What To Look For
For warm weather hiking, you can experiment with lighter boots. You'll still need protection from rain and moisture, but you can often avoid heavy, insulating materials like Gortex in favor of designs that breath and dry quickly. High-traction soles and ankle support are important, especially if you tend to roll your ankles or will be hiking over slick rocks or pebbled ground.
A good fit is key. Even one hot spot in your boots will ruin your trip and accelerate the mid-hike and mid-day swelling that your feet will experience. Brand names such as Montrail, La Sportiva, and Asolo and Zamberlan consistently appear at the top of consumer and editorial rankings.
Common Pitfalls
There are so many hiking boots available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. The most common mistakes when buying summer hiking boots are over-estimating and underestimating your needs. Sneakers are not enough, but alpine trekking boots are far too much. For summer trails and rocky scrambling, get a boot or shoe with high traction material on the sole. For wet summer weather, such as you'll find in the Pacific Northwest, opt for a GoreTex-lined boot. The Vasque Breeze for men and New Balance Rainier for women are highly rated, lightweight boots that won't let water in. For very warm climates and summer desert hikes, however, the GoreTex will add more weight and insulation than you need and be quite a drag. Dry feet are key to a good time, and the extra investment will be worth it.
Where To Buy
You need to try on many pairs and many sizes of boots before you buy, so head to a well-stocked outdoor gear store like REI, EMS, or a local mountaineering and hiking shop in your area. Beware of hiking boots sold by general merchants and street shoe companies. These are often styled to resemble rugged footwear but are actually not suitable for trails. If you decide to buy online, use a store like Zappos or REI.com, which have generous and simple return policies for footwear.
Cost
Plan to invest between $100 and $250 in your summer hiking boots. If you opt for a very low-volume, low-cut shoe, you may be on the lower end of the spectrum. If you need a more rugged, highly supportive boot, it will be somewhat more expensive.
Comparison Shopping
Approach shoes are an option for lightweight summer hikers who don't need the full ankle support of a hiking boot. If you are not carrying a heavy backpack, and stick to trails and easy terrain, then consider approach shoes as a lightweight, lower cost option. Approach shoes are designed with high traction soles for scrambling over rocks and talus, but otherwise they look similar to sneakers. Hikers with weak ankles will not strengthen them by wearing taller hiking boots, but may see some improvement in their mobile stability after wearing a lower cut pair of shoes for a season.
Accessories
Proper socks are worth the investment. Avoid cotton fabric, and opt for synthetics and wool blends, which dry quickly and stay on properly through all weather. Thin ankle socks from SmartWool and Thorlo make popular wool blend socks ideal for hiking in any season. Choose a lightweight, thinner pair for warmer months. Trekking poles are another option for increasing stability on the trail, especially if you carry a large backpack and want to offset some of the weight or protect your lower joints. Choose poles short enough to allow you to walk normally with natural arm swing and that are comfortable in your hands.
Insider Tips
You can extend the life of your hiking boots with a few simple steps. Keep your boots clean by using a stiff brush to scrub off mud and dirt, and wash off salt from water and sweat. Remove the insoles to hasten drying, and never dry your boots in the sun, near a fire, or near a heater. Once you get home, stuff newspapers inside and change them twice a day to dry out wet boots. Use leatherproofing and waterproofing solutions recommended by the manufacturer if you see any wear on your boots. Don't wait to do repairs, and store your boots in a cool dry place in the off-season. These simple steps will add years to the life of your boots.
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