Trekking shoes for summer – high or low?

How to choose the right trekking boot height?

In order to choose the right trekking boot height for summer, think about your needs and expectations.

What should I pay attention to?

Start with the type of trekking you practice:

• Where do you hike? Small hills or high challenging mountains? Wooded or rocky? Are they varied? Low trekking shoes are recommended for easy and short trails. The more demanding the trip, the greater the need for ankle protection and the precision of walking, and therefore high boots.
• What paths do you choose? For sand, gravel or densely wooded routes – high boots are useful to protect the ankle area and keep out dust, sand and stones. For compacted, grassy paths without steep inclines, low shoes are suitable for efficient and light walking.
• How long is the trip? For long trips, it is better to wear high shoes.
• Is your luggage heavy? If so, high shoes are better – the weight distribution is less stressful for the feet.
• Do you want to walk fast and is the route not too difficult? Speed is easier to develop in shoes without uppers.

Other important factors when buying shoes for summer mountain tours depend on your fitness level and experience:

• Are you prone to ankle injuries? If so, choose high shoes.
• Are you inexperienced in mountain hiking? Start by wearing shoes with uppers.
• Do your feet tend to get very sweaty when you exercise? Then you should wear shoes without a membrane, which are much easier to find among the models without uppers.

Low-cut trekking shoes – for whom?

Trekking shoes with low uppers are suitable for people who value lightness, mobility and a high walking speed. Low trekking shoes are suitable for the foothills and for short, not too demanding mountain tours. They are also perfect for flat terrain. They can also be worn in more casual situations, during a city break, a weekend away or for casual outdoor meetings.

If you like short, fast and intense trips with little luggage, ankle-high trekking boots are for you.

Good low hiking boots for summer mountain hikes are, for example, the Dolomite Nibelia. They do not have a membrane, which means they are extremely breathable and allow sweat to escape easily, even on hot days when you are exerting yourself. Their casual look makes them suitable not only for the mountains, but also for city trips in summer.

The Dolomite 54 Low Evo is a much more outdoor-oriented option. These leather boots without a membrane are designed for active weekends in the countryside and not too difficult routes and general tourism. They have excellent grip. A special foam layer in the sole absorbs shocks, making your legs tire less quickly.

Trekking boots with a high shaft – who are they for?

Trekking boots with a high shaft are suitable for beginners in summer. They restrict ankle mobility but allow for more precise steps. They are therefore perfect for the mountains, where you will encounter mossy boards and roads full of protruding roots, relatively flat gravel paths, but also sharp-edged rocks on the same trail.

High trekking boots are also suitable for longer trips, especially if you have a heavy backpack. Their design means that the weight distribution is more gentle on the feet.

Trekking boots with a higher upper will also be for you if you are prone to ankle injuries, e.g. recurrent sprains.

In summary: High trekking boots are designed for the mountains, for longer and more demanding trips with heavy luggage and for people who want to protect their ankles.

Most high-top trekking boots have a waterproof membrane, e.g. Gore-Tex. This protects the legs from water, but at very high temperatures it can limit the evaporation of moisture from the feet. When looking for summer trekking boots, always pay attention to the parameter of vapour permeability. It is also sometimes referred to as breathability. Remember to choose models without additional insulation.

On Running Cloudrock 2 Waterproof are high-top shoes designed for dynamic walking in all conditions. They are suitable for both flat terrain and rocky areas. They provide effective protection against water, so summer showers or muddy terrain are no problem.

The Dolomite 54 Hike EVO GTX is a versatile high-cut outdoor shoe that you will appreciate both in less demanding mountains and on flat terrain. It provides grip and stability. The special design supports the biomechanics of your movements, making hiking a pure pleasure.

Do I need two pairs of trekking boots?

You don't need two pairs of trekking boots, but it's worth having them. There is no ideal trekking boot for everything. One pair of boots for various summer trips will always be a compromise at the expense of your comfort.

High and low trekking boots differ significantly in terms of protection, mobility and weight. Therefore, they have slightly different purposes. If you want your summer trips to be comfortable, safe and as pleasant as possible, two pairs of shoes will definitely get you there.

You can wear low hiking boots on hikes on flat terrain and on simple mountain trips. They are also suitable for city tourism, in the forest, when camping and in many other natural environments. They will provide you with lightness, ease of movement and breathability, which you will appreciate on hot days.

You can wear high trekking boots on more demanding trips, especially mountain trips or trips lasting several days with a heavy rucksack. They will protect your ankles, ensure precision when moving in challenging terrain and relieve the strain on your feet.