products all claiming to be the best. But how can you be sure that these shoes will perform in a way that you would expect them to?
When it comes to finding the best hiking shoes for summer, we have got you covered.
Merrell Moab 2 Vented Hiking Shoe
One of the first things that you will notice about these shoes is that they come in a superb range of colors. A common problem for a lot of modern hikers is that the shoes don’t fit their sense of style, but this problem is quickly eliminated by offering choices to suit your personality.
But aesthetics aside, these shoes have a lot to offer. As their name may suggest, these summer hiking shoes are fully vented so you will have an excellent level of airflow around the feet. This is important at all times of the year but even more so in the hot summer months when excess sweating could cause painful blisters. This is achieved with the breathable mesh lining inside the shoe.
But what is even more impressive is that these shoes feature a closed-cell foam tongue which is designed to keep out debris and moisture, keeping you comfortable throughout the hike.
These shoes are incredibly durable and boast a reliable Vibram rubber sole that offers support, grip and stability. There is also an air cushion in the heel which provides an increased level of comfort with every step – MOAB stands for the ‘Mother Of All Boots’, and it isn’t difficult to see why.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to go hiking, you will be treated to gorgeous weather and will be able to appreciate the great outdoors in all its glory. However, the hot weather can make wearing a pair of robust hiking boots, something of an uncomfortable experience.
Fortunately, this problem is easily solved with a pair of hiking shoes that have been designed especially for summertime.
There are several things that you will need to consider, but in the main, your summer hiking boots will need to be breathable, light, and supportive as well as waterproof for those unexpected summer showers.
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