10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes

If you are thinking about going on a hike, then you will probably assume that you need to have some heavy-duty boots on hand. Although this is true for some of those who like to spend time outdoors, it doesn’t apply to everyone. The past few years have seen an increase in popularity when it comes to lightweight hiking shoes.

Lightweight hiking shoes can still offer the support and protection you need when walking outdoors, but they are more versatile. As they are lightweight, these kinds of hiking shoes can be worn at a variety of different locations and can often be more comfortable to walk in. If you want to improve your hiking abilities, then you should consider investing in some lightweight hiking shoes.

View the Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes, Below.

• Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
• La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoe
• adidas outdoor Women’s Terrex Eastrail Hiking Boot
• ALTRA AFM1855F Men’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe
• Oboz Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoe
• SALOMON Men’s X Ultra 3 Hiking Shoes
• Saucony Women’s S10483-2 Trail Running Shoe
• The North Face Mens Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoe
• KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
• Brooks Women’s Cascadia 14

1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

These lightweight hiking shoes for men are very high quality as they are made from suede leather. This makes them durable and able to withstand repeated use, making them a good investment. Although this is a long-lasting material, these lightweight hiking boots remain comfortable as they have a mesh lining.

These lightweight hiking boots are breathable as they have good air ventilation. This can help keep your feet cool and dry even when hiking in hot conditions or for long periods of time. These lightweight hiking boots have a thick sole that offers a good grip to keep you balanced on uneven terrains.

These lightweight hiking boots are very comfortable as they have a mesh lining to offer good airflow.

2. La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoe

These lightweight hiking boots are incredibly comfortable as they have an EVA footbed. This footbed is cushioned and will mold to the shape of your foot to protect the pressure points on your feet. These lightweight hiking boots have a mesh lining that is no-slip to keep your feet secure in the shoe, making them safe to wear even when going uphill.

These lightweight hiking boots are durable as they are made from leather. This is a material that will become more comfortable over time as it stretches to the shape of your feet. It is also a material that is easy to clean and maintain, making these lightweight hiking shoes suitable for repeated wear.

These lightweight hiking shoes are very comfortable and secure as they have a non-slip lining.

3. adidas outdoor Women’s Terrex Eastrail Hiking Boot

These lightweight hiking shoes for women come from one of the most renowned shoe brands in the world, so you can rest assured that you are getting quality. They are made from a combination of textiles and mesh, which makes them lightweight. These materials also provide good air ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry when hiking.

These lightweight hiking boots have an adjustable lace-up closure to provide the most accurate fit for your feet. They have a simple and chic style, making them versatile and suitable even for everyday wear if you walk a lot. These lightweight hiking shoes have a good grip on both wet and dry terrains.

These lightweight hiking shoes have a simple, versatile design and are high quality so they can be worn repeatedly.

4. ALTRA AFM1855F Men’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe

These lightweight hiking shoes are very comfortable as they have a wide toe box. This allows your feet to stretch and move naturally, which can provide more stability when hiking on uneven terrains or uphill. These lightweight hiking shoes allow your feet to fall into the correct position, which will protect them from damage and makes them comfortable to wear.

These lightweight hiking shoes are designed for trail runners, so they will ensure that your forefront and heel are at the right distance from the ground. This will result in low-impact contact with the ground to avoid pain and damage when walking or running. The sole of these shoes offers a good grip and smooth traction.

These lightweight hiking boots are incredibly comfortable as they encourage the right foot position when walking.

5. Oboz Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoe

These lightweight hiking boots are versatile as they are made from waterproof leather. The EVA rubber sole is also suitable for both wet and dry conditions as it has a good grip, making these shoes highly versatile. These lightweight hiking shoes are durable as they have a waterproof and breathable membrane that will keep the structure even with repeated wear.

These lightweight hiking shoes have an adjustable lace-up closure to provide an accurate fit. They have an EVA footbed that is cushioned and comfortable. This makes them ideal for wearing for long periods of time and will reduce injury when hiking outdoors on uneven terrains.

These lightweight hiking shoes are versatile as they are made from durable and waterproof materials.

6. SALOMON Men’s X Ultra 3 Hiking Shoes

These lightweight hiking shoes use a unique technology to keep your feet dry both inside and outside. This makes them highly versatile as they can be worn in all weather conditions and all locations without causing damage to your feet. These lightweight hiking shoes are made from a combination of leather and textile, making them highly durable.

These lightweight hiking shoes have a gum rubber sole that offers a lot of traction and will keep you balanced on all terrains. This makes them suitable for all locations and even hiking uphill. These lightweight hiking shoes have an adjustable lace-up closure that will keep the shoes secure onto your feet, even during movement.

These lightweight hiking shoes are durable and work to keep feet dry, so they are very safe to wear.

7. Saucony Women’s S10483-2 Trail Running Shoe

These lightweight hiking shoes are made from textiles and fabric, so they are breathable. They are also very comfortable to wear and suitable for a range of different terrains, including uneven ones. These lightweight hiking shoes are available in three different colors to suit all tastes and styles.

These lightweight hiking shoes have a rubber sole that is rugged to offer good traction. This keeps you balanced and upright when hiking outdoors, even when going uphill. These lightweight hiking shoes have a padded tongue and collar for additional comfort.

These lightweight hiking shoes are very comfortable as they are made from flexible materials.

8. The North Face Mens Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoe

These lightweight hiking shoes are very durable as they come from a renowned brand in the business. This makes them a good investment as they will withstand repeated wear and last you a long time. These lightweight hiking shoes are designed to offer stability and traction when hiking outdoors, including going uphill, as they have a good grip.

These lightweight hiking shoes have a solid design that will never go out of style and is supportive of your feet. The lace-up closure is adjustable so you can get the most accurate fit for your feet. These lightweight hiking shoes are designed to be worn during spring and summer as they keep feet cool.

These lightweight hiking shoes are durable and high quality, ensuring they can withstand repeated wear.

9. KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe

These lightweight hiking shoes are very durable as they are made of leather. Even though this is a durable material, these shoes are still breathable as they have a lightweight lining. This allows air to flow through the shoe and keep your feet cool, even when it is hot outside. As they can be worn during all weather conditions, these lightweight hiking shoes are versatile.

These lightweight hiking shoes have a contoured heel lock to encourage the correct foot position during movement. This makes them very comfortable to wear as well as protective as they will stop your feet from becoming damaged.

These lightweight hiking shoes are very comfortable as they are breathable and encourage the correct foot position.

10. Brooks Women’s Cascadia 14

These lightweight hiking shoes are available in some bright colors to add a pop of color to your hiking attire. They are very comfortable as they are made from flexible materials that allow your feet to move naturally. The lace-up closure on these lightweight hiking shoes is adjustable so you can get the most accurate fit and keep your feet secure.

These lightweight hiking shoes offer underfoot support and some light cushioning, making them very comfortable to wear. They are made for running outdoors, so they are very lightweight and offer smooth traction on various terrains. These lightweight hiking shoes have a reliable outsole grip to keep you balanced and stable.

These lightweight hiking shoes are very comfortable as they are made from flexible materials.

Buyer’s Guide To Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Most hikers or backpackers will probably own a heavy-duty pair of hiking boots. These are ideal for harsh weather conditions and can protect your feet from a lot of environmental damage. However, they are not always the most comfortable type of shoe, and they can become even worse when hiking in hot climates. This is where lightweight hiking shoes come in.

Lightweight hiking shoes have increased in popularity over the past few years due to their versatility. These kinds of hiking shoes will still offer the protection you need when walking outdoors, but will not weigh you down. Lightweight hiking shoes are ideal for backpackers and those who want to be able to explore a range of locations as they are so comfortable.

If you want to start hiking more and want to keep this a regular habit, then investing in a good quality pair of lightweight hiking shoes is a good way to go. As they are so comfortable and supportive, you will have no issues being on your feet for long periods of time and will now have the freedom to explore lots of different areas.

There are lots of different types of lightweight hiking shoes available, and this review has highlighted ten of the very best. You still need to narrow down your options some more so you can find the right pair of hiking shoes for you. This buyers guide is going to make that process easier for you.

Weight Matters

Lightweight hiking boots can still offer a lot of protection and stability even though they are made from lighter materials. In fact, wearing lightweight hiking shoes that are made from a combination of leather and lighter fabrics like mesh will actually provide better results than using trail running shoes. This applies to those who want to partake in trail running and standard hiking.

As they are not heavy, you will be able to comfortably be on your feet for long periods of time without experiencing fatigue or damage to the feet. You will also feel more comfortable in hotter climates and when you start to build up a sweat, as these lighter materials offer good air ventilation.

Good air ventilation will keep your feet dry and cool during a hike, which will keep you comfortable. This will also prevent damage to your feet, as sweat can causing chafing and blisters. Lightweight hiking shoes can also be better suited to those with foot conditions like high arches or plantar fasciitis, as they are comfortable and supportive.

The lightweight materials will be flexible enough to support natural movement within the shoe while also supporting the correct foot position. Even though the weight of your hiking shoes may not be something you have considered before, you really need to add it to your list of priorities when shopping for a new pair.

How To Get An Accurate Fit

It is very important that your lightweight hiking shoes fit you accurately. This will keep your foot secure within the shoe, which will prevent injuries and falls, as well as making them comfortable to wear. It is possible to get your feet measured in a local shoe store to determine what size you are. This is a process that can also be done at home.

When it comes to trying out lightweight hiking shoes, you need to make sure that you are wearing standard socks. Traditional hiking boots will require thick socks to avoid chafing and damage to your feet, but this is not necessary when it comes to lightweight shoes. This is because lightweight hiking shoes are designed to be breathable and keep your feet cool, so wearing thick socks will just defeat the object.

Lightweight hiking shoes should fit your feet accurately, and there should be no slipping around the heel. However, there should be enough room in the toe box for you to wriggle your toes without the shoe becoming too loose. Ensuring that you have enough room to spread out your toes naturally is vital as it will make the shoes comfortable and keep you stable when hiking.

Features To Look For

In order to find the best lightweight hiking shoes for your needs, there are some other features that you can look out for. It is important that the shoes are lightweight and have an accurate fit in order to be best suited to hiking, but you should also consider:

Waterproof

A lot of the lightweight hiking shoes in this review are made from leather and similar materials, which makes them waterproof. If you are planning on wearing your lightweight hiking boots all year round or simply want the freedom to wear them in various locations, then looking for a waterproof pair is your best option.

Waterproof shoes can be worn in all weather conditions and locations without causing damage to your feet. When your feet get wet, and they are left this way for hours on end – as they will be during a hike – you can experience some negative effects such as chafing and blisters. There may also be some long term damage done to wet skin such as verrucas.

Durability

Just like water resistance, you can determine how durable, lightweight hiking shoes will be by looking at the materials they are made from. There are some other features, such as outer layers and membranes, that can improve the durability of hiking shoes, and these should be considered in order to get the most out of your investment.

Durable, lightweight hiking shoes will be able to withstand repeated use so they can be worn for longer periods of time. Hiking can be a strenuous activity, and you will often find yourself on difficult, uneven terrains. To keep yourself protected, you will need to make sure you are wearing durable hiking shoes.

Grip And Stability

Lightweight hiking shoes are designed to be worn outdoors, which means they need to be able to handle a range of terrains. This includes uphill and uneven surfaces. To make sure that your lightweight hiking shoes are fit for purpose, make sure that they have a rugged sole that will offer a good grip.

You want to make sure that the lightweight hiking shoes you are wearing will be able to keep you balanced and stable when you are exploring different landscapes. It is also a good idea to check whether the shoes will offer stability during wet conditions, as this can narrow down when and where they can be worn.

Breathability

All lightweight hiking shoes should offer some kind of breathability in order to keep your feet cool. However, some will be better at this than others. You can check whether the lightweight hiking shoes you have chosen will have good airflow, and will, therefore, be breathable, by ensuring there is some kind of mesh lining on the outer.

Shoes that are breathable will keep your feet cool and dry, making them suitable to be worn for long periods of time, like during a day-long hike. They will also prevent sweat and chafing, as well as reducing odor buildup in the shoes. This allows them to be worn repeatedly without lasting damage and wear.

What Is The Difference Between Hiking Shoes And Hiking Boots?

One of the biggest differences between hiking boots and hiking shoes, as we can see from this review, is the weight. Hiking shoes are designed to be more lightweight, making them more comfortable and versatile than hiking boots. However, this isn’t the only difference between the two.

Another significant difference between hiking boots and shoes is the height. Hiking shoes will have a low top fit, making them easier to wear and more comfortable around the ankles, whereas hiking boots are higher on the leg. Hiking boots are often designed to keep the ankle in an upright, straight position to avoid damage to the legs, which is why they will sit higher.

Lightweight hiking shoes are best suited to those who want to move quickly and do not have room to be weighted down. It is true that hiking boots are better suited to harsher terrains, but hiking shoes can still provide similar levels of protection from exterior damage without all of the additional weight.

You need to consider the kind of hiking you do and where you want to explore in order to decide whether lightweight hiking shoes or traditional hiking boots are best for your needs.

Did You Know?

Lightweight hiking shoes not only differ in weight to traditional hiking boots, but they also have a lower cut making them more comfortable to wear.

Expert Tip

Do not wear thick socks with lightweight hiking shoes as this will affect the air ventilation they provide and will make your feet too hot, which defeats the object of these shoes.