Top 3 Summer Hiking Boots
- Gio
- Mar 29, 2018
- 10 min read
[ ~10 minute read ]
Well folks, I know it's not quite April, but in my mind, summer is just around the corner! So, to energize us for the warmer months and get our feet ready for hiking, I've brought you my top 3 choices for the best summer hiking boot on the market today. Before we get into the list I'll tell you my criteria for choosing these boots, some of the main differences between a summer hiking boot and an all year hiking boot, and why I think it's so important to have a summer boot.
Criteria for choosing summer boots
When I think about summer hiking I always think hot and humid. I would venture to say that most, although not all, of the United States gets some of this hot, humid weather through the
big 3 summer months (June, July, August). Yes, there are the lucky few who get perfect 75 degree days with 1% humidity, but this article isn't for you; no, you can go sip tea and pet your dog, and worry about whatever it is that perfect people in perfect places think about! But, for the REST of us who have to battle the redonculous heat, the sweat-dripping-off-every-surface-of-your-body kind of humidity, and the eat-your-eyeball bugs...this article is for you.
If I were to create the perfect summer boots, this would be my list of must-haves, and therefore, my criteria for choosing a summer boot; your criteria might be different, but this is mine!
1. Breathable
We're talking about summer, so obviously it's going to be HOT. You could torture yourself by wearing your winter hikers or your big leather beasts; hell, I did that for a long time when I couldn't afford multiple pairs of boots. But let me tell you something, when I did invest in a pair of summer boots, it was a total mind-splosion! No more stanky, sweaty toes that even your dog won't lay next to! Technology has come a long way over the past few decades and companies have invested a lot of dough into fabrics that are waterproof but still allow for great ventilation. When you choose to buy some summer boots make sure that they feature breathable fabric that allow your foot to push out that hot, moist air.
2. Waterproof
As I said above, big companies have made breathable, waterproof fabric their top priority over the past few decades and, luckily for us, they hit the mark. It's incredibly easy and affordable to buy
shoes that feature a waterproof liner. When looking for waterproof shoes/boots remember that Gore-Tex (often denoted as GTX) is certainly the most popular technology. Gore-Tex is a company that sells its waterproof technology to hundreds of brands that then build it into their products (jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes (duh)) so those brands don't have to create their own waterproof technology (you know, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em). BUT, there are several brands that do have their own proprietary waterproof technology like Merrell (M Select DRY), Oboz (BDry), and Keen (Keen.Dry) to name a few. Be wary of boots that market themselves as "waterproof" but don't provide much detail on HOW they are waterproofed, especially if they are cheap or from an unknown brand.
3. Quick Drying
In those hot summer months I love to cool off in any body of water I can find, whether it be a pond, lake, river, stream or puddle! Being able to splash around without freezing to death is one of the highlights of summer hiking in my opinion, so I do it all the time. Having a boot that can dry quickly is a huge benefit, especially on multi-day trips. I've had several pairs of hiking boots that did NOT dry quickly and let me tell you, putting on wet boots is not the ideal way to start your day. It sucks...a lot. Don't be like young Gio. When you buy your next pair of summer boots look for materials that will dry quickly and, in general, stay away from thick, leather boots.
NOTE: Boots that utilize a waterproof liner tend to dry slower than boots that don't. Personally, I prioritize the waterproof feature over quick drying. I still try to get boots that use synthetic material that will dry quicker than others, but I like the idea of being able to keep my feet dry if and when I want to. If you live in an area that is hot and dry you should check out some non-waterproof boots; they will dry faster AND breathe better.
4. Super grippy sole
I love summer boots that have a super sticky sole. For some reason, I tend to do a lot of scrambling and bouldering when I'm out and about in the summer and having a grippy boot helps
me not to bust my ass more than once or twice per hike. You know how I just said Gore-Tex is the boss in waterproof tech? Well, Vibram is the gold standard when it comes to hiking shoe outsoles (the part of your boot that actually touches the ground). Vibram is another company that specializes in one technology and sells it to other brands so they can build it into their shoes and boots. Outsoles are tricky...since they are made of rubber compounds they are a true science. Think of outsoles like car tires; the firmness, contours, and tread design are all carefully curated. The other thing that's tricky is that some people just prefer different outsoles. I've found that I really like the Contra-Grip outsoles from Salomon, and I tend NOT to like the M Select Grip from Merrell. So remember that personal preference might play a role with the sole...sorry, I couldn't help myself.
5. Light weight
This is really a nice-to-have for all boots/shoes but for me it's a must-have for summer boots. I log lots of miles throughout the summer and I want a boot that will keep me feeling fresh on the trail and not feel like I'm bogged down by heavy, clunky boots. I also tend to move faster and, like I said before, I tend to do more scrambling and rock climbing during my hikes, so I really want something that feels more like a trail runner than a boot. And really, with the synthetic materials, lack of insulation and light-duty construction, summer boots SHOULD be light weight!
6. High ankle
I know this is a little counter-intuitive since I just said I want something that feels like more like a trail runner than a boot...but not when it comes to ankle support! I have rolled my ankles 1.3 billion times in my life and it still makes me want to punch a puppy when it happens (don't freak out, I would never really punch a puppy). But the good thing is, it almost never happens anymore because I wear high ankle boots religiously.
I wrote another article about why I almost always choose boots over shoes (check it out here) and one of the top reasons is the high ankle!
Not big on high ankle boots? Well, 2 out of the 3 boots below come in a low ankle model. And don't worry, I'll post an article specifically about low ankle hiking shoes in a little while, so look out for that one.
Now, it's time for what we've all been waiting for...
Top 3 Summer Hiking Boots
First up is my all time favorite summer hiker! The La Sportiva Core High checks all the boxes. The boots only weigh 830g (~ 1lb 13oz) per pair, it's built on a Gore-Tex Surround membrane, boasts an impact reducing Vibram sole and uses the "Nano-Cell" technology and synthetic mesh upper to provide breathability and quick drying features.
I've owned a pair of Core's for about 1.5 years and they have been absolutely bomber. They are sturdy enough for long, multi-day trips but light and nimble enough for a quick walk to the store. The outsole is super rugged and aggressive and the boots have performed great for everything from rocky, rugged hikes to wet, muddy trails. These guys are my go-to once the weather get's above freezing.
I wore these in the Dolomites of Italy and they were totally forgettable...and by that I mean, I just put them on and forget about my feet. They are so comfortable, you forget they are there. They are so sticky and solid that you never have to worry if you're going to slip, you just know that your foot is gonna stay right where you plant it. They are so waterproof that you don't have to avoid puddles and streams, you just walk right through em!
What it does really well: Pretty much everything. Great for short or long hikes, light backpacking, and everyday walking in the the elements. Super waterproof, and the gusseted tongue keeps out all the other crap.
What I don't love: A few things actually... First, the lacing system. I don't mind the way it actually laces up, I can get a nice tight boot without any lace bite, but I don't like the idea of having the fabric eyelets. I've had fabric eyelets break on me before and it really sucks when you're out on the trail, it renders the shoe virtually useless, and it usually can't be repaired. These have been fine so far, but I'd like to see them use a metal eyelet even if it sacrifices on weight. Second, price. When I bought these boots they were over $200, now you can get them right around that mark, depending on your size. The women's boots will run you slightly less, again, depending on your size. This is the most expensive boot on the list, but in my opinion they're worth it.
The Merrell Capra Bolt is the closest thing I've found to a trail runner while still being a boot. It has a high ankle which really does provide a good amount of structure and support for your ankle. You can let loose and run a bit, even with a pack on, without having to worry about blowin' your ankle out! These guys weigh-in around 880g (~1lb 15oz) so they aren't SUPER light like some trail runners, but that is because they AREN'T trail runners. They have metal eyelets, a nylon shank, and a pretty hefty outsole which protects your feet from all the rocks and roots. With that being said, they are a nice flexible shoe that has a soft, grippy rubber making it ideal for dryer, rocky terrain.
I love wearing these on shorter day hikes when I don't need much gear to carry. Don't get me wrong, these shoes are capable of handling a load, but I can't run with a 30 lb pound pack! These are another pair of boots that are pretty good all-arounder's for summer hiking. I would avoid super long hikes, super heavy backpacks, and super wet areas.
What it does really well: Fast, ultra light hiking. The Capra Bolt really is geared towards those of us who like to mix in a little trail running on our hikes. They are light weight and flexible making them super responsive and agile. They just make you want to move faster!
What I don't love: Again, a few things here. First, the M Select waterproof technology is not up to par with Gore-Tex and the shoe suffers because of it. At first, the boots are fairly waterproof, especially with small doses of water, but the more you use them, the more porous they become...don't plan on keeping your feet dry through streams or heavy rain. Second, they are not super durable. Because of the light weight materials and construction the longevity of the shoe takes a hit. I am notoriously rough on gear and I went through a pair of these in a few hundred miles. Remember, the softer the rubber, the faster you will wear through them. BUT these are also the cheapest shoes on this list, so...you know.
Alright, well if you haven't heard of the Vasque Breeze boots by now, you are probably living under a rock...or on a rock, like the moon. These boots blew up with the release of the Breeze II which saw huge success as a 3 season hiking boot. These are definitely the boot'iest boot on the list. They have a leather and mesh upper, a TPU shank for added rigidity, and weigh in at 1200g (~2lbs 10oz), they are by far the heaviest boot on this list. The Breeze III is certainly geared towards more rugged hiking and backpacking. While it's not stiff enough to be a dedicated "backpacking" boot, you won't have any problems carrying a moderate load on a 10-20 mile hike with these guys.
I owned a pair of the original Breeze boots way back when and honestly, the design hasn't changed much. Vasque is just continuing to make small tweaks to improve the design without messing with it too much...cuz you know, if it ain't broke...!
This boot checks most of the boxes; it's super waterproof with its Gore-Tex lining, super breathable with the many vent slots even in the toe and heel caps, excellent support in arch and ankle, and it uses the Vibram Contact Grip with Megagrip Compound so it's got a nice, sticky outsole.
What it does really well: Longer hiking, rugged terrain, and backpacking. This is more of a traditional boot that is designed for putting one foot in front of the other for a long, long time...and keeping you comfortable and safe while doing it. They are totally weatherproof but still breathable so you don't have to worry about your feet getting wet, even from your sweat! If you are not the type to bounce around, rock climb, or trail run on your excursions, these are perfect.
What I don't love: Well, they weigh a lot, so there's that. They are made of a leather upper, so if you do somehow get them wet inside, they are going to take a little longer to dry. Again, the lacing system is not my favorite. I mean, If you're going to make a more traditional hiking boot that is not super light to begin with, why not add a couple ounces to include bombproof eyelets? Lastly, the Megagrip Vibram outsole is awesome! It's perfect for almost every terrain, but because it is a fairly soft rubber, the sole can wear out quickly. The few complaints about these boots are that the soles just don't last. Now, I'm sure this isn't normal since people are still buying these boots in droves and they are getting pretty stellar reviews on the whole.
Alright, well this was not designed to be an all-inclusive ranking of boots, I'll have more articles like that in the future. No, this was an article for you folks out there who want some stellar summer hiking boots but don't want to analyze 50 different boots for 20+ hours! I did the work for you! No, no don't thank me...ok you can thank me a little bit! And here's how...
WRITE ME A COMMENT!! I am always trying to write better articles for you, so please, let me know what you think below. I'd love to hear from you about (A) What you thought of the criteria for ranking the boots (B) What you thought of the Top 3 boots. Do you have a boot that you think is the best summer hiking boot out there? Leave it in the comments so we can all enjoy!
As always, thanks for reading!
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