Gear Geek: Footwear for Warmer Weather

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Photo courtesy of Altra Altra Superior 3.0
Waterproof shoes in warm temps may keep you dry, but they also overheat, which is why the Superior 3.0 may make for the perfect hot-weather trail runner thanks in large part to the mesh uppers that breathe like and A/C and dry quickly. But that ain’t all that makes it a killer running shoe. Altra was the first to introduce zero-drop shoes, meaning the height between the ground and your feet are the same at the toe and the heal—similar, in many ways to the minimalist/barefoot running style, only with a good bit of padding underneath. That’s enhanced by the rock plate, which slips in and out like an insole. The wide toe box allows your digits to splay out naturally, improving your dexterity, while the outsole grips impressively well. You can also easily pair them with the Altra gaiters thanks to the “GaterTrap,” a pad of Velcro at the heal hidden under a flap. Two caveats: go a half-size up as they tend to run small, and wear ankle-height (or taller socks); the new lateral flares built into the 3.0s can nick your ankles till they get broken in.
Photo courtesy of Danner Danner X New Balance Light Pioneer
Legacy brand Danner Boots got its start in 1932 and throughout the decades not much has changed: they still make some of the most iconic, high-quality, hand-crafted boots on the market. Nothing, except their headquarters, once in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and now in Portland, OR. That shift helped inspire many of the latest models—rugged footwear prime for the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Now they’re teaming up Boston-based New Balance on the American Pioneers Project, employing both brands’ footwear knowledge and aesthetic. The Light Pioneer uses NB’s classic gray palate in the suede, leather, and Cordura uppers, along with Gore-Tex waterproofness, a Vibram outsole, and the overall durable craftsmanship baked into Danner’s DNA. It’s not the breeziest or lightest boot on the market, though the nylon uppers help with breathability. But this boot will never fail you—in any condition.
Photo courtesy of Superfeet Superfeet Ross
Unlike most shoe-makers, who treat the insole as an afterthought (hence the market for stand-alone insoles), Superfeet built its new shoe line from the inside out, concentrating on the “supercork” insoles first. This delivers a shoe that fits like a glove, offering unyielding support and all-day comfort. Up top, full-grain leather protects against the elements, a padded heal collar and lace lining provides comfort, and a sly pop of color offers the right touch of flair. The woman’s Addy ($110) follows a similar path, only with a more breathable microfiber upper.
Photo courtesy of Allbirds Allbirds Wool Lounger
Allbirds’ all-wool runners already received countless accolades (NOTE: refer to previous post – hot-weather gear), and their second model is likely destined for more praise. The Wool Lounger ditches the laces and offers a sleek, slip-on silhouette. Other than that, you get all the good stuff that merino wool affords: cool comfort in the heat, natural odor resistance, moisture wicking, and a softness so plush you can go sock-free. They’re also machine-washable and come in a variety of limited-edition colors.
Photo courtesy of Arc’teryx Arc’teryx Norvan VT
Arc’teryx continues its brave foray into footwear with the release of the Norvan VT, a trail running shoe targeting terrain that involves climbing, scrambling, and navigating dicey terrain. It employs a “360-degree support system,” which lets you shift from a high-volume fit for general trail running to a precise-fitting climb mode. The system wraps around the entire foot, sealing out debris and reducing hot spots, while the custom Vibram soles use a sticky forefoot for traction on slick rocks and wet trails.
Photo courtesy of Columbia Columbia Drainmaker III
If your warm-weather forays include river crossings, boating, fishing, or just splashing about in puddles, the Rainmaker III is the optimal go-anywhere solution. The open mesh and synthetic uppers breathe like they’re made from a fishing net, with solid cushioning under foot and Omni-Grip traction rubber for confident striding. Better still, the numerous drainage ports at the heel and forefoot let water drain 33% faster than the previous model.
Photo courtesy of Five Ten Five Ten Urban Approach
These city-centric kicks use Five Ten’s Stealth Phantom rubber to deliver a climbing shoe’s stickiness without the implicit toe cramming that comes with dedicated climbing shoes. The rubber wraps around the edges of the sole, meaning you can always tackle a quick bolder problem or a zip up a climbing wall, with a circular lug outsole for additional traction—traction that actually improves when they get wet. The perforated leather and canvas uppers also helps cool things down in steamy conditions.

Start Gallery

Start Gallery

Cooler temps may offer the occasional flirt with spring, but endure one day in the mid-80s and you’ll know that summer is upon us. And with that, the humidity, heat, and thunderstorms. Here’s the best footwear to wear to weather that thorny transition and walk confidently into the months ahead.

1. Altra Superior 3.0, $110; 2. Danner X New Balance Light Pioneer, $430; 3. Superfeet Ross, $130; 4. Allbirds Wool Lounger, $95; 5. Arc’teryx Norvan VT, $170; 6. Columbia Drainmaker III, $85; 7. Five Ten Urban Approach, $80.

Main photo by blairecook /Flickr CC BY 2.0

Nathan Borchelt is a gear-obsessed travel writer and adventurer whose collection of shoes, backpacks, jackets, bags, and other “essential” detritus has long-outgrown his one-bedroom apartment (and his wife’s patience).

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