Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for 2023
When it comes to making a decision between Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for 2023 as well as top-of-the-range high-cut hiking boots, there truly is no exactly wrong solution.
Overview
When it comes to making a decision between the very best lightweight hiking shoes as well as top-of-the-range high-cut hiking boots, there truly is no exactly 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 the surge of what some would certainly argue as an extra functional kind of trekking shoes: lightweight walking shoes.
The walking footwear vs hiking boots argument has actually 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.
Reviews
1. Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a comfortable, light, waterproof boot for backcountry and day treks. Many hikers find it comfortable out of the box.
This boot’s Contagrip outsole delivers traction on many surfaces. We utilized them on rugged, muddy, and rutted turkey hunting paths. They kept the tester in control on brief outings and overnight adventures.
The GORE-TEX lining delivers industry-leading waterproofing and breathability for cold through temperately mild conditions, however the lower cut admits water in at a certain depth.
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 waterproof mid-height hiker with stratospheric cushioning.
As you walk, SCARPA’s traction-enhancing, shock-absorbing concave impact zones absorb energy. Impact zones were bent to let secondary lugs to grasp the terrain for better traction.
For lightweight ankle support, the Rush’s synthetic mesh top has welded overlays and a cushioned, lightly lined collar. GORE-TEX Extended Comfort kept our feet dry and allowed them to breathe freely.
Product details
- 1lb8oz
- Waterproof
- Middle: Synthetic
- Standard-to-narrow width
Pros
- Durable toebox
- Light, nimble
- Outsole grips boulders and slabs well.
Cons
- Wide-footed hikers may not like narrow toeboxes.
- Small-sized
3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The mesh top is capped with a layer of suede leather to give extra support. Despite having a mesh structure, the shoes retained their capacity to keep water out after being worn through eight separate river crossings.
The Moab 2 boots are simple and made to last a long time. We enjoy how simple it is to put them on and adjust the fit, which enables us to utilize them more effectively throughout the day. They are one of the greatest sets of hiking boots you can acquire for less than $150.
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 QUEST is a long-distance travel shoe designed to be both comfortable and grippy, with the goal of easing long-distance travel in harsh weather. The chassis has been redesigned to better target delicate articulations, wrap the foot for further support, and do so while maintaining the flow of your stride.
The QUEST 4 GTX is intended to deliver a constant yet smooth ride no matter how fatigued you are or how much weight you are carrying, making it suitable for use on any terrain. A highly contagious case of TD. This chassis is used by the ADV-C 4D. A kind of leather is nubuck leather. The ability to withstand the effects of water. PFC-Free. The lining is made of textiles and mesh. formedOrthoLite.
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 Targhee III is manufactured by KEEN. This versatile hiking footwear has been available for some time. These boots weigh almost two pounds each. KEEN. DRY the membrane. Most users will be comfy straight once, however individuals with small feet may not be.
We hiked 12 kilometers across steep, muddy terrain. Our shoes were comfortable, grippy, and kept blisters at bay. Targhee III and Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have similar support, weight, and appearance. Because there are so many similarities, its higher-volume fit is great for folks with bigger feet.
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 exploris mid futurelight
Rockered midsole gives this shoe vitality. Others prefer natural footfall and energy conservation. Three-dimensional plates provide lateral stability. Our feet were protected. The rockered VECTIV Exploris felt sturdy. Hiking shoes have midsoles.
The North Face wrapped the plate around the shoe’s heel for ankle support. Stable Y-shaped lugs stabilize this boot. Harder lugs gripped soft, rough, or slippery terrain. We used heel brakes to descend. The anatomically scored sole feels natural.
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
Altra’s toebox is large. We hiked further without discomfort, stiffness, blisters, or heat. Socks! Warm blood reached toes. Mesh reduces perspiration. Submersible/waterproof. Rain and streams love this.
All-Weather Lonely Mount Springy midsole bends feet over terrain. V-lugs caught rocks, roots, not mud. Light lugs wear out thin-soled boots.
Longer sole meets heel and Achilles. Seamless. We avoided a puddle with a gussied tongue. Banning needles, rubbish, sand, and shale. 25mm heels minimized toe strain. Zero-drop shoes. Arch- and heel-wearers must adapt.
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
SCARPA’s Maverick Mid GTX is lighter than the Zodiac Plus GTX. SCARPA made this decision to appeal to new and old-school explorers. Leather, polyester, and GORE-TEX are waterproof. Cold-weather breathability is excellent, but waterproofing is insufficient. After setting up camp on warm days, air out damp socks.
SCARPA swings reduce break-in time for rugged yet timid hikers. We tried more stable boots, but this one felt secure. This boot maintains the renowned, robust SCARPA quality while combining durability and speed. SCARPA’s lug pattern isn’t harsh, but the profile is. Modern designs encourage minimalism, but that’s plenty. Hikers realize enough is enough.
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
The Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX protects against jagged rocks, sharp sticks, and deep puddles. After weeks, we’re still testing. We’d recommend them to a hard-worker. These boots can handle rough terrain.
Heavy boots. Each boot weights 1 pound 5.5 ounces with the PU shank. These boots are for those who don’t mind leg workout in thickets or talus fields. Mesh prevents overheating despite Vasque’s layered composition. The Breeze AT Mid GTX’s GORE-TEX liner retains heat better than the others. Best for cold-weather trekking or terrain that damages footwear.
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
Cushioned heel, collar, and forefoot. Casual shoes for errands and walks. Tempo Flex has ridged lacing and toe. 60% adaptable Spacing avoids cracking.
Stretch. Shoes helped walk. Shoes were uncomfortable. TPU rand decreased wear. We hiked Vermont’s Long Trail with sticky soles, toe and heel grips, and braking zones. Arch’s lugs grasp wood.
He stopped. Flexible feet with shanks. Heel midsole is thicker. This footwear minimized heel damage on hard surfaces. Heel pressure. Possible findings from testing. Updated Tempo Flex toebox. Anti-odor, recycled shoe.
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 maintain 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 talking Vibram soles supply remarkable grip and also longevity to other non-branded soles, however, there are some own-brand equivalents that 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 totally artificial uppers like the La Sportiva Guide. Trekking shoes goal 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 maintain 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 treking in completely dry summer season conditions.
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX goes one step additionally and also ensures rust-free rivets and also 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 actually 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 in 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 light-weight hiking footwear. So if you have actually 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 snug 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 in 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.
