Weather you’re planning a season of rock climbing or rock pooling, it’s worth investing now in the right kicks for all your sunshiny adventures. Cotswold Outdoor stock all the footwear you need for the spring and summer.
The best summer outdoor footwear
SALOMON QUEST 4D2 GTX BOOT
Perfect for: Serious treks and international hiking
Price: £160
Weight: 1,160g
Hiking boots that look, feel and work well are a harder treasure to unearth than you might think, but Salomon’s Quest boot is that elusive beast. Stable and lightweight, they feel supportive and comfortable on, and can deal with whatever you and the weather chuck at them – a Gore-Tex outer keeps water out and a super grippy outsole can deal with slippery surfaces and scrambling. Salomon designs trail running shoes too, and you can see that influence in the Quest’s design – these are shoes made to move with you all day. If you only buy one pair of hiking boots for 2015 I’d plump for these.
MEINDL X-SO 30 GTXG SHOE
Pefect for: Messing about in warm weather.
Price: £145
Weight: 660g
Versatile and comfortable, these relaxed-looking trainers actually pack a big technical punch – Gore-Tex keeps your feet dry (with a lifetime guarantee) whilst their sweat-wicking design keeps you cool all day. Take them running, on summer hikes, travelling in warm climbs and on summer sporting weekends. They’ll do you proud AND they look great with jeans.
MERRELL BARE ACCESS TRAIL GTX SHOE
Perfect for: Trail running
Price: £115
Weight: 380g
Merrell are my go-to brand for trail running shoes, and these Bare Access shoes, which I tested out in the Brecon Beacons, tick all my boxes. Designed for minimalist, barefoot-feel running, the shoes are lightweight and comfy from the get-go. The grippy soles feel really stable on wet grass and rugged rock, even if you’re flying over the terrain, and the GoreTex lining keeps your plates of meat dry if you fall in any puddles. Their light, flexible design makes them perfect for chucking in your rucksack if you’re off on adventures, as they’re versatile enough to go pretty much anywhere.
EVOLV WOMEN’S ELECTRA SC CLIMBING SHOE
Perfect for: Rope climbing and bouldering
Price: £75
Weight: 375g
If you’ve decided to make this summer the season when you take your climbing skills into the great outdoors then this is a great beginner-friendly starter climbing shoe at a pocket-friendly price to start out with. The Trax rubber sole will stick in tiny cracks and crannies and the velcro straps and comfy quilted lining ensure the shoes hug your feet. Plus, the relaxed fit means you can keep them on during all-day climbing sessions without your toes screaming in agony.
TEVA TERRA FI 4 SANDAL
Perfect for: Sailing and beach trips
Price: £65
Weight: 272g
Light, quick-drying and comfortable, these easy to wear sandals will take you right back to the no-fuss footwear of your childhood – just adjust the velcro straps and you’re good to go all day. The webbing and rugged rubber sole are designed for water babies – the sandals are grippy on slick rock and don’t overheat your feet on coastal rambles. They’re perfect for slipping on and off for surfing, sailing, kayaking and other ocean-bound adventures.
This post is in collaboration with Cotswold Outdoor
