If you’re in the market for the best lightweight hiking shoes that won’t drag you down, look no further because we’ve put together this hiking shoes resource guide to help you out.
These shoes are designed to provide comfort and support while also being light enough that they won’t weigh you down or slow you down as you trek through different terrain.
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but it can be hard on your feet if you don’t have the right shoes. That’s why having a good pair of hiking shoes is essential for any serious hiker.
Here are the top 5 hiking shoes that are significantly lighter on the feet and more versatile than ever.
In a hurry? Go straight to my #1 choice for Lightweight Hiking Shoes in 2023
Should hiking shoes be light or heavy?
Weight is one of the most important factors when selecting hiking shoes. Generally, the lighter a shoe is, the better off you will be in terms of comfort, breathability and energy savings.
Lighter hiking shoes are less likely to cause fatigue and blisters while walking longer distances. However, it’s important to find a balance between lightness and durability – too light and your shoes won’t last as long or provide as much protection.
It is also important to consider the material of your hiking shoes. Many lightweight materials are not as durable or provide as much support or grip as heavier, more sturdy materials.
Leather and suede are popular options for durability and support, while mesh and synthetic fabrics often provide breathability and cushioning.
How to Choose A Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Here are the key factors to consider to help you choose the best pair that suits you.
- Weight of shoes. The obvious point of these shoes is to be as lightweight as possible. Hiking shoes that weigh about 1 lb. (453grams) or less per shoe are considered as lightweight shoes.
- Type of Hiking. Consider how technical your hiking is going to be. Are you a veteran hiking on trails with rocky sections with uneven surfaces? Then you need the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. For beginners hiking on well-maintained or less rocky trails, we recommend the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator.
- Shorter break-in period. Today, many hiking shoes are made of tough but lighter-weight materials. They are supposed to be less stiff and should have a shorter to none break-in period.
- Traction. All hiking boots in general should offer stability and provide excellent traction on different types of trials.
After considering these factors, pick the right one that suits your style and fits comfortably. Most importantly, make sure that you are comfortable in them as long hikes require comfort more than anything else.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Here are our top picks for the Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes with full run down of the features and pros and cons of each of hiking shoes.
The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is our pick for the best lightweight hiking shoes
Designed to be the lightest on the trails, Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 combines strong protection and dynamic cushioning that offers limitless uses for trail runners.
Price Point: $225.89 - $279.99 The Pros:- Made of Breathable mesh upper with seamless synthetic overlays
- Can handle various ranges of trails from moderate to technical
- Updated, lighter-weight foam for a more responsive ride
- Extended tail that keeps jersey tucked-in
- Excellent grip
- Superior foot protection
- The Height of the shoes can make them a bit unstable
The Salomon X Ultra 4 LOW GTX is the best lightweight hiking shoes for women.
These impressively lightweight and high-performing hiking shoes for women are designed to conquer hard-charging uphills and descents. Featuring a superior grip that is reliable on various types of terrains.
Price Point: $150 The Pros:- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Features waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® protection
- Great traction on all types of terrains
- Feels light while still offering stability and protection
- Easy to use Quick-lace system
- Women-specific design including softer materials and lower density chassis
- Average underfoot protection
The Men’s Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is our pick for the best lightweight hiking shoes for men.
One of Merrell’s best-selling hiking shoes, Men’s Merrell Moab 2 ventilator offers out-of-the-box comfort, a lightweight feel, and excellent trail performance at a very reasonable price.
Price Point: $40.49 - $110.00 The Pros:- Lightweight hiking shoes for men
- Comfortable protection
- Made with breathable materials that are perfect for warm weather
- Affordable price point
- Classic design
- Supportive footbeds
- Durable construction
- No Break-In Time Required
- Great Traction
- Best shoes for long days on the trails
- Average stability in the heel area
We pick Keen Targhee III Low as the best lightweight hiking shoes for wide feet.
Keen’s Targhee line has been a favorite in the hiking community for years now, with the “III” retaining the quality and comfort that has made this lineup so popular. It features a wide toe box that provides lots of room for foot mobility, along with Keen’s classic beefy bumpers for added protection.
Price Point: $165.00 The Pros:- Lightweight
- Wide toe box
- Waterproof and breathable
- High traction grip
- Non-Marking rubber outsoles
- Right out of the box comfort
- Good price for a high-quality shoe
- Great stability from the injected TPU heel-capture system
- The classic Targhee bumpers provide excellent protection, especially on rocky trails
- Not fully waterproof
Our Pick for the best lightweight waterproof hiking shoes is the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes.
If moving fast in wet conditions is what you are after, then you need the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX hiking shoes. It combines the comfortable feel of a running shoe and support from hiking boots resulting in high-performance lightweight hiking shoes.
Price Point: $193.62 - $218.36 The Pros:- Lightweight and waterproof
- Superior traction on all terrains
- Supportive
- Great Stability
- On-trail comfort
- Utilizes refined last works with the reinforced top arm of the sensifit, holding foot comfortably in place, especially moving downhill
- Durable construction
- They run narrow
- Could be more breathable
Fun & Cool Hiking Clothes
More Hiking Gear Resources
- My Absolute Favorite Wide Toe Box Shoes for 2023
- Best Kids Hiking Clothes On The Market
- 5 Best Kids Hydration Packs On The Market
- Best Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Aside from a good pair of hiking shoes, one essential gear to have when hiking is a hydration pack. Check out our post on the Best Hydration Packs For Hiking on the market.
If you are hiking with young children, using a hiking carrier can be helpful. Check out this guide for recommendations on the best hiking carriers for babies and toddlers.