10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes Boots
When it comes to deciding between the very best lightweight hiking shoes as well as top-of-the-range high-cut hiking boots, there truly is no exact wrong solution. Whilst boots have typically been the go-to footwear for hikers for as long as boots have remained in existence, recent years have seen a surge of what some would certainly argue is an extra functional kind of trekking shoes: lightweight walking shoes.
The walking footwear vs hiking boots argument has been raving for several years with extremely valid points being made on both sides. But an increasing number of people are leaning towards choosing the grippy, light-footedness provided by hiking shoes. So if you’re stammering on the brink of dumping your trekking boots and getting a little bit much more vibrant on your wild wanderings, then consider the best lightweight hiking shoes that may help you take that leap.
Contents
- 1 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes Boots
- 1.1 1. Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
- 1.2 2. SCARPA Women’s Rush Mid GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Shoes
- 1.3 3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 1.4
- 1.5 4. Salomon Women’s Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
- 1.6 5. KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid-Height Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 1.7 6. The North Face Vectiv explores mid-future light
- 1.8 7. ALTRA Women’s AL0A4VRA Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid Trail Running Shoes
- 1.9 8. SCARPA Women’s Maverick Mid GTX Waterproof Gore
- 1.10 9. Vasque Women’s Breeze at-Mid GTX Goretex Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 1.11 10. KEEN Women’s Tempo Flex Mid Height Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 2 How to choose?
- 3 FAQs:
- 4 Conclusion
10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes Boots
1. Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a high-performance hiking boot designed for women who love technical trails. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, it offers outstanding waterproof protection while remaining breathable, keeping feet dry and comfortable in various weather conditions. The Advanced Chassis system provides exceptional stability, reducing fatigue on uneven terrain.
Its Contagrip outsole delivers superior traction on wet, muddy, and rocky surfaces, ensuring a secure grip with every step. The lightweight design enhances agility, making it ideal for fast-paced hikes. However, some users find the fit slightly narrow, which may require sizing up for comfort. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, supportive, and waterproof boot for hiking and backpacking adventures.
Product details
- 1 pound, 15.6 oz (pair)
- Yes, it is watertight.
- Upper synthetic material
- Standard width
Pros
- Short break-in
- Lightweight
- Stable, reliable
Cons
- Low ankles allow water into puddles and streams.
2. SCARPA Women’s Rush Mid GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Shoes
The SCARPA Rush Mid GTX is a versatile hiking shoe that blends the durability of a hiking boot with the agility of a trail-running shoe. Engineered with a Gore-Tex lining, it offers excellent waterproofing while ensuring breathability, making it suitable for wet and dry conditions. The Presa outsole provides reliable traction on various terrains, whether navigating rocky trails or muddy paths.
The lightweight EVA midsole enhances comfort and shock absorption, reducing strain on long hikes. Its mid-height design offers ankle support without feeling restrictive. While the cushioning is sufficient for most hikes, some users may prefer additional padding for extended backpacking trips. Ideal for fast-paced hikers and trail runners seeking a lightweight, waterproof option.
Product details
- 1lb8oz
- Waterproof
- Middle: Synthetic
- Standard-to-narrow width
Pros
- Durable toebox
- Light, nimble
- The outsole grips boulders and slabs well.
Cons
- Wide-footed hikers may not like narrow-toe boxes.
- Small-sized
3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof is a popular hiking boot known for its affordability, comfort, and all-around performance. Equipped with an M Select DRY membrane, it keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape, ensuring dry feet in light rain and wet trails. The Vibram TC5+ outsole offers dependable traction on various surfaces, providing stability even on slippery rocks.
A cushioned footbed with arch support enhances comfort, while the suede and mesh upper improves breathability. Though not as rugged as some high-end models, it delivers solid durability for casual hikers. The Moab 2 is best suited for moderate trails and day hikes but may lack the support needed for long backpacking trips.
Product details
- 2-pounds.
- Waterproof
- Leather upper
- Wide or standard (two options available)
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
Cons
- Bulky
4. Salomon Women’s Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a premium hiking boot built for demanding treks and multi-day backpacking adventures. Designed with an ADV-C 4D chassis, it provides excellent stability and support, reducing muscle fatigue on rough terrain. The Gore-Tex membrane ensures complete waterproof protection while maintaining breathability, and keeping feet dry in rain, snow, and river crossings.
A high-cut design offers superior ankle support, making it ideal for carrying heavy backpacks. The Contagrip outsole delivers outstanding traction on rocky, muddy, and uneven surfaces, ensuring confidence on challenging hikes. Though slightly heavier than some competitors, its durability and comfort make it a top choice for serious hikers who need reliable footwear for rugged trails.
Product details
- 2 lbs. 11.2 oz. (size 9)
- Waterproof
- Synthetic leather
- Standard-width
Pros
- Dedicated
- For backpacking
- Durable
Cons
- Slowly creeps in
- Too heavy for basic hiking
5. KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid-Height Waterproof Hiking Boot
The KEEN Targhee 3 Mid is a durable and comfortable hiking boot designed for a variety of outdoor adventures. Featuring a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, it effectively repels water while allowing moisture to escape, ensuring all-day comfort. The all-terrain rubber outsole provides a reliable grip, while the mid-height design offers decent ankle support without feeling bulky.
One of its standout features is the roomy toe box, which enhances comfort for hikers with wider feet. The cushioned EVA midsole provides adequate support and shock absorption, making it ideal for long hikes. However, it is slightly heavier than some competitors and may take a short break-in period. Overall, it’s a solid choice for hikers seeking a waterproof, durable, and comfortable boot.
Product details
- 2.8 pounds
- Waterproof
- Leather upper
- Width: Standard or wide
Pros
- Extraordinary comfort
- In comparison to similar alternatives, it is rather affordable.
- Helpful but not clumsy
Cons
- Not ideal for rugged off-trail use
6. The North Face Vectiv explores mid-future light
Designed for trail enthusiasts, this hiking shoe combines lightweight comfort with durability. The Futurelight membrane provides exceptional waterproofing while maintaining breathability. Its Vectiv technology enhances stability and energy return, reducing fatigue on long hikes. The Maui Blue accents add a stylish touch to its Micro Chip Grey base. A high-traction outsole ensures grip on uneven terrains, and the ankle support makes it great for rugged adventures. Perfect for hikers seeking a blend of comfort, performance, and style.
Product details
- 1lb11.3oz
- Waterproof
- Synthetic upper
- Standard-width
Pros
- Stable
- Tailoring
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- It takes some time to get accustomed to the rockered profile.
7. ALTRA Women’s AL0A4VRA Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid Trail Running Shoes
A top pick for trail runners and hikers, the Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid offers Altra’s signature zero-drop platform for natural movement. The eVent waterproof bootie keeps feet dry without overheating, while the wide toe box ensures comfort on long treks. With a MaxTrac outsole, it delivers excellent traction on various terrains. The lightweight construction makes it ideal for fast-paced hiking and trail running. Overall, a solid choice for those who prioritize comfort and agility on rugged trails.
Product details
- 1lb14oz
- Water-resistant
- Middle: Synthetic
- Extra-wide toebox
Pros
- Light
- Fast
- Supportive
- Sheds mud
Cons
- Lightweight design reduces durability.
8. SCARPA Women’s Maverick Mid GTX Waterproof Gore
The SCARPA Maverick Mid GTX is a versatile and lightweight hiking boot built for backpacking and long treks. The Gore-Tex lining ensures waterproof protection while allowing breathability. Its aggressive outsole provides excellent traction on rocky paths, and the ankle support helps prevent injuries on uneven trails. The cushioned midsole absorbs impact, making it great for long-distance hikers. Ideal for those looking for durability, support, and waterproof performance.
Product details
- 1lb0.2oz
- Waterproof
- Synthetic upper
- Standard-width
Pros
- Light
- Breathable
- Agile
Cons
- Less stable than some options
9. Vasque Women’s Breeze at-Mid GTX Goretex Waterproof Hiking Boot
Built for backpackers and serious hikers, the Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX delivers superior stability, durability, and comfort. The Gore-Tex membrane ensures waterproofing, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. A breathable mesh upper prevents overheating, and the dual-density EVA midsole absorbs shock for all-day comfort. This boot is perfect for those tackling rough trails and multi-day hikes with confidence.
Product details
- Weight: 2 lbs., 11 oz.
- Waterproof
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard/slightly narrow
Pros
- Supportive hikers
- Grippy Vibram outsole.
- Foot comfort
Cons
- Heavy, unsuitable for rapid trekking
- Laces loosen easily
10. KEEN Women’s Tempo Flex Mid Height Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boot
A lightweight yet sturdy choice, the KEEN Tempo Flex Mid offers flexibility and waterproof protection for active hikers. Its KEEN.DRY membrane keeps feet dry, while the bellows-style flex notch enhances movement and reduces break-in time. The high-traction outsole provides grip on slippery surfaces, and the eco-friendly anti-odor treatment keeps it fresh. Perfect for those who want comfort, agility, and waterproofing in one stylish package.
Product details
Waterproofing: Yes
Upper material: Synthetic
Width: Standard or wide
Package Dimensions : 11.61 x 9.65 x 4.8 inches; 12.8 Ounces
Pros
- Waterproof breathable boots
- Lightweight, comfortable
- Flex-and-stability blend
Cons
- Cumbersome heel
How to choose?
Low weight
Among the most desirable functions of trekking shoes over boots is their low weight. The typical pair of 2-3 period trekking boots weigh in at around 1200g (2.6 pounds) per set, as well as a lot more if you’re considering winter-season trekking boots.
Whereas there are a couple of alternatives in this evaluation that are almost half that weight. The Salomon X Ultra 2 GTX is around 600g, as well as the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R GTX, is only a little heavier.
This is a huge difference when you take into consideration the variety of actions you are likely to take throughout a full day of walking, and also the low weight is especially useful for those intending to maintain their pace high.
The weight of trekking footwear additionally makes them far more matched to a bigger range of tasks. Some of the light hiking shoes are optimal for trail running as well, as well as footwear is generally less complicated and more comfy alternatives for just wearing and around.
If your footwear has the ability to offer you comfort as well as a defense on the trail, as well as being your best footwear of choice in less daring scenarios, after that leave the boots behind and also conserve some area when packing.
Great grip
Hiking shoes are made to keep you active on your feet, and also the sole of the shoes makes a large distinction to exactly how certain you feel when deriving from rock to rock or bargaining loose surface. By selecting trekking footwear that doesn’t offer the exact same degree of ankle assistance as a high ankle trekking boot, it’s vital that you can put your trust in the grasp of your footwear.
Preferably, the outsoles must have deep lugs with a step pattern that is well-spaced to stop mud from accumulating. For optimal traction, numerous brands use Vibram soles which are the Gore-Tex equivalent of the outsole world! Generally speaking, Vibram soles supply remarkable grip and also longevity to other non-branded soles, however, some own-brand equivalents compete increasingly with the high quality as well as efficiency offered by Vibram.
So do not be too fast to mark down anything that doesn’t have the Vibram label affixed to it. Specifically, if the remainder of the footwear is well-suitable for your feet as well as their requirements.
Breathable and tough material
Just like hiking boots, the top product of lightweight walking footwear varies from difficult leather like the Vasque Mantra to artificial uppers like the La Sportiva Guide. Trekking shoes’ goal is to be breathable, however, some do a far better task at this than others.
So it is necessary to think about whether you will be trekking in primarily warm temperatures where extra breathability is a must. Search for something with a mesh or partially mesh upper as well as a moisture-wicking inner like the Merrell Moab Ventilator to keep your toes as cool as feasible.
The best waterproof hiking shoes typically include a Gore-Tex cellular lining, which does incredibly great work at keeping breathability too.
Waterproofness
Much walking footwear uses partial or total waterproofing, often with a Gore-Tex liner. Water-resistant hiking shoes can be much more expensive, nevertheless, so consider whether this is an essential feature for you, or whether you will probably be trekking in completely dry summer season conditions.
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX goes one step additionally and also ensures rust-free rivets and equipment too, a fantastic choice for winter months hiking.
Solid support
There is a large concern surrounding the assistance that trekking footwear provides over trekking boots. The low cut of hiking footwear is a noticeable failure when it involves ankle joint stability, especially when talking with a packed knapsack. So if great ankle joint assistance is a have but you are keen on the lightweight residential properties of hiking footwear, then you might wish to consider a lightweight boot like the Asolo Jumla GV.
That stated, most of the best lightweight hiking shoes offer a decent degree of rigidity as well as stability with inner assistances or built-in shanks. Footwear like the Keen Targhee II is a superb selection if you are nervous about getting out of your hiking boots and right into an extra light-weight hiking shoe, as well as they also supply unrivaled security with their trademark bumpers.
If you’re simply not willing to lose out on the ankle joint support given by a greater cut, then you might be much better off sticking to trekking boots.
trekking boots gear overview
Comfortable fit
Although some elements of shape come down to just trying out the footwear, there are a few fundamental styles to take into consideration. If you have broad feet, look for something with a broader toe box and also a heel. If you require added arch assistance, you may want a shoe with a detachable sole to include orthopedic insoles. As a general rule, Keen shoes are broader than a lot of brands, while North Face footwear is extra narrow.
When it concerns trying on the shoes themselves, attempt them on at the end of the day when your feet are currently somewhat inflamed. Similarly, if you like to put on a particular set of trekking socks when out on the route, make certain to wear them when you try out the footwear. The same is true for any kind of special insoles you prepare to utilize when you trek. Because light hiking shoes are a lot more adaptable than trekking boots, they take much less time to barge in, however, minor rigidity is still typical.
Whether you intend to trek in the snow or the sand, on rocks, or with mud, there is an excellent alternative for you on this listing of the best lightweight hiking footwear. So if you have carried your overly heavy boots up on top a lot after that possibly currently is the moment to jump on over to the light side and also give trekking footwear a go?!
FAQs:
Q. What is considered a lightweight hiking shoe?
The lightest hiking boots on our list are the Salomon X Ultra 2 GTX. The weight for a men’s US size 9 is 595g (21 oz). The Merrell Moab Ventilator and the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R GTX are the next lightest possibilities.
Q. Are running shoes good for light hiking?
Although trail running shoes make it easier to run, they don’t provide the same level of support as boots when the ground is rocky or uneven. However, they can unquestionably be used for hiking. In reality, trail running shoes are virtually always preferable to conventional street shoes for hiking.
Q. What weight is a light hiking boot?
Lightweight: at RunRepeat, all lightweight hiking boots weigh less than 500g. Breathable upper materials: synthetic materials, suede, mesh. Soft: these shoes have a shorter break-in period because they aren’t as rigid as traditional hiking boots.
Q. Should you get hiking shoes a half size bigger?
Many hikers suggest that a pair of right hiking boots should be a half or full size larger than their normal shoe size or even the hiking boots that fit you perfectly.
Q. Should hiking shoes be tight or loose?
Hiking boots should fit snugly everywhere, tight nowhere, and offer room to wiggle your toes. Try them on at the end of the day (after feet swell) and with the socks, you plan to wear. Know your size.
Conclusion
Hikers should put their comfort first. No longer is it necessary to break into stiff, uncomfortable footwear before embarking on a trip. Wearing new boots for a few days before spending two weeks in the Norwegian fjords is recommended, but they should be comfortable straight immediately. Most technical materials do not get more comfortable with repeated usage.
Hikers must also contend with the elements. If you’re walking through Iceland’s lava flows in the rain, you won’t have time to dry your boots. To keep dirt and water out, waterproof boots with gusseted tongues are required. The majority of the models that have been assessed feature both.
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