Know your summer footwear
From sun-scorched trails to rocky ridgelines, summer adventures demand the right footwear. Ellis Brigham can help you find the perfect pair to match your mission.
Kit know-how…with sole searching
There are a few key things to consider on your hunt for a summer shoe. Firstly, what activity are you doing and how long are you doing it for? A hiking shoe for short day walks will differ from a boot for a multi-day expedition carrying heavy loads. Secondly, what kind of climate will you be using them in? Hot and dry? Look for synthetic fabric or mesh uppers that are light and airy to keep you comfortable. Cool and wet? Look for waterproof membranes to keep feet dry.
Thirdly, what kind of terrain do you expect to encounter? Established trails will take less toll on your footwear than rocky and uneven mountain routes. For travel and sightseeing, lightness and comfort are likely to be more of a priority than abrasion resistance or grip.
For short day trips and hikes when you don’t need to carry much, you won’t need to consider any extra weight. However, if you’re camping, backpacking, or carrying heavy gear, then choosing footwear that keeps your foot stable becomes more important. These days, there’s a whole raft of clever technology that can help reduce strain when carrying weight, including arch support, heel stabilisation and side panel reinforcements that reduce lateral torsion. When your feet are supported correctly, you’ll also find your knees and hips are better aligned, and these are the areas that can be quick to suffer when carrying heavier loads.
Know your feet
If you suffer from persisting issues like pressure points or weak ankles, it’s good to have this in mind before you start selecting shoes to try on. If you have a wider forefoot and have suffered with cramped toes in the past, look for models that have a wider footbox. If your ankles are prone to roll at just the thought of a boulder field, then something with a mid or high cuff will keep them supported.
Footbeds (off-the-shelf or custom made) can also make a big difference. They support and stabilise the foot, helping to reduce fatigue and improve body alignment.
Hike, trail, approach… what’s the difference?
Low-cut trail shoes have become the footwear of choice for many these days, whether they’re nipping down the supermarket or setting out on a multi-day hike through the Cairngorms. Wherever you go you’re sure to find someone with an eye-catching set of trail shoes with an oversized sole – but does that mean they’re the right shoes for everything? Of course, it all comes down to personal preference, but whether you choose a low-cut trail running shoe or a full-blown hiking boot, your choice should depend on your goals, distance and pace.
Walking boots are sturdy, versatile and highly supportive over the ankle and through the midsole. They are well cushioned for impact absorption and highly durable. They are available with leather uppers for durability or fabric uppers for lightness and breathability (or a combination of the two for the best of both worlds). Their rubber compounds and tread usually focus on all-surface traction and durability.
Approach shoes are built for the rugged terrain leading up to a climb. They bridge the gap between hiking boots and climbing shoes, offering excellent grip and accuracy, which makes them perfect for short but challenging paths to the base of cliffs as well as scrambling. Their sticky, shallow-tread soles provide solid traction on various rock surfaces, and the low-cut design enhances flexibility for more technical sections.
Hiking trainers focus on support and protection. They’ll feel stiffer and heavier compared to a trail running model, but the more durable materials mean they’ll last longer. Their increased stability can be beneficial to those carrying a heavier pack. They’re also designed for a more all-round experience and are often waterproof, with soles designed to grip on a range of surfaces.
Trail running shoes are lighter, have softer cushioning, and are more breathable. These models are more specific to terrain, with midsole foams and treads that reflect what ground type they’ve been designed for (like hard and rocky or soft and muddy). The rubber soles prioritise grip over durability and they are a fair option in hot weather for short hikes at a fast pace.
How light is right?
Unless you’re shaving weight for an ultra or a weight-critical ascent, forget about counting grams. Always prioritise comfort and support – a featherweight shoe that rubs or doesn’t lock your foot in properly? That’s a recipe for tired feet, blisters and rolled ankles. Of course, if you’re heading on multi-day treks or trail ultramarathons, every gram starts to matter. But more often than not, it’s easier to drop weight from your pack, layers or gadgets than compromise on footwear.
Is waterproof always better?
Waterproof shoes make sense in the UK as boggy ground and wet grass are year-round features, and nobody likes wet feet. Most hiking shoes in the EB range come with Gore-Tex or similar membranes, offering breathable waterproof protection. They can also keep your feet warmer (handy in winter but not great if you get really hot feet). Trail runners often skip the waterproofing due to the lower breathability and slower drying time. Do you risk wet feet? Sure. But they will be cooler and quick to dry. The bottom line? Match your shoe to your mission and the conditions you’ll encounter most frequently.
Top tips
- For shorter distances at faster speeds, prioritise lighter weight and flexibility.
- When wearing a heavy pack on multi-day trips over long distances, you may want more supportive footwear.
- If hiking in hot temperatures and on dry ground, a low-cut model will feel cooler and likely more comfortable.
- If hiking over wet, boggy ground, a boot with ankle support will help counter the uneven terrain and reduce the chances of wet feet.
- While you could hike in trail running shoes (although they’re likely to wear out more quickly, so don’t waste them on hiking miles), we wouldn’t recommend running in a hiking trainer.
Top picks – chosen by Ellis Brigham footwear buyer, Jeremy Stevens
Hoka Kaha 3 Low Gore-Tex walking shoes
High comfort and cushioning with a lightweight construction and 4mm traction lugs for fantastic grip.
Best for: Day hikes and summer adventures on mixed terrain.
Scarpa Rapid XT Gore-Tex approach shoes
Balancing comfort, support and protection, with Vibram’s stickiest rubber compound sole for outstanding traction.
Best for: Light hiking, scrambling and climbing approaches.
La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike Gore-Tex boots
Agile, lightweight and rugged with a hard wearing rand (outer rubber toe wrap) that increases durability.
Best for: All-weather hiking on technical terrain.
Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoes
Trail all-rounders providing high grip on wet and dry ground, with a roomy toe box and a durable toe cap.
Best for: All-terrain trail running of any distance.
