Summer hiking shoes
How do you choose the right summer hiking shoes to enjoy your outings in all weathers and all year round?
When the weather is very hot, it is sometimes tempting to wear as few layers of clothing as possible, and this also applies to shoes. Sometimes you don't want to wear your hiking boots because they are too heavy, too hot and too stiff. However, they are your most important piece of basic equipment, without hiking boots you are putting your safety at risk. It is essential that your foot is properly protected, that your sole is grippy and offers good grip, that your ankle is sufficiently supported and that your shoes are comfortable enough for you to walk for several kilometres without risking injury or discomfort. Only hiking shoes are designed with all these criteria in mind, only specific shoes are suitable for hiking. Fortunately, there are shoes that are perfect for summer outings. Let's find out what they are!
Don't neglect the type of terrain
The first criterion to consider when choosing footwear is the type of terrain. The first thing to consider is the type of terrain and the type of hike you are about to do. When choosing the height of the upper, the composition of your shoes, the rigidity of the sole, think above all about the type of ground you intend to walk on. Even if the weather is warm, it is unthinkable to embark on an alpine hike on very uneven ground with a risk of falling rocks, wearing shoes as thin as slippers, without stone guards and without any ankle support. Similarly, high shoes are not suitable for desert walking, while low or medium shoes or even hiking sandals are. Furthermore, if you suffer from repeated sprains, and there is a chance that you will be hiking on steep or obstacle-laden terrain, opt for high or medium height shoes, forgetting low shoes and why not add hiking poles to your equipment.
How to choose your summer hiking boots?
In hot summer weather, it's important to choose hiking boots that are suitable so that you don't get too hot or sweat too much. Whether they are high, medium or low, choose light and breathable shoes to keep cool and to evacuate sweat properly. Let's take a look at the main criteria you should consider before buying your summer hiking boots.
Type of terrain: we can't stress this enough, the first question to ask yourself when buying a pair of hiking boots is the type of terrain and the type of hiking you're about to do. In the high mountains? On the plains? For several days? A few hours? For each type of outing there is a suitable type of shoe.
Cool shoes: obviously low shoes are the coolest, but whether you choose high, medium or low shoes, the composition of the shoe is also important. Absolutely avoid synthetic leather, which will make you sweat and won't allow your feet to breathe properly. You may prefer suede or nubuck to untreated leather, as they are thinner and lighter. Or opt for mesh, which is even lighter.
Breathable shoes: choose breathable shoes that wick away perspiration. Again, avoid synthetic leather shoes; suede and nubuck are more breathable than leather, and mesh is even more breathable. However, shoes made of synthetic fabrics are the least resistant and even in summer, you can never be sure of a rain shower. It is always possible to waterproof them with a specific spray or to choose a waterproof membrane such as Gore-tex©.
What about sandals? There are indeed hiking sandals that are suitable for certain types of outings. Forget them if you plan to hike in the mountains, on steep or rocky paths, or simply in places with tall grass. They are also not suitable for longer hikes, as they do not provide sufficient ankle support. However, for short, easy outings on the plain or macadam, they are perfect. They are also very suitable for excursions into the desert or into nature with many waterways, or at least with water points to cross, as they allow for excellent drainage of sand and water, unlike closed shoes.