hiking boots and shoes

When looking for summer hiking shoes, you want to focus on finding a lightweight, breathable option that still provides great support and protection for your feet. Look for a durable, grippy outsole, a well-cushioned midsole, and a breathable, moisture-wicking upper to keep your feet cool and dry.

For lowland hiking, the low shoe cut design works just fine. For more rocky, uneven hiking like in higher elevations, you want a higher cut hiking boot to protect and support your ankles. Rolling your ankle hurts - like, really hurts. Don't do it.

If you're going to be in and out of water, you need quick-drying materials and a low cut design for flexibility and freedom of movement.

hiking boot reviews

Salomon X Ultra 4

Durable and waterproof with excellent traction on all terrains, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is available in a hiking shoe, a mid hiking boot, regular and wide. Usually run small. You'll want to break in these hikers too - initially the ankles dig in painfully.

You can have confidence clambering over wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces, like steep, rocky hikes and stream crossings. The Contagrip MA outsole grips the terrain. An ADV-C chassis protects ankle articulations while it keeps the front of the shoe flexible. Mobile wings help hold the foot in place and accompany its movement, adapting to its shape and volume. Here's where the break-in period is crucial - even with thick socks.

The Gore-Tex membrane offers greater coverage on the mid-height boot than the shoe. On the shoe, it felt like the waterproofing went up only about an inch (2.5 cm). It was great walking in small puddles and the rain, but for actual hiking, water leaks through the mesh top. The mid boot, however, works like a charm to keep feet 100% dry crossing streams.

We bought these hiking boots from Amazon because of Amazon's return policy. Salomon offers a 2-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects, but refuses to take back the shoes if the size is wrong after a short wear.

Start here on Amazon.com:
Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 hiking shoes
Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 mid hiking boots

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof

Famous for out-of-the-box comfort and boasting excellent arch support, the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof come in a hiking shoe, mid hiking boot, regular and wide. With a variety of colors to chose from, Merrell shoes and boots generally fits true-to-size unless your feet are narrow. Also, the Moab 3 can come without waterproofing, so be sure to fit your shoes to your adventure.

A Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provides exceptional traction hiking or playing in a variety of weather, including rain, freezing cold, extreme dry heat, and both mud and dust. An air cushion in the heel, lightweight foam midsole, and molded nylon arch shank absorb shock and add stability for medium support. You even get removable contoured insoles for maximum arch support. Toe box is roomy. No break-in period needed and no blisters!

A waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape, a bellows tongue keeps out debris and pigskin leather and mesh upper complete the shoe. The hiking shoes are waterproof as long as you don't submerge them. They dry out quickly, however. Ditto mud: clean it off, the shoes dry quickly and you're good to go.

Merrell Moab 3 uses 100% recycled laces, webbing, and toe cap mesh lining. These hiking shoes and mid boots are sturdy, rugged, and very comfortable.

Take a look on Amazon.com:
Merrell Moab 3 Men's waterproof hiking shoe
Merrell Moab 3 Men's waterproof mid hiking boot

La Sportiva TX4

These sturdy, stylish hiking shoes have a roomy toe box and grippy sole fabulous for scrambling up rocky terrain, scree and mud, and wearing around town. They come in hiking shoes and mid-height hiking boot, only regular sizes. Usually fits true-to-size or on the small side so check the size chart before you buy. And buy extra laces at the same time.

A Vibram MegaGrip outsole gives you outstanding traction on rugged terrain. A burly impact heel platform provides maximum grip. The STB Control System wraps the midsole and delivers torsional rigidity and support. A full surround rubber rand protects the lower foot from sharp trail hazards. The toe box is roomy enough to spread your toes.

The Gore-Tex® lining in the mid hiking boot offers water-resistance and comfort. Leather upper material increases abrasion resistance, foot protection and longevity. Plus leather looks good both on and off the trail. You'll find these shoes so comfy, you'll wear them daily. With a good pair of socks, no break in period needed and no blisters.

The La Sportiva TX4 held up through backpacking in alpine terrain below snow line, hiking about 9 miles (14.5 km) a day with a 50-pound (23 kg) pack, splashing through small puddles and light rain, over one river crossings, across loose screen and into the snow. The eyelets shredded the laces in the mid hiking boot. Go prepared with extra laces because the shoe is otherwise amazing on terrain.

See more details on Amazon.com:
Men's La Sportiva TX4 hiking shoe and mid hiking boot