If you’re looking for a light hiking shoe that will keep your feet dry, we recommend looking at the options listed down below.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
Best Shoes For Light Hiking Reviews
Hoka Speedgoat 5
- Breathable mesh upper with seamless synthetic overlays
- Breathable textile lining for abrasion-free wear
- Removable, foam padded insole for cushioning and support
- Durable full-length EVA foam midsole to absorb shock and offer stability
- Durable Vibram Megagrip sole with 5mm stepped rubber lugs for grip
If you love hiking, but want a lightweight shoe, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 hiking shoe is a great choice. Compared to the Speedgoat 4, this hiking shoe is 21 grams lighter, which can make a big difference on long hikes. The improved fit and cushion also help you stay comfortable for longer hikes.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a classic trail shoe that combines comfort and performance. The shoe’s ultra-cushioned midsole absorbs impact well, keeping your feet comfortable all day.
Its thick supportive cushioning helps reduce the stress on your joints, especially on steep trails. With a 5-mm heel-to-toe drop, this shoe is a great choice for hiking and trail running.
While many people are concerned about the padded toebox, the shoe’s design and construction ensure that it’s as comfortable as possible. This shoe uses a knit-like upper that is almost seamless and provides incredible structure.
This knit upper helps keep your foot secure, even if you’re hiking on rough terrain. The knit upper is also exceptionally soft, so you’ll be able to walk comfortably in it all day.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is also comfortable on wet surfaces. The mesh on the shoe’s upper helps keep your feet dry, and you won’t feel clammy feet in them after a rainy day.
These hiking shoes also do a good job of gripping slippery piles of leaves and providing stability on slippery surfaces. Furthermore, they provide great traction on steep uphills and stop power on aggressive downhills.
The Speedgoat 5 fits true to size and provides excellent comfort right out of the box. The shoe’s outsole is made of a multidirectional lug system, which improves traction across a larger surface area. The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is about half an ounce lighter than its predecessor.
For those who plan to use their hiking shoes for day hiking, the Speedgoat 5 is the best choice. Its thick, cushioned midsole is nitrogen-infused, and the outsole features TrailTrack, which is an incredibly grippy rubber compound. The shoe is lightweight at a pound and a half, but it will last you a long time on the trail.
Danner Trail 2650
- LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE, SUEDE UPPER to provide unparalleled comfort and strength during your highest hikes.
- VIBRAM 460 OUTSOLE WITH MEGAGRIP TECHNOLOGY offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces. Vibram has...
- 3" SHAFT WITH 8MM DROP for ankle stability and heel cushioning. A hiking boots shaft measures how far up...
- 3" SHAFT WITH 8MM DROP for ankle stability and heel cushioning. A shoe's drop measures the drop from your...
- TRAILGUARD TPU SHANK offers stability and comfort. Every shoe should have a shank--a thin and long piece...
The Danner Trail 2650 is a comfortable hiking shoe that has a decent amount of protection and traction. Compared to the Brooks Cascadia 15 or Altra Lone Peak 5, this shoe is not too heavy and is suitable for light hiking. However, if you’re going to be carrying a heavy pack and hiking on technical trails, you might want to consider a different shoe.
This lightweight hiking shoe weighs 13 ounces. This is lighter than most hiking shoes but is not as light as trail runners. Its design balances protection with durability. The upper is made of durable leather, which feels great on your feet. The midsole is also perforated, which helps keep moisture and heat away from the foot.
The Trail 2650 has a rubber bumper around the toe, which keeps the shoe from slipping on rocky trails. It also has an external heel counter, which offers some stiffness when hiking, but not complete peace of mind on technical trails.
While the Trail 2650 is a great choice for light hiking and day trips, heavier hikers may want to choose a more substantial style.
This lightweight hiking shoe has a leather upper that has stood up to a lot of abuse. I was impressed by the fit and comfort of the shoe. It’s definitely worth trying. The Danner Trail 2650 is a great option for those who want to travel light.
The Trail 2650 GTX is a nice hiking shoe and is comfortable. However, it’s not the cheapest option – it’s in the upper price range of most hiking shoes. Before making a decision, you should take a look at a pair in a store or try them on indoors.
Another plus of the Danner Trail 2650 is the waterproofing. The waterproofing is Gore-tex, which works best with waterproof trousers. The trousers should be worn just under the tongue of the shoe to keep it dry.
La Sportiva Mens Spire GTX
- Durable abrasion resistant mesh upper provides protection while Nano Cell 2.0 structure provides maximum...
- Nano Cell 2.0 Technology works with Gore-Tex Surround aeration channels within the footbed and midsole
- STB control system inegrates Gore-Tex Surround ventilation outlets and provides a comfortable, snug...
- Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System sole provides traction and grip
The La Sportiva Mens Spire GTX is a pair of lightweight hiking shoes with GORE-TEX SURROUND technology. This shoe is designed with Mountain DNA, which is a combination of Mountain Running and Mountain concepts. The Mountain DNA provides protection and a lightweight, flexible fit.
The upper is made of abrasion-resistant mesh with a Gore-Tex Surround. The Spire GTX also has an aeration-channeled midsole that draws moisture away from the foot. Lastly, the shoe has full-length TPU stabilizers and a 5mm Ortholite insole for comfort.
La Sportiva Spire GTX hiking shoes have a low-cut design that is good for light hiking. Its thick midsole with TPU inserts provides good all-around protection. It also has a synthetic toe cap to protect the front of the foot. The shoe has a good traction and doesn’t cause caking.
The La Sportiva Mens Spire GTX is waterproof, and it features a durable Vibram XS Trek outsole and a mesh upper that resists abrasion. However, some buyers have complained that the shoe’s mesh is prone to tearing or discoloration. Its impact braking system has also been criticized for wearing down quickly, resulting in less traction.
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a mid-duty waterproof hiking shoe. It has a low-cut and breathable design that is ideal for day hikes on rugged terrain. It is also made with Gore-Tex Surround technology, which improves breathability.
La Sportiva is known for making rugged hiking boots, but they also offer lightweight hiking shoes that are just as durable. The Spire GTX has many of the benefits of a rugged hiking boot while offering the comfort and flexibility of a running shoe.
The Spire GTX has a Vibram XS Trek outsole that ensures reliable traction on uneven terrain. The Spire GTX also has a compression-molded EVA midsole and an Ortholite insole. Its mesh upper provides enhanced breathability, and the Gore-Tex Surround and Nano Cell 2.0 materials provide waterproof protection.
The Spire GTX is a lightweight hiking shoe built with the latest technologies. Its ankle collar extends about three inches above the lower ankle bone, which gives it lateral support, but not as much as a mid-cut boot. Some light hikers find mid-cut boots overkill.
Merrell Men’s Moab 3
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper 100% recycled laces and webbing Bellows tongue keeps out debris Protective...
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 is an excellent hiking shoe that offers excellent cushioning and traction. The upper is a combination of leather and mesh, and the toe and tongue are lined with a soft fleece-like fabric. The mesh liner allows perspiration and moisture to escape. The rubber end cap provides protection to the heel.
The upper is made of mesh, which allows it to breathe and dry quickly. The shoe’s midsole and insole cradle the foot and have built-in arch support. Alternatively, if you prefer a more rigid construction, you can opt for the Moab 2 Vent model. It also features a stability band and rigid construction.
The Moab 2 Vent is Merrell’s most popular hiking shoe. Its high-quality leather upper and protective rubber toe cap make it comfortable, while the breathable mesh lining keeps your feet dry. The midsole is made of lightweight EVA foam and flexible plastic material, and the outsole is made with durable Vibram rubber. It also features a ventilated footbed for added support and ventilation.
Weight: The Moab 3 trail shoe weighs 1 pound and nine ounces, and it is slightly heavier than other lightweight hiking shoes. This makes it slightly heavier than the KEEN Targhee Vent and Oboz Sawtooth X Low.
OUTpulse: Another lightweight option, the OUTpulse is made with thin materials, so it feels less substantial than the Moab. Its low-profile design isn’t ideal for traditional hikers, and it’s better suited for fast hikers who don’t need much support.
Nonetheless, for traditional hikers who want more cushioning and traction, the Moab will prove to be a better choice.
Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
- Trekking Boots
- Made of Lightweight Leather
- Trekking boots
- Made from lightweight leather
The Hoka Anacapa Low GTX shoes are a low-profile version of the company’s award-winning Anacapa Mid. They feature a waterproof nubuck leather upper and durable GoreTex footwear fabric that’s protected from water and rocks by a PFC-Free water repellency treatment.
They also feature a highly cushioned insole and a 50% soy-based sock liner. In addition, these shoes feature a signature HOKA extended heel geometry and a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
Designed for medium-volume feet, the Anacapa Low GTX is a comfortable shoe that is lightweight but still provides sufficient ankle support. It features a low heel tip drop and a rounded sole to complement your natural stride.
The shoes also feature a narrow last that’s designed to cradle the foot deeper into the midsole for extra support and comfort.
These shoes are designed for short hikes on easy terrain. The soft heel makes them a good choice for flat surfaces. However, if you plan to do longer hikes in the mountains, you may want to consider the higher-end model. This shoe is also durable and a good choice for hiking.
Another feature that makes the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX shoes perfect for light hiking is their extended heel geometry. If you’re a heel striker, this feature will be beneficial for you. The shoe weighs one pound, and 15 ounces, and offers moderate support. For $180, these shoes are a great value.
While both lightweight hiking shoes are worth a look, you may be better off investing in a pair of shoes that provide a more durable and comfortable cushioning system. A midsole that’s too soft will break down over time. Fortunately, you can still find light hiking shoes with a midsole made of Gore-Tex.
La Sportiva Men’s Hiking Boots
- Durable abrasion resistant mesh upper provides protection while Nano Cell 2.0 structure provides maximum...
- Nano Cell 2.0 Technology works with Gore-Tex Surround aeration channels within the footbed and midsole
- STB control system inegrates Gore-Tex Surround ventilation outlets and provides a comfortable, snug...
- Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System sole provides traction and grip
La Sportiva makes high-performance men’s hiking boots and other outdoor footwear that are built to last for years.
Their products feature leather-bound uppers and Vibram outsoles to provide traction and comfort, as well as waterproofing and lightweight midsoles. The boots are lightweight and durable, and they feature a durable lacing system for added support. They’re also made from high-quality materials that will make them easy to clean and keep dry.
La Sportiva’s TX Hike Mid GTX hiking boot is made for hiking in mountainous terrain. It’s made from soft nubuck leather and offers enough support to make it an ideal backpacking boot.
It also has many premium features, including waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex and a grippy Vibram outsole. It’s also the only lightweight hiking boot with high-cut ankle support. Available in both narrow and wide widths, this lightweight hiking boot will keep you comfortable on long hikes and day hikes.
A unique ankle lock loop locks the heel into place and reduces the chance of blisters and heel lift. It also provides extra ankle support and reduces rolling on uneven terrain. Despite the lightweight nature of the boot, it weighs four to five pounds. However, these boots aren’t a good choice for people with weak ankles or a lower ankle flex.
Regardless of whether you’re hiking in the mountains or trail running in the desert, you’ll need hiking boots that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Gore-Tex technology is a great waterproof lining that keeps your feet dry and protects your feet from sharp rocks. The Gore-Tex technology also has a nano-cell design that provides additional breathability.
A combination of leather and waxed canvas uppers is another great option for summer walks. These boots are similar to the popular Danner Jaq Quilt model, but they are lighter and have a more breathable design.
The lightweight design is also better suited for hikes through mixed terrain in the summer. They are waterproof and feature high ankle support, while the supportive footbed helps cushion your feet. In addition to the lightweight weight, you can also resole these boots if the soles get too sloppy.
For those who enjoy light hiking, the Spire GTX is a perfect choice. This lightweight hiking boot is perfect for day hikes in rugged and variable terrain, and it’s a good choice for backpackers as well.
The Spire GTX is comfortable, with excellent waterproofing and breathability. You can also choose this boot for light hiking on the beach or for a weekend getaway.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
- Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Power through uphills and descents with the X Ultra 4 GTX; It has the agility of...
- All Terrain Grip: Equipped with a new chassis, this waterproof hiking shoe protects sensitive...
- Adventure Awaits: Whether you love a local day hike or hitting the trails for a multi-day adventure,...
- Time To Play: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has...
- Since 1947 Salomon has created innovative outdoor sports gear; From running and hiking to backpacking,...
If you’re looking for light hiking shoes with good grip, you should consider the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX. These shoes are 3.5 ounces lighter than their predecessor. They’re built with lightweight TPU shanks and an EnergyCell foam midsole. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX’s lug depth and traction are excellent for rocky terrain.
Salomon’s X Ultra has remained a popular hiking shoe for years. The X Ultra’s unique chassis combines the agility of a trail running shoe with the stability of a hiking boot. These shoes are much lighter than the majority of other brands and are much more stable, supportive, and durable.
These hiking shoes have a midsole made of energy-return foam for better shock absorption and a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. They also come with a SensiFit(TM) upper for a more secure fit. This shoe also features Active Support technology and an ADV-C Chassis for stability and grip.
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