12 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots in 2021

Being comfortable is one of the main things you should look for when it comes to boots for walking. Lightweight boots are some that are going to be comfortable right from the start and suitable for walking in various terrains. Hiking boots are vital for your protection and support when walking outdoors, so they require a lot of consideration before buying one pair. This can make it quite hard to find which are the best hiking boots for your needs, due to the number of features to look into and the types available.

Lightweight hiking boots are becoming more popular due to the comfort they provide. Thanks to improved technology and design features, lightweight hiking boots can provide just as much support and protection as a standard one without weighing you down. These kinds of boots can also be waterproof, making them versatile, as they can be worn in all weather conditions, as well as having good traction.

View the Best Lightweight Hiking Boots, Below.

• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Men’s Wide Hiking Boots
• Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot
• KEEN Women’s Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot
• Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
• KEEN Women’s Oakridge Mid Waterproof Boot
• adidas outdoor Mens Terrex Swift R2 GTX
• Timberland Women’s Norwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Timberland Men’s Mt. Maddsen Hiker Boot
• Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
• Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe

1. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot

This pair of boots are lightweight as they have a synthetic sole that offers good traction without weighing you down. This walking boot for women features unique technology to provide the most comfort, including a lightweight, durable midsole. This midsole is designed to provide long-lasting comfort as it is cushioned and fully responsive to keep it padded for a long time. These boots have advanced traction that is slip-resistant to keep you balanced on all terrains.

This boot is one of the best as it is made from full-grain leather that is waterproof to protect from the elements. They feature a mesh lining that offers breathability to keep the feet cool and dry, even when working up a sweat. The padded collar and tongue are also made from mesh to enhance airflow. This walking boot for women is one of the most versatile as they are adjustable through the lace-up closure. They also feature durable hardware, providing the most accurate fit and support to your feet.

These lightweight hiking boots are comfortable as they have a responsive insole, breathable lining, and great traction.

2. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Men’s Wide Hiking Boots

These Salomon X Ultra hike boots are lightweight as they are made from synthetic materials. These boots are made from climbing, which is why they are lightweight, allowing you to comfortably hike uphill and on uneven terrains. They have a reinforced upper that keeps your foot in the right position when walking, hiking and climbing to ensure support an reduce fatigue. As they are synthetic, these hiking boots are breathable to keep the feet cool all day long.

This Salomon x Ultra hiking shoe is very comfortable as it features lightweight cushioning in the interior. This cushioning surrounds the foot, providing all-over support and stabilizing it in the correct position. The synthetic sole is durable and rugged to provide balance when going up or downhill, even in wet conditions. This makes these waterproof hiking boots versatile and suitable for different types of terrains, in all seasons.

These Salomon x Ultra hiking shoes are breathable, with a great grip making them suitable to wear in all weather conditions.

3. Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot

These walking shoes are made from leather, making them one of the best for durability and longevity. They feature textile panels to provide good air ventilation, which will help keep the feet cool and dry when working up a sweat. This hiking shoe has an attractive design and is available in muted colors. The rubber sole offers good traction to keep you balanced and stable in all weather conditions and various terrains.

This hiking footwear is of great quality as they feature rust-resistant hardware that continues to look good even with repeated wear. This makes them one of the best value products in this review. The outer is waterproof, with a breathable membrane that lets moisture out to prevent chafing and blisters when walking. Even though they are made from durable materials, these boots have a low weight making them comfortable to wear for long periods. The lug pattern on the sole offers great traction on every trail.

These lightweight shoes are waterproof with a breathable membrane to keep the feet dry, cool, and comfortable on the trail.

4. Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot

These walking boots for mens feet are ideal to wear on the trail during winter as they are waterproof with a superior grip. They feature a Vibram outsole with an effective lug pattern that grips well onto both wet and dry surfaces, making these hiking shoes versatile and safe to wear in all seasons. This pair of boots is supportive as it features a TPU heel cup that supports the correct foot position to alleviate stress on the feet when trail walking.

These are comfortable hiking boots as they feature an SPE midsole that is fully responsive and bounces back quickly. This ensures that the padding remains full even when walking on it for a long time which means your feet will be cushioned every step of the way. This reduces fatigue and injury, so you can get to the end of the trail without issue. This hiking footwear has an adjustable lace-up closure that allows for the most accurate fit to your feet, so you can get the support you need when walking, backpacking and camping.

These walking boots for men are waterproof, with a superior grip and a cushioned insole so they can be worn for a long time.

5. KEEN Women’s Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot

These Keen Targhee shoes are lightweight hiking boots as they are made from textiles. This makes them breathable as they offer good air ventilation to keep the feet cool and dry when walking along the trail. As they are breathable, these walking shoes are comfortable to wear in all seasons as they remove moisture from the skin to prevent chafing. These are some of the best lightweight hiking boots as the rubber sole offers great traction on both a wet and dry trail.

These are comfortable light boots for women as they have an EVA footbed. This is a foam footbed that is flexible and lightweight, so it can mold to the shape of your foot to provide support where you need it most. The rubber outsole of these hiking shoes is non-marking and abrasion-resistant to help you stay steady on your feet, even when walking on a rocky trail or going uphill. These Keen Targhee boots are available in various colors to suit all styles, making them versatile and attractive.

These Keen Targhee hiking boots are made from light materials, with a mesh lining for breathability and a foam footbed for comfort.

6. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

These walking boots men feature a durable and lightweight insole making them comfortable to wear all along the trail. This cushioned insole is responsive, meaning it will bounce back every time to provide long-lasting comfort even with repeated wear. These lightweight hiking shoes feature a great traction outsole that provides balance and stability on the trail, even in wet conditions. The lacing system on these boots is adjustable and provides an accurate fit for various shoe sizes.

These hiking boots have a padded collar that provides ankle support and keeps your leg in the correct position when walking to prevent injury. The Techlite footbed is designed to mold to the shape of your feet to provide targeted support to the pressure points and reduce the stress of walking for a long time. These are waterproof hiking shoes that can be worn in all seasons and various locations while being able to protect your feet making them one of the best.

These lightweight hiking boots feature a durable and responsive cushioned insole that provides support until the end of the trail.

7. KEEN Women’s Oakridge Mid Waterproof Boot

These Keen Targhee hiking shoes are made from lightweight leather with mesh panels to keep the feet cool and dry every step of the trail. They are breathable and waterproof making them suitable to wear in all weather conditions. These boots are comfortable as they feature an EVA insole that can be removed based on your needs. This lightweight footbed provides cushioning and targeted support to the pressure points of your feet to reduce fatigue and injury.

These Keen Targhee hiking shoes are designed to last as they are made from high-quality materials and have a durable construction. They are scuff-resistant to ensure their quality even with repeated wear on a tough trail and the rubber outsole offers good traction. The EVA footbed is compression-molded meaning it will change shape to match your feet when wearing them to provide support where you need it most. These Keen Targhee boots will ensure the correct foot position when walking on the trail to prevent fatigue and muscle damage.

These Keen Targhee hiking boots are made from lightweight but durable leather and mesh, providing waterproof support and breathability.

8. adidas outdoor Mens Terrex Swift R2 GTX

These shoes are best for trail running or day hikes as they are super lightweight and comfortable. These boots are made from a mesh upper that offers good airflow to keep the feet dry all day long. The rubber sole offers a good grip and smooth traction, allowing you to run along the trail and uphill without injury. These lightweight hiking boots have a molded TPU toe box that protects the feet from debris, rocks and uneven surfaces when walking along a nature trail.

These trail running shoes are designed for speed as they are lightweight, with good air ventilation to keep you going for longer. The laces can be adjusted to provide a snug and accurate fit to your feet, ensuring that you are getting the support you need. This hiking shoe has a great grip on both wet and dry surfaces making them versatile. The low weight makes them suitable to wear when running at great speeds, as well as making them comfortable to wear when walking all day long. This low weight also makes them suitable for travel as they can be packed away easily.

These low weight running shoes are ideal to wear on an uneven trail as they have a good grip, protective toe box and are breathable.

9. Timberland Women’s Norwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

These are some of the best hiking boots for day hikes as they are lightweight, waterproof and structured for support. They have a high cut to provide ankle support and ensure the correct leg position when hiking to avoid damage. The rubber sole on this hiking shoe offers smooth traction so you can easily walk along the trail without fatigue. They have a fully gusseted tongue that is soft on the skin and breathable to provide additional comfort.

These hiking boots are made from leather but are light in weight so they can be worn for a long period. They have a waterproof membrane that protects your feet from the elements, making them suitable to wear in more than one season. These are durable hiking boots that can withstand repeated wear, making them a great investment and something that will last.

These hiking boots provide smooth traction on the trail and are water-resistant making them versatile.

10. Timberland Men’s Mt. Maddsen Hiker Boot

These are water-resistant hiking boots that can be worn on any kind of trail in all seasons. This makes them one of the best for all forms of hiking, as they are versatile and suitable for tough terrains. The rubber sole offers great traction for stability and balance even when going uphill or walking on an uneven trail. These shoes are made from leather making them flexible, comfortable and durable so they will last a long time. This means they are one of the greatest purchases you can make, as they are of great value.

These are stylish hiking boots that have the iconic Timberland structure meaning they can be worn on the trail and beyond. These shoes have an outdoor-ready upper that is suitable for hikes or simply heading downtown. As they are lightweight, they are comfortable to wear for a long period and do not cause fatigue. The laces are durable and can be easily adjusted to provide the most accurate fit to your feet. This can ensure that you are getting the support you need from these boots when walking.

This hiking shoe is one of the best as it is stylish and versatile, protecting you when hiking as well as being able to be worn downtown.

11. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot

These Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots are some of the best as they are made from leather and mesh. This means they are durable, water-resistant, and breathable so they can be worn in all seasons. As they offer more than one form of protection from the elements, these boots are a great investment as they can be worn all year long. They have a closed-cell foam tongue that is not only comfortable against the skin but is also designed to keep debris and water out of the shoe to keep your feet dry.

These Merrell Moab 2 low weight hiking boots have a breathable mesh lining that offers good air ventilation to keep the feet cool and dry when you are working up a sweat. These Merrell Moab 2 boots have a protective toe cap that is designed to help keep you steady even on uneven terrains and when going uphill. They have a supportive footbed that is cushioned and alleviates the pressure on your feet which comes from having to handle all of your weight. These boots have a targeted heel cushion to support the correct foot position when walking.

These Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots take the pressure off your feet while they handle the weight of your body as they have a cushioned footbed and heel cup.

12. Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe

These lightweight hiking boots are one of the best you can buy as they are made from waterproof full-grain leather. This is a durable material that is designed to last a long time, so you will only need to buy one pair of hiking footwear to keep you protected all year long. They have a breathable mesh lining that keeps the feet cool and wicks away moisture to prevent chafing. This makes these boots comfortable to wear in all weather conditions, as well as for a long time.

These hiking shoes have metal eyelets and webbing loops that provide secure lacing. This can be easily adjusted to provide a snug fit and enhanced support when you need it most. These boots are protective and supportive with a rubber toe cap. This can help keep the feet safe when walking on uneven terrains and uphill. One of the best features of these shoes is the fact they have a bellowed tongue that is designed to keep debris and water out. These boots have a great sporty style that looks good both on and off the trail.

These hiking shoes are waterproof and breathable making them versatile as they can be worn all year long.

Buyer’s Guide To Lightweight Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are designed to protect the feet, offering support, stability, and comfort when walking, climbing and spending a lot of time putting all of your weight on this part of the body. Due to the kind of pressures that hiking boots have to face, they are typically made from heavier weight materials that offer durability and protection. This can mean that in the past, hiking boots are not the most comfortable things to wear.

The main concern for a lot of boots manufacturers was protecting their customers, which meant that comfort often came as an afterthought. Thankfully now, with modern technology and advancements in the manufacturing process, you do not have to choose just one option when it comes to either safety or comfort. This is where lightweight hiking boots come in.

As you can see from this review, there are a lot of options when it comes to this kind of boot which can make it quite difficult to find the best ones for your needs. This buyers’ guide is designed to provide you with information regarding this kind of footwear, so you can ensure that you are finding the right one and making the best purchase.

What are Lightweight Hiking Boots For?

Lightweight hiking boots are designed to be a more economical solution to walking shoes, as they are more comfortable, allow you to walk uphill with ease, and reduce foot fatigue, all while still being protective. Even though these kinds of shoes are still protective, they are not as sturdy as classic hiking boots, which means they are best suited to certain trails.

Lightweight hiking boots are best for day hikes, those that are considered to be easy to medium in difficulty. They can be worn for distances between 5 and 15 miles, due to the fact they offer just the right amount of support needed. This kind of hiking shoe is considered to be above low-top hiking boots, yet slightly below backpacking shoes in their classification, which is made based on the support they provide.

In short, boots that are light in weight are ideal for those looking to cover a large distance in one day as they reduce fatigue and allow you to walk at a normal pace.

How Heavy Should Hiking Boots Be?

It is mainly the materials that are used in a hiking shoe that will determine how much they weight. However, considering most of them are made from similar materials like leather and rubber, it can be quite difficult to determine which ones are best for the kind of hiking you want to do.

Hiking shoes are typically worn during backpacking trips and camping, which means you need to understand their weight to see whether it is something you can manage. When you are carrying a lot of equipment, for example, on a backpacking trip where you need to keep everything in one bag, you want to make sure that your boot is not going to hinder you and instead offers the support they are designed for.

Although each brand of hiking boots will weigh something slightly different, due to the materials they use and the construction of the shoe there is an average weight for hiking boots you should be aware of. Standard hiking boots weigh around 2 pounds, which is just over 900 grams.

It is important when looking into the weight of hiking boots that you determine whether the manufacturer is informing you of the weight of one boot or the pair. You will want to know the weight of the pair as this is what you will be wearing, so this is the only way to get an accurate measurement.

How to tell if a Boot is Lightweight

It can be quite easy to see whether a boot is mid to lightweight simply by picking it up and testing the weight with your hands. However, if you are shopping online, this is not possible, so you need to know some measurements. What makes a boot mid to lightweight is something that differs from one brand to the next, but a good place to start is anything less than 500 grams.

Considering the average weight of hiking boots is just over 900 grams, this is considerably less, making this kind of shoe lightweight. Anything between 500 and 900 grams is considered to be mid-weight. You can also determine how lightweight a boot is by seeing how flexible the materials are once you buy them.

What are Good Hiking Boots Brands?

In this review, we have highlighted the best boots from a range of different brands based on the customer ratings we found on Amazon.com. As you can see on this list, there are a lot of brands available when it comes to hiking boots, so it can be difficult for you to determine which is the best one for you.

Finding which brands are the best is a great way to narrow down and shorten your shopping tip when looking for this kind of footwear, as you will know where to look instantly. To see whether a brand is the best, we need to consider the range of products they have, the quality of their footwear, as well as their overall expertise.

For example, if a brand has a lot of different models of hiking boots, then it is likely that they will be a top pick for this kind of shoe. Not only do they have a lot of boots, but also they will know a lot about this kind of gear so you can trust their quality.

With this in mind, the best brands we have tested in this review have been mentioned several times. Some brands have not been included in this review, yet are still a good one to look into if you want a quality walking boot. There are two brands we haven’t mentioned:

Salomon Quest 4D

In this review, we have covered the Salomon Quest Ultra Boots, but another great option form this brand is the Salomon Quest 4D. The Salomon Quest 4D is a comfortable and supportive boot that offers a lot of protection. The Salomon Quest 4D is a shoe that has appeared in various other reviews due to its quality and support. The Salomon Quest 4D can be purchased for both men and women, as it is available in various sizes. A great feature of the Quest 4D is the fact it has a durable outsole for balance.

La Sportiva

Although La Sportiva is not a brand that is included in this review, they are still one of the best for this kind of boot. La Sportiva has a great range of sporting shoes, including a mid boot range that can be worn on hikes or backpacking trips. La Sportiva is a highly rated brand that many people follow.

It is important to note that when looking into brand-specific reviews, the author may earn a commission from the brand mentioned. The deals they may earn should not influence their decision, but it is something to be aware of as it can go without being said in the article.

What are the most Comfortable Women’s Hiking Boots?

When looking for the best hiking boots, it is recommended that you shop within your gender. This is because men and women have slightly different foot structures, with women’s feet being more narrow. This means that the shoes that are best for a woman will need to be a different shape to those for men. To get the best support for your activity, shop for shoes within your gender.

With this in mind, the best hiking boots for women’s comfort are the KEEN Women’s Terradora Mid Wp Hiking Boot. This is one of the best boots for comfort overall as it is made from lightweight materials and has a mid-cut. This means that these boots do not sit too high on the leg. Instead, the mid-cut sits on the ankle, providing support and ensuring that the foot is in the right position to prevent fatigue and damage.

One of the reasons why these are the most comfortable boots for women is the fact that they are made from textiles. This is a breathable and lightweight material, making the boot suitable to wear in hot weather as they keep the feet cool and dry. This mid boot still protects from the elements and uneven terrains, as they have a durable outsole. However, as they are lightweight, they can be worn for a long period without fatigue.

These boots also have a cushioned midsole that offers support and will mold to the shape of your feet. The laces can be easily adjusted to provide the most accurate fit to your feet, making them versatile. It is important that the boot you choose fits you well and is comfortable. Otherwise, they are not the one to wear for a long time.

Other Features To Look For

As well as considering how comfortable the boot will be to wear, there are some other features you should look out for. This can help you narrow down your options so you can find the one shoe that has everything you need. It is important to keep in mind that a mid-weight boot for hiking should be comfortable, supportive, and protective, so you need to look for features that offer this.

Materials used

As we have mentioned, most of the weight of a boot comes from the materials used. Many of the products in this review are made from leather, as this is a durable material, but it can also be quite heavy. To find a mid to lightweight boot, make sure that leather is combined with another fabric that is lighter such as mesh. Not only will this reduce the weight of the boot, but it will also provide air ventilation for breathability.

Mid Collar Design

A mid collar is something that is typically found in a lightweight boot, so this is a good way to determine whether you have found the right one. A mid collar can still provide ankle support while also offering flexibility. Boots with a mid collar are also going to be easy to put on and take off at the end of the day, as there are fewer laces to deal with.

Mid or insole

The mid or insole of the boot can determine how comfortable they will be to wear. Typically, this kind of footwear will come with a cushioned mid or insole that is designed to support the arch and pressure points of the foot. If you are not sure what kind of support you need from a boot, make sure to choose one that comes with a removable mid or insole so you can add cushioning should you need it.

Waterproofing

This can be largely determined by the kind of material that is used on the shoe, and it is a good way to find the right one for your needs. Boots that offer waterproof protection are going to be more versatile, as they can be worn in all weather conditions and various locations. This type of boot will keep the feet warm and dry in all seasons, including rain and snow, so you don’t have to miss out on a hike.

Conclusion

Lightweight hiking boots are versatile and comfortable, making them one of the best for day hikers. If you want to reach great distances and rack up the miles, then you will want to invest in one of these lightweight hiking boots we’ve reviewed.

Did You Know?

The average weight of walking shoes is just under 900 grams, and this is determined by the materials used for the upper and sole.

Expert Tip

In most cases, lightweight walking boots have a low cut collar that sits just on or below the ankle, which is a good way to determine one type from the other.