Finding the right gear for summer hikes isn’t just about style, it’s about function, breathability, and grip. When temperatures rise and trails get dusty, only the best summer hiking shoes can keep your feet cool, supported, and blister-free. Whether you’re planning a multi-day trek through the mountains or just a scenic stroll along the lake, quality footwear makes all the difference.
In this comprehensive guide from the National Park Shops, we hand-tested and reviewed the 7 best summer hiking shoes for men and women in 2025. Each pair has been evaluated for breathability, water resistance, traction, comfort, and durability. Alongside our hands-on impressions, we provide complete product details so you can make the most informed buying decision possible.
L-RUN Barefoot Water Shoes ($23.42 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Stretchable polyester mesh
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic mesh
- Closure Type: Pull-on elastic lace system
If you're seeking ultra-lightweight flexibility in the best summer hiking shoes, the L-RUN Barefoot Water Shoes should be at the top of your list. Engineered with a stretchable polyester mesh upper, they provide maximum breathability and water drainage, essential for hot, humid trail days. The barefoot-style construction encourages a more natural gait, helping reduce strain over extended distances.
Their durable rubber sole delivers surprisingly solid grip across wet stones, sand, and light pavement, giving you the freedom to explore mixed environments with confidence. While these shoes aren’t designed for technical trails or rugged alpine conditions, they shine on casual hikes, shoreline walks, and travel days when breathability and freedom of movement matter most. For anyone valuing ultralight design and minimalist comfort, these best summer hiking shoes are an affordable and practical essential.
HUMTTO Men's Amphibious Hiking Shoes ($49.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Quick-dry mesh and synthetic overlays
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Breathable mesh
- Closure Type: Bungee lace system with toggle lock
The HUMTTO Amphibious Shoes are purpose-built for seamless transitions between trail and water, making them one of the most adaptable best summer hiking shoes for men in 2025. The quick-dry mesh paired with synthetic overlays ensures maximum breathability while allowing water to escape rapidly, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort. Strategic toe and heel reinforcements add much-needed protection when navigating rocky trails or uneven terrain.
A multi-directional rubber outsole provides stable footing on slick surfaces such as riverbeds or mossy rocks, ensuring you stay grounded no matter the landscape. These best summer hiking shoes are exceptionally lightweight and feature a toggle-locked bungee lacing system for quick adjustments and a secure fit. Ideal for adventure seekers who blend hiking with aquatic activities like paddleboarding, canyoning, or jungle trekking, HUMTTO offers the versatility and comfort that summer explorers need.
WateLves Barefoot Quick-Dry Sport Shoes ($25.98 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Ultra-light spandex fabric
- Sole Material: Rubber with drainage holes
- Outer Material: Breathable spandex knit
- Closure Type: Pull-on elastic lace
WateLves Barefoot Quick-Dry Shoes feel more like a second skin than conventional footwear, and that ultra-flexible fit is precisely what earns them a top spot among the best summer hiking shoes for minimalist adventurers. Crafted from ultra-light spandex knit, the upper hugs your foot while promoting superior airflow, keeping feet dry and comfortable even on humid days. The pull-on elastic lace closure ensures a snug yet effortless fit, ideal for quick transitions between activities.
The shoe’s rubber sole features multiple drainage ports that allow water to escape rapidly while maintaining solid grip on wet rocks, muddy trails, or sandy beaches. Though these best summer hiking shoes aren’t built for rugged alpine trekking, they truly shine during casual coastal walks, SUP outings, and tropical getaways where breathability and fast-drying performance matter most. Lightweight, flexible, and impressively packable, WateLves offer a liberating experience for warm-weather explorers.
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes ($49.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Durable mesh and synthetic overlay
- Sole Material: MD + Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-up
NORTIV 8 stands out as one of the best summer hiking shoes for women who need rugged dependability wrapped in a breathable design. The multi-layer mesh upper ensures constant airflow even under intense sun, while still providing a stable frame for foot security. Coupled with a dual-density MD and rubber outsole, the shoe maintains traction across mixed surfaces, from gravel switchbacks to dry, dusty trails. The cushioned insole enhances comfort with targeted shock absorption and built-in arch support, ideal for long days on your feet.
What sets NORTIV 8 apart in the best summer hiking shoes category is its ability to blend the flexibility of a lightweight trail runner with the structure of a traditional hiking boot. It’s an excellent companion for day hikes, moderate climbs, or urban trails, and its aesthetic versatility means you can transition seamlessly from nature to errands or travel. If you're looking for performance footwear that keeps you cool and protected without feeling bulky, NORTIV 8 delivers with confidence.
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe ($62.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Performance suede leather and mesh
- Sole Material: Vibram TC5+
- Outer Material: Suede leather + mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-up
Merrell's Moab series continues to lead the field in the best summer hiking shoes category, and the Moab 3 proves why it's a perennial favorite. Built with a combination of performance suede leather and breathable mesh, this shoe is designed to provide both protection and ventilation in hot conditions. The Vibram TC5+ outsole delivers exceptional grip on dry dirt, rocky slopes, and shifting gravel, giving hikers confidence on tricky terrain.
Merrell’s commitment to anatomical precision is evident in the Moab 3’s contoured footbed, heel air cushioning, and EVA midsole that together offer unmatched shock absorption and arch support. While slightly heavier than ultralight models, this added weight translates into superior stability and endurance over extended hikes. For women taking on rugged summer trails, desert paths, or mountainous inclines, the Moab 3 delivers a well-balanced blend of comfort, support, and durability that earns its place among the most reliable best summer hiking shoes.
UBFEN Water Shoes Aqua ($29.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Stretchable and breathable mesh
- Sole Material: Anti-slip rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Closure Type: Elastic drawstring
UBFEN Aqua Shoes are built with summer-specific performance in mind, offering both flexibility and grip that make them a standout in the best summer hiking shoes category for aquatic trails. Their stretchable, breathable mesh upper conforms to your foot while allowing maximum airflow and rapid drying, essential for hot climates and wet hikes. The anti-slip rubber outsole, complete with drainage holes, provides secure footing across slick rocks and muddy creek beds.
These lightweight shoes are an excellent choice for summer adventurers planning to explore waterfalls, tidepools, or rainforest trails where water exposure is inevitable. Their snug fit, elastic drawstring closure, and packable profile also make them convenient as camp or backup shoes. For hikers prioritizing quick-dry capability, breathability, and multi-surface traction, UBFEN delivers a practical fusion of water shoe and trail runner that truly meets the demands of summer trekking.
Dannto Sport Hiking Sandals ($39.89 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Synthetic webbing straps
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic upper with mesh lining
- Closure Type: Hook-and-loop + bungee laces
For scorching trail days when airflow is king, Dannto’s Sport Sandals shine as a top-tier option among the best summer hiking shoes. Featuring an open-toe design with breathable mesh lining, these sandals prioritize ventilation without sacrificing essential support. The rugged rubber outsole offers dependable grip on dirt paths, wooden walkways, and packed sand, making them ideal for leisurely terrain. Adjustable hook-and-loop straps paired with bungee laces help customize the fit to your foot, reducing slippage and pressure points.
While they aren't built for scrambling over rocky ridgelines or high-elevation hikes, Dannto’s Sport Sandals are a go-to for flat hikes, campground strolls, and lakeside getaways. They give you the breathability of a sandal with just enough performance to qualify as trail-worthy. For those who value cooling comfort, ease of use, and versatility during hot-weather excursions, these best summer hiking shoes offer an unbeatable combination of freedom and function.
How to Choose?
Choosing the best summer hiking shoes requires more than picking the lightest pair on the shelf. You need to match your shoe's features with the terrain, weather, and duration of your hikes. Here are several deeper considerations to help guide your decision:
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Breathability: Prioritize shoes made with mesh uppers, spandex-knit fabrics, or quick-drying materials. These allow air to circulate and moisture to escape, reducing the risk of blisters and overheating.
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Fit and Closure: Whether it’s a bungee toggle, elastic drawstring, or traditional laces, a good closure system prevents rubbing and keeps your feet stable on uneven ground. A secure fit can reduce fatigue and improve confidence on the trail.
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Traction and Stability: Look for rubber outsoles with multidirectional lugs that grip well on loose dirt, wet rocks, or dry sand. Some designs also offer heel and toe bumpers for added protection and control.
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Drying Speed and Drainage: If your hikes involve rivers, waterfalls, or marshy zones, opt for shoes with integrated drainage ports and fast-drying fabrics that won’t hold water.
Additional factors like overall weight, ease of packing, and whether the shoe doubles as a travel or camp shoe can also make a big difference. The best summer hiking shoes offer a balance of comfort, breathability, and reliability that supports your adventure from the first step to the last mile.
Conclusion
Summer hiking calls for lightweight, breathable, and versatile footwear that adapts to heat, terrain, and water. The models above represent the best summer hiking shoes, tried, tested, and tailored for warm-weather wanderers. From barefoot designs to hybrid water shoes and trail-ready sneakers, each pick brings something unique to your hike. The right choice depends on your destination and style. But no matter your route, investing in a quality pair of best summer hiking shoes will elevate your experience from the ground up.