7 of the Best Summer Hiking Shoes
From lightweight trail shoes to hard-wearing Gore-Tex designs, these are the hiking shoes to pack for summer adventures.
Summer hiking calls for lightweight footwear that can keep pace with changing conditions, whether you're tackling a rocky mountain path, crossing damp woodland or heading out for a long day on the trail. The best summer hiking shoes combine a secure fit with grip, breathability and enough protection to handle uneven ground, without weighing you down. From nimble fast-hiking shoes to approach boots, these are the pairs worth considering for your next adventure.
1. Scarpa Mescalito GTX Approach Shoes, men’s
Typically worn by climbers to reach the technical part of their ascent, approach shoes are at once lightweight and hardwearing. The Mescalito GTX is the perfect example. The cushioned midsole offers comfort and bounce, while the robust outsole and rubber nose cap provide excellent grip and protection for those rocky scrambles. A Gore-Tex waterproof membrane ensures you’ll be protected when the downpours start, while the suede upper means the Mescalito GTX is swish enough to wear out and about, too. £170
2. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG Grounding, unisex
With its wafer-thin and hyper-bendable sole, Vivobarefoot’s latest model of trail runners will get you as close to the terrain as possible. The minimalist footwear has long been loved by athletes for its excellent ground feel and roomy toe box, which allows for mobility and strength rebuilding. Not only is the model a rarely stylish option, it also slips on like a sock thanks to its breathable knit outer and easy toggle fastening. A honey-combed tread design allows for ultimate grip on various surfaces, while its entirely recyclable and vegan materials add extra peace of mind for eco-conscious adventurers. £130
3. Adidas Terrex Freehiker SL Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes, unisex
Summer hiking calls for something lighter on your feet, and the Terrex Freehiker SL strikes a good balance between trainer comfort and trail performance. The cushioning keeps things comfortable over long walks, while the Continental rubber outsole adds grip when paths get loose or rocky. Most useful for changeable summer weather is the Gore-Tex membrane: breathable enough for warmer hikes, but ready for that unexpected drizzle that can turn a dry hike soggy. The design is lightweight and understated enough to make the transition from a day on the trails to an evening about town. Customise each shoe with personalised text on the outer side. £130
4. Aku Flyrock GTX, men’s
Designed for moving quickly over varied ground, the Aku Flyrock Gore-Tex combines the nimble feel of a trail shoe with the added protection of a hiking boot. The Gore-Tex membrane helps keep feet dry when summer trails turn wet, while the grippy outsole provides traction across rocky paths and uneven terrain. A lightweight construction makes it well suited to fast-paced day hikes, particularly when you’re covering plenty of ground but don’t want the bulk of a traditional hiking boot. £175
5. Keen Jasper Zionic Sneaker, women’s
This shoe has all the hallmarks of tough hiking footwear combined with the springy cushioning of a trainer. Weighing just 272g, it’s one of Keen’s lightest models and will keep you swift and agile on the trails. The Jasper Zionic also benefits from a heavy-duty toe bumper, and 4mm multi-directional sole lugs provide excellent traction on uneven terrain. It’s good in hot conditions, too: durable brushed suede gives way to a breathable mesh lining and there’s an anti-odour insole to keep things fresh. £150
6. Danner X Osprey N45 Max, unisex
Two American outdoor heavyweights join forces for this limited-edition hiking shoe. Danner has been making boots since 1932, while Osprey began with custom-made backpacks in 1974. Their first collaboration brings their strengths together in a limited run of matching hiking shoes and travel packs for summer trails. The N45 Max has a lightweight, quick-drying upper that keeps feet cool during hot summer hikes, while its generously cushioned EnduroFoam Plus midsole and grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole take care of rougher terrain. £220
7. Salomon X ULTRA 5 Gore-Tex, women’s
Built for challenging terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex offers the stability and grip needed for longer days on the trail. Its Gore-Tex construction keeps feet dry in changing conditions, while the supportive design provides confidence when the path becomes rocky or uneven. Despite its sturdy build, it retains a relatively nimble feel that makes it suitable for summer hiking. It’s a dependable choice for walkers looking for a single pair that can handle everything from local hill walks to more demanding mountain trails. £150
