How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots & Walking Shoes for Summer

Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Hiking Boots & Walking Shoes for Summer.

Whether you're scaling Croagh Patrick or strolling a coastal path, the right Hiking Boots and footwear can make or break your adventure. Here's everything you need to know, plus the best picks in stock right now at 53 Degrees North.

When to choose hiking boots.

Hiking boots are designed to offer maximum ankle support, durability, and protection across rugged terrain. If your summer plans include multi-day routes, mountain ascents, heavily laden backpacking trips, or technical ground, choose hiking boots. Think the Wicklow Way, the Beara Way, or any of Ireland's dramatic upland trails. A well-constructed pair of hiking boots is your safest bet. The higher cut locks in the ankle, reducing twists and sprains on loose or rocky ground. Many of our hiking boots also feature GORE-TEX® waterproof membranes. That protection is essential for Irish summers that can turn wet without warning.

When to choose walking shoes.

Walking shoes are the low-cut, lighter-weight cousins of the traditional hiking boot. They sacrifice some ankle support in exchange for breathability and freedom of movement. You also get a more natural footstrike and a less bulky feel. This makes them ideal for day hikes on well-maintained trails, forest walks, and coastal paths. They also shine on long urban adventures during warmer months. Heading out for a few hours on a groomed trail or planning a walking holiday on packed earth paths? A good pair of waterproof walking shoes will keep you comfortable and agile. You get that benefit without the weight of a full hiking boot.

Many hikers actually carry both. Hiking boots for big mountain days and walking shoes for everything else. The good news? At 53 Degrees North, you'll find an extensive range of both hiking boots and walking shoes. We have options to cover every scenario this summer has to throw at you.

Matching Your Footwear to Summer Terrain.

Ireland's landscape is wonderfully varied. No single pair of hiking boots or walking shoes works perfectly for every trail. Below is a simple breakdown.

Boggy upland trails & mountain ridges.

This is classic Irish hiking terrain. It is wet underfoot regardless of the season. You need hiking boots with deep lugged outsoles for traction in soft ground. Choose a high-cut design for ankle protection on uneven ridges. You also need a dependable waterproof membrane. Leather upper hiking boots from brands like Scarpa and Meindl excel here. They offer the stiffness and durability that technical terrain demands.

Coastal paths & forest trails. 

Coastal and woodland trails are generally well-maintained and less technical. They are the ideal playground for lightweight walking shoes. A GORE-TEX walking shoe will handle the odd puddle and morning dew. It will also keep your feet cool and ventilated on warmer days. The Merrell Moab range is particularly popular. It suits this type of versatile summer hiking.

Day hikes with moderate elevation.

For day hikes on mixed terrain, walking flexibility matters. Think a loop walk in Killarney National Park or a ridge walk in Donegal. A mid-cut hiking boot or a supportive walking shoe with a stiff outsole hits the sweet spot. You get enough support and protection without the bulk of a heavyweight mountaineering boot. The Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GORE-TEX and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX are standout options. They are ideal for this type of hiking.

The Merrell Moab The Worlds Most Iconic Hiking Boot.

If there's one name that comes up repeatedly when people ask us about hiking boots, it's Merrell. Within the Merrell range, it's the Moab that stands out. The name says it all: Mother Of All Boots. The Moab is famous for its out-of-the-box comfort and all-terrain versatility. It also delivers exceptional durability. The Moab has earned its place as a staple in hikers' kit bags at every level.

The current generation, the Moab 3, builds on over 15 years of refinement. The latest version introduces a more supportive Kinetic Fit™ insole that contours precisely to your foot. It also features a softer and more cushioned Super Rebound Compound midsole. You get Merrell's best-in-class Vibram® TC5+ outsole, formulated exclusively for Merrell. It is engineered to grip reliably across rock, mud, roots, and loose scree. It is also Merrell's most eco-conscious Moab yet. The Moab 3 incorporates 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining.

The Moab Speed 2 line takes the Moab formula and injects a more athletic, trail-running-inspired chassis. The FloatPro™ Foam midsole is noticeably lighter and more responsive underfoot. FlexPlate™ technology provides torsional rigidity without sacrificing forefoot flexibility. These walking shoes feel nimble and quick on your feet. They still offer the protection and traction you'd expect from a hiking boot.

Merrell Moab Range In Stock at 53 Degrees North.

Below are our current in-stock Merrell Moab hiking boots and walking shoes. We cover both men's and women's options. You'll find models across the Moab 3 and Moab Speed 2 families.

Men's Merrell Moab

Women's Merrell Moab

Other Top Hiking Boots & Walking Shoes in Stock.

While the Merrell Moab is our top recommendation for versatile summer hiking boots and walking shoes, we stock more. 53 Degrees North carries a full range of trusted brands to suit every budget, foot shape, and trail type. Here's a look at some of our other in-stock highlights this summer.

Salomon- performance hiking for fast movers. 

Salomon has long been the go-to brand for performance-driven hikers who want to move quickly across technical ground. The Men's & Women's Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots offer lightweight agility and structured ankle support. They are the perfect hiking boots for fit hill walkers who still want reliable waterproofing. For trail running enthusiasts looking to cross over into hiking, Salomon has another option. The Men's Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX function brilliantly as aggressive walking shoes across mixed terrain.

Scarpa- Italian Craftsmanship for serious terrain.

If you're investing in a pair of hiking boots built for the long haul, Scarpa is hard to beat. Made in Italy with a centuries-long tradition of cobbling excellence, Scarpa's hiking boots stand out. They offer exceptional fit precision and superb materials. You also get durability that makes them worth every cent. The Women's Scarpa Terra GORE-TEX Hiking Boots are genuinely all-terrain hiking boots. They feel equally at home on coastal ridges, mountain passes, and rocky summits. For even more technical performance, step up your footwear. The Men's Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GORE-TEX delivers elite hiking boot construction. It suits Ireland's most demanding trails.

Meindl-300 years of boot making expertise. 

German brand Meindl has been crafting outdoor walking shoes and hiking boots for over 300 years. That deep tradition shows in every pair. Their boots are renowned for exceptional fit and comfort, particularly for wider foot shapes. The Men's Meindl Respond Low GORE-TEX Walking Shoes are a brilliant everyday walking shoe. They excel on forest trails, coastal paths, and moderate Irish hillwalking. If you need a more serious hiking boot, consider a different Meindl model. The full-leather Men's Meindl Tramin GORE-TEX represents premium hiking boot construction. They are ideal for multi-day adventures.

Fit, Break in & Care Tips.

Expert fitting advice from the 53 Degrees North team.

• Try on in the evening. Feet naturally swell throughout the day. Trying on hiking boots or walking shoes in the evening gives you a more accurate fit and avoids tightness on the trail.
• Wear your hiking socks. Always try hiking boots with the same thickness of socks you'll wear on the trail. A thin sock will give you a very different fit to a padded merino hiking sock.
• Test the toe box. With your hiking boot laced and on a slight incline, your toes should not touch the front. This prevents painful black toenails on long descents.
• Walk the ramp. All our stores have test surfaces. Walk on an incline in your hiking boots before you buy — your heel should stay firmly in place without lifting.
• Gender specific fits matter. Women's hiking boots and walking shoes are built on a different last from men's — narrower at the heel, slightly wider at the ball of the foot. Always opt for a gender-specific fit for the best comfort.
• Break in before a big hike. Even the most comfortable hiking boots benefit from a few shorter walks before a major mountain day. The Merrell Moab is famous for minimal break-in time, but no hiking boot should be debuted on a 25km trail.

Quick Comparison Hiking Boots Vs Walking Shoes.

Use this table to quickly compare the key features of our most popular hiking boots and walking shoes in stock this summer.

Model	Type	Waterproof	Vibram Sol	Best for
Merrell Moab 3 GTX	Walking shoe / hiking boot	✓ Gore-Tex	✓ TC5+	All round Summer hiking
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX	Walking Shoe	✓ Gore-Tex	✓ TC5+	Fast, light-load hiking
Salomon Elixir Activ Mid GTX	Hiking Boot	✓ Gore-Tex	-	Active hikers, mixed terrain
Scarpa Terra GTX	Hiking Boot	✓ Gore-Tex	-	Technical trails, long days
Meindl Respond Low GTX	Walking Shoe	✓ Gore-Tex	-	Everyday walks, lower trails
The North Face Offtrail Hike Mid GTX	Hiking Boot	✓ Gore-Tex	-	Technical & off-trail terrain
Columbia Peakfreak II Mid OutDry	Hiking Boot	✓ Out-Dry	-	Entry-level hiking, great value

Ready to Find your Perfect Pair? 

Shop our full range of hiking boots and walking shoes online. You can also visit us in-store in Dublin Blanchardstown, Carrickmines, Cork City Centre, or Arnotts Dublin City Centre. Our staff provide expert fitting advice.

Once you find your perfect hiking boot or walking shoe, share your adventures. Be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram