The summer of 2026 has so far been associated with heatwaves. all this fine weather and sunshine make for amazing views but walking in the heat can be a sweaty business, and it’s often our feet that suffer.

Walking boots aren’t the only option for comfortable summer walking, there are other types of outdoor shoes available that can do job, but the suitability of these depends on several factors, including the terrain and your own ability.

We take a look at some of the different types of outdoor shoes you might choose for summer hillwalking.

Walking boots provide excellent ankle support and often great waterproofing but they can make your feet feel very hot on summer days. If you want to feel super secure while you’re out walking, boots are probably your best way forward.

Traditional leather boots often have modern linings that are more breathable than you expect but if you feel that the weight of leather boots is too much on a hot day, there are some excellent fabric options available. I’ve been particularly impressed with my lightweight KEEN Zionic boots. I haven’t used them for winter walking but they have lasted as long as some of my leather pairs.

Barefoot style hiking boots such as these from Vivobarefoot could also be a good option for keeping cool on hot summer walks. I haven’t tried any myself because, having once broken my ankle, I prefer more support but I have heard good things about their comfort level.

A good pair of socks in a wicking fabric will make a difference to your foot comfort and, if your boots are waterproof, I can recommend standing in a stream to cool down.

If you’re secure on your feet, trainers and trail shoes can certainly feel cooler than hiking boots on a hot day but, if you’re walking on rough terrain, you do need to pay some attention to stability.

Trail shoes are designed for running over uneven ground and have deeper lugs, better toe protection, firmer midsoles and more rigidity than some trainers. They’re a good option if you’re confident on your feet and like moving fast.

Trainers are designed for sport, and have smoother bottoms and more flexibility than trail shoes. The often also have a breathable mesh. Whilst trainters can be super comfortable in hot weather, they might not give enough stability for a day’s hillwalking, especially if you’re hiking with a full rucksack.

Walking shoes are a mid-way option between hiking boots and trainers. They usually have high-grip soles (for example Vibram), a wide toe bed and good arch support. They can also be waterproof and often last longer than sports trainers.

If you’re used to the stability of boots but want to try walking in trainers, you might find walking poles useful because they give you more points of contact.

Although they do create more ankle vulnerability, a well-made pair of walking sandals is more comfortable than you might think. I’ve almost worn mine out this year but you need to be sure of your terrain before you choose sandals as a hot-weather hiking option.

The hiking sandals pictured above are great for lightweight camping and travel but, in my opinion, don’t give enough support for walks of any length or uneven ground. A well designed walking sandal will have have multiple closure points, a non-slip contoured footbed and enough cushioning to absorb a heavy load. Many hiking sandals also have special coatings to reduce odour.

If you opt for walking sandals, you might also want to wear socks. These might not give the look you’re after but they will help prevent blisters and sunburn.

I’ll leave that one up to you.