Famously stout and unquestionably sturdy, one pair of hiking boots could have easily seen you through college to your own kid’s graduation. Today, the best lightweight hiking boots might look and feel closer to trail runners than traditional laced boots. Countless pairs from brands like Salomon, Merrell, and Hoka now combine the latest in midsole foams, durable outsole rubber, and sturdy upper construction. You no longer need a heavy, overbuilt boot to get support, grip and protection on the trail.
Lightweight hiking boots are easier on tired legs and noticeably more agile on mixed terrain. Whether you prefer a low-cut hiking shoe, a nimble mid-height boot, or something that sits between trail runner and hiker, these designs prioritize comfort, efficiency, and all-day wearability without sacrificing confidence on rock, mud, or loose ground.
Every model in this guide weighs under 2 pounds per pair in a men’s sample size 9. It’s not an “official” cut-off point between lightweight and heavy footwear, but having worn dozens of boots and shoes over the past year it feels like an accurate division. As a reference point, a pair of classic Nike Air Max 90 sneakers can weigh up to 2 pounds, while the classic Danner Light hiking boot is 3.8 pounds per pair.
Not convinced? Check out the rest of WIRED's outdoor guides, like the Best Gravel Running Shoes, the Best Hiking Boots, and the Best Barefoot Shoes.
Jump To:
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron- Should I Wear Boots or Trail Runners?
- Why Can’t I Wear Trail Running Shoes?
- What Do I Wear on the Steeps?
- Does Weight Make a Difference?
- How We Tested
Best Overall
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
La Sportiva
Prodigio Hike GTX
$179 $153 (15% off)Amazon (Men's)
$179 $137 (23% off)Amazon (Women's)
$199 $139 (30% off)REI (Men's)
$199 $99 (50% off)REI (Women's)
For me, La Sportiva is a climber's brand. I’ve worn out countless pairs of their climbing shoes, and a fair few of their super grippy approach shoes. The company also makes fast-hiking footwear. The La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX combines trail runner agility with boot-level protection, delivering surprising versatility on rugged terrain. They remind me of the first generation of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker ($165), which changed the way brands looked at hiking footwear. The elasticated knitted upper is wonderfully comfortable, even if getting them on does remind me of wrestling into surf booties. The fit is snug rather than generous—this is consistent with La Sportiva in general—but the toe box was fine for my wide feet, and overall, they felt secure.
Waterproofing comes courtesy of Gore-Tex ePE, the latest-gen membrane. While I imagine the knitted design will wear out relatively quickly, they show no worrying signs of wear after a week’s walking in the Lake District. The FriXion Red Dual-Mix outsole is a new compound for me, but I have no complaints, even across treacherous loose slate, while the EVA cushioning manages to balance plushness and responsiveness. My only real complaint is with the laces. They are very spaced out, so dialing in the fit isn’t as easy.
Weight per pair: 1.65 pounds
Best All Arounder
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistHoka
Mafate X
$225REI (Men's)
$225REI (Women's)
$225Zappo's (Men's)
$225Zappo's (Women's)
I tested these Hokas originally for a guide to trail runners and hiking boots and loved the plush, unbeatable comfort of the enormous 49-millimeter (8-mm drop) stack of dual-density foam. They became my go-to for virtually everything, but over the months I’ve stopped running in them as the squish started to bug me a little. As a hiking shoe for both casual walks and long strenuous trails, they remain firmly laced to my feet.
The sole is sticky Vibram Megagrip, and the 4-mm lugs grip well. The forked carbon-fiber plate adds a propulsive feel, making climbs and descents less punishing. I’ve worn these shoes for countless hours across all surfaces, and my feet and legs remain remarkably fresh. These aren't for technical hiking, and anyone looking to feel secure on scramble should check out my Oboz or Salewa picks, but I’m perfectly happy in these. I am also currently testing the Hoka Speedgoat 7 ($165), which is cheaper and lighter. They feel great, especially over varied terrain.
Weight per pair: 1.51 pounds
Best Value
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAdidas
Terrex Skychaser Ax5
$100Amazon (Men's)
$100Amazon (Women's)
$100REI (Men's)
$100REI (Women's)
These are not the lightest or fastest hiking shoes available, but for $100 they are incredibly good value, and fall well inside our weight guidelines. A real workhorse of a hiking shoe, it’s built tough, with great foot protection, huge lugs, and impressive support.
They’re not as comfy as a trail-running-inspired design, but the ripstop upper with synthetic overlays feels robust without tipping into stiffness. So far, they have laughed in the face of bad weather, varied terrain, and general abuse. Underfoot, the Lightmotion EVA midsole is firm and reminds me of a traditional boot that gets better the more you walk.
The Continental rubber outsole with deep, widely spaced lugs bites confidently into mud, rock, and loose trail too, making it a reliable option across changing conditions. They won’t suit the fast thru-hiking fraternity, or anyone not keen on a firm feeling underfoot, but for the price it’s really hard to argue with them.
Weight per pair: 1.8 pounds
Most Sustainable
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
Oboz
Katabatic LT Low Gore-Tex
$180 $170 (6% off)Amazon (Men's)
$190Amazon (Women's)
$190REI (Men's)
$190 $95 (50% off)REI (Women's)
The Oboz Katabatic might sound more like a Hogwarts spell than a hiking shoe, but with great fit, peerless environmental credentials, and light construction, there’s a sprinkling of magic on your feet. The uppers are made using recycled materials, including tough TPU overlays and a durable bio-based toe box. The proprietary Ortholite insoles are also impressively comfortable—so much so, they’re available to buy separately—and made from 70 percent bio-based molded EVA.
Available in regular and wide fits, the Oboz is a comfortable shoe, although it doesn't have the sneaker-like comfort of a design like the La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX. With a rock plate for mid-to-forefoot protection and thick 5-mm rubber lugs, they are quite stiff, which is great over loose and uneven ground, but can feel a bit clunky on asphalt. These aren’t as forgiving as a pair of squishy trail runners. That’s not a criticism, and anyone transitioning from a heavy stiff old boot will be amazed by how easy these feel on the trail.
Be aware that while Katabatic is a meteorological term used to describe the downward motion of cool air, the GTX model runs incredibly warm. Your feet stay dry, but they will be sweaty on hot days. I have heard that the standard option is great for warmer weather though.
Weight per pair: 1.47 pounds
Classic Thru-Hikers
Courtesy of AltraSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAltra
Lone Peak 9+
$160REI (Men's)
$160REI (Women's)
$160Backcountry (Men's)
$160Backcountry (Women's)
The Altra Lone Peak shoe first launched in 2011 and now has a cult following, particularly with thru-hikers looking to go the distance. Weighing 11.55 ounces for men’s, the shoe is silly light and beyond comfortable, while the reinforced toe and heel offers excellent protection from nature’s trip hazards. I tested the non-waterproof version, but there is a Gore-Tex option for just $5 more.
Being an Altra, it’s a zero-drop design and has a super wide toe box to encourage natural movement. While this does give the sneaker a rather orthopedic look, the comfort is hard to argue with, especially after a long day’s hiking. Be warned though, you will need to train your legs to adapt to a zero-drop design before taking on any serious distances.
The midsole here doesn’t offer super-shoe levels of cushioning, and that’s not a bad thing, as they remain balanced and responsive over all types of terrain. There’s a rock plate too, which really makes a difference. You can choose the Lone Peak 9 which has a MaxTrac rubber outsole, but the 9+ boasts a class-leading Vibram Megagrip compound that simple eats up the trail.
Weight per pair: 1.44 pounds
A Mid-Cut Boot
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSalomon
X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex
$190REI (Men's)
$190REI (Women's)
$190Salomon (Men's)
$190Salomon (Women's)
They look like a classic pair of modern hiking boots, with chunky dimensions, robust features, and good support, but these mid-cut Salomon boots are deceptively light. After testing, I passed these on to a friend who has only ever worn heavy leather boots, and he was astonished by the difference.
While not specifically designed for hauling heavy packs—a full boot like my old favorite, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230) offers more support—I had no issues, and was taken by just how versatile they were. The Contagrip rubber keeps you surefooted when climbing, and while the EnergyCell midsole lacks the squish of a Hoka, those more used to traditional hiking footwear will like the firm but responsive feel. They’re not too stiff and not too soft, and impressively easy to get on with, even straight out the box. A Gore-Tex lining provides dependable waterproofing and extra warmth, and the build quality feels reassuringly solid, with an upper made from a tightly woven synthetic material reinforced with Kevlar.
Weight per pair: 1.94 pounds
Best for Day Hikes
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistArc'teryx
Kopec Mid GTX Boot
$200REI (Men's)
$200 $100 (50% off)REI (Women's)
You pay handsomely for the privilege, but the Kopec is a hugely versatile, waterproof boot that works well all year long. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is durable and gives the boot a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing a paltry 11.9 ounces each.
Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they impressed me with their stability and grip. If you're not a fan of the pillowy feel of trail running shoes, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-of-the-box comfort, which is rare with a stiffer boot, and they feel really secure when scrambling and walking. The security in the heel and ankle is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with mud-loving 4-mm lugs. I'm a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight. They do have a slightly narrow footbed though, so measure your feet carefully.
After close to a year of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes, they're expensive for day hikers, but the materials offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.
Weight per pair: ~1.5 pounds
Courtesy of KeenSave to wishlistSave to wishlistKeen
Targhee Apex
$180Amazon (Men's)
$180Amazon (Women's)
$180REI (Men's)
$180REI (Women's)
The Targhee collection, named after a hardy American breed of sheep known for their resiliency and rather fine wool, was first launched in 2005, with the intention of being versatile, robust, and comfortable from the get-go.
I’ve walked in many pairs over the years, and they remain a dependable option I’m happy to recommend, but they’ve never been the most aesthetically pleasing. But with the new Targhee Apex, they’ve gone all-in with a trail running Gorpcore look that actually works. I know that looks aren’t important when you’re scrambling over rocks and through puddles, but in the high-fashion world of the outdoors these days, pretty and practical must go hand in hand.
Enough fashion chat though, because regardless of style, these are wonderful waterproof trail shoes that weigh just 0.75 pounds each. They feel light without being fragile, the footbed is generous, allowing my feet to spread comfortably over a long day, and there’s plenty of stability through the midsole. Grip is reassuring on mixed terrain too, and the outsole digs in confidently on both ups and downs, and toes are well protected.
The best feature however is the all-new ReGENX midsole, which gives you a spring in your step, but without the mushy feeling you sometimes get with trail running styles. There’s also enough side-wall support to stop them feeling like sneakers, although the low cut does limit ankle protection. For that however, there is a Targhee Apex boot version (1 pound, 10.4 ounces per pair).
Weight per pair: 1.49 pounds
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Chris-Haslam.jpg)
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistMerrell
Moab Speed 2 GTX Mid
$180Rei
$180Rei (Women's Fit)
$180 $125 (31% off)Merrell
Sitting somewhere between the LaSportiva Prodigio Hike and the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, this versatile “fast hiker” from Merrell is part modern trail shoe, part trad boot. At 1.76 pounds per pair (14.1 ounces per boot), it feels light on your feet, and it’s a real upgrade from the older Moab models I’ve tested.
The upper is made from a nylon ripstop with TPU reinforcement, and while it lacks the beef of a traditional boot, it still has plenty of structure and support. Comfort is immediate too, with a nice, roomy toe box and secure padded collar.
Underfoot, the FloatPro midsole is slightly firmer and more controlled than many modern boots, and the addition of a FlexPlate makes them especially good on uneven ground, helped in no small part by the Vibram TC5+ outsole.
It is not a heavy-duty backpacking boot, but if you need a comfortable, reliable, and supportive boot for hiking, and you’re not looking to set any speed records, you’ll do much worse than this.
Weight per pair: 1.76 pounds
Photograph: Chris HaslamSave to wishlistSave to wishlistColumbia
Tellurix Titanium Outdry
$160Amazon (Men's)
$160Amazon (Women's)
$160REI (Men's)
This tech-laden hiking shoe is part of Columbia’s premium performance Titanium division. It joins countless others in the growing “fast hiker” category, bridging trail-runner agility with boot-like protection, and style that makes even a company like Arc’teryx jealous.
At 1.6 pounds per pair, it is relatively lightweight for something this robust, undercutting many traditional hiking shoes while offering a more structured, supportive feel. A Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4.5-mm lugs is about as good as it gets, offering serious traction on wet rock and mud, while the OutDry bonded waterproof construction keeps water out without adding bulk.
I found the Omni-Max midsole construction supportive and well balanced, especially around the heel, while the Techlite+ foam gives plenty of energy return without feeling mushy. It’s not a stiff shoe, but a happy medium that will eat up terrain. The lacing system neatly pulls the shoe into the top of the foot and keeps it there. These are quite expensive for a Columbia offering, but given the comfort and tech, they are great value. Oh, and you don’t have to choose the Super Sonic red finish—there’s also black, a very nice gray, and a gorgeous teal.
Weight per pair: 1.6 pounds
Best Ventilation
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
Salewa
Pedroc 2
$160Amazon (Men's)
$160Amazon (Women's)
$160REI (Men's)
$160REI (Women's)
Founded in 1935 in Munich, Germany, Salewa makes technical, alpine-ready gear packed with innovation. With the Pedroc 2, it built a low-cut, light shoe that offers solid support and excellent grip. The shoes are also generously ventilated, which has meant cold toes for me during winter testing walks, but will be appreciated when the temperatures soar.
With a 28-mm heel, 17-mm forefoot stack, and 10-mm drop, they’re designed as a fast hiking shoe rather than a modern trail runner. That geometry is backed up by a superb rubber sole, deep grippy lugs, and stability plate (with toe bumper) that protects nicely against rocks and uneven ground. They’re very comfortable, but not overly cushioned. The toe box is also roomy—I went half a size up and they fit perfectly—and the lacing across the foot is appreciably wide, making it easy to micro-adjust as the day goes on.
Weight per pair: 1.54 pounds
Should I Wear Boots or Trail Runners?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThe gap between hiking boots and shoes has narrowed recently, with both sharing similar midsoles, grip, and materials. The real difference is collar height with boots extending to cover the ankle, offering protection from knocks, debris, and water. If the ankle section is relatively stiff, you should benefit from a more stable feel on rough terrain or when wearing a heavier pack.
Shoes sit lower and weigh less, which helps reduce fatigue and also promotes a more natural stride pattern. Hiking shoes typically weigh around 13 ounces less per pair than hiking boots. For this you trade in ankle and wet weather protection but gain greater mobility.
Why Can’t I Wear Trail Running Shoes?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronIn many cases, yes, you can. Trail running shoes are now the default choice for thru-hikers and ultralighters. They are lighter, more flexible, and more breathable than traditional hiking footwear, which reduces fatigue and keeps you moving efficiently over long distances. On well-maintained trails in dry conditions and with lighter loads, trail and gravel runners can outperform heavier shoes and boots in both comfort and speed. They also dry quickly, making them a strong option for multiday trips.
But not everyone is an ultralight, record-breaking mountain athlete like Killian Jornet, capable of summiting 72 fourteeners in 31 days. Sometimes we just want to go for a walk. Trail running shoes and the lightest hiking shoes don’t offer anywhere near the level of foot protection and longevity of a more traditional boot, with thinner uppers and softer midsoles offering less defense against sharp rocks, sustained abrasion, and heavy packs. If you’re carrying a heavy pack for long periods, you’ll probably want real hiking boots.
What Do I Wear on the Steeps?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronFor climbing, you need a boot built around structure and support, not trail-running-style softness. Alpine and mountaineering boots are typically much heavier than a hiking design because they have stiff midsoles, full shanks (a stiff insert running the length of the sole to minimize flex), reinforced uppers, and insulation to help spread the weight of a heavy pack evenly across the foot and significantly improve stability.
Under a heavy pack, that rigidity keeps your foot aligned, reduces fatigue, and gives you a more secure platform on steep or uneven ground. A typical alpine boot weighs around 3.5 to 4.5 pounds per pair, with lighter “fast alpine” models closer to 3 pounds. They are most comfortable when the terrain demands it and the added structure becomes essential rather than excessive. For everyday wear, though, they'll feel as stiff as ski boots.
Does Weight Make a Difference?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThere’s an old saying in hiking that 1 pound on your feet is equivalent to around 4 to 6 pounds on your back. This nugget allegedly came from a 1984 US Army Research Institute study that found that energy cost can be up to 4.7 to 6.4 times higher when weight is carried on the feet compared to your torso.
For me, this feels a little OTT, but over a long day, lighter footwear reduces fatigue, joint strain, and energy expenditure, helping you move more efficiently and recover faster. It also changes how you move, encouraging a more natural stride and quicker cadence. Cutting weight usually means sacrificing protection, durability, and support. The goal here is not to go hiking in the lightest shoe possible, but to find shoes that are light and can still handle your terrain and load.
How We Tested
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI tested 43 pairs of hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners, covering countless miles across mixed terrain, including hardpack trails, rocky paths, wet ground, and hills. Each pair included here were assessed not only on weight but how light they felt to wear for long periods, how comfortable they were straight out of the box, and how stable they are when loaded down with a pack. I also considered value and how well each model performs compared with heavier, traditional hiking boots.
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Chris Haslam is an award-winning consumer technology journalist with over 20 years’ experience. As contributing editor for WIRED he specializes in audio, smart home, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Testing tents in McLaren’s Monsoon chamber remains a career highlight, while pitching reviews of exercise bikes a week before lockdown 1.0 was ... Read MoreTopicsoutdoorsbuying guidesapparelSportsShould You Hike in Boots or Trail Runners?Lightweight shoes now dominate the trails, so do you still need boots? Here’s how to choose the right footwear for your outdoor adventures.Chris HaslamIs the Norda 001A G+ Trail Running Shoe Worth $300?Do you really need a $300 trail running shoe? We test the treads, and the creds, of the Norda 001A G+.Kieran AlgerWhat Are Gravel Running Shoes?This new-ish hybrid between trail runners and road runners is designed for less technical terrain and the occasional road run.Kieran AlgerThe Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking or RunningOur favorite zero-drop, minimalist footwear will let you feel the ground beneath your feet.Scott GilbertsonThe Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having FunFrom weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.Chris HaslamThe Best Apple Watch Bands for Every OccasionWe’ve been testing bands since the first Apple Watch launched in 2015. From silicone sports straps to leather bands, I’ve rounded up the best for every occasion.Boutayna Chokrane The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and SizeThe WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.Adrienne SoThe Best Electric Mountain Bikes to Get You Farther, FasterA glorious swooping downhill glide on one of these electric mountain bikes will make you feel like a kid again.Adrienne SoThe Best Base Layers for Every AdventureWhether you’re layering up for winter cold or looking for an ultralight summer system, I’ve tested and found the best base layers for all your outdoor adventures.Scott GilbertsonThe Best Outdoor Deals From the REI Member Days SaleREI’s Member Days sale has deals on our favorite tents, backpacks, rain jackets, and more gear to outfit you for summer.Scott GilbertsonThe 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of RideI tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.Adrienne SoThe Best Apple Watch AccessoriesYou finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.Adrienne So
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