We Tested a Bunch of Lightweight Hiking Boots — These Are Our Favorites (2024)

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is our best overall pick because of its excellent balance of weight, performance, protection, support, and waterproofing. Exceptionally lightweight at just 15.87 ounces per shoe, the X Ultra 4 Mid impresses critics at BikeHikeSafari, who say they feel more akin to sneakers than boots, and our colleagues at Runner’s World, who tout the boot as the best for long hikes due to its grippy, flexible sole that provides all-day comfort.

The X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex boots are great for technical hikes and varied terrains, offering stable support and robust protection from the elements. The grippy outsoles help gain traction on wet, slippery surfaces, while the unique sock liner molds to the shape of your feet as you break in the boots. It also has a protective toecap—vital for hiking on rocky terrain.

These boots run slightly narrow, which may be an issue for those with wider feet. They're surprisingly strong for such a lightweight shoe, with a flexible yet sturdy outsole that makes it feel more like a trail runner than a boot.

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Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid lightweight hiking boots are the cheapest without sacrificing safety, comfort, and support. They have plenty of cushioning to absorb shock on the trail, a comfy fit, and a grippy outsole that helps get traction on wet and dry surfaces. The material combines mesh and pig suede leather for better breathability.

It's a boot I've used on and off for the last year, having been a fan of the brand for its comfort and value. The tongue is super cushy and padded, which I appreciate when I tightly lace up my boots, and the mesh upper is highly breathable, making venting sweat easy.

I also recommend the Moab 2 Mids for an even cheaper boot, which I've had experience with before the 3 was released last year. They're still perfectly suited for beginners and hikers on a budget, and since they aren’t the newest model, they’re roughly $50 cheaper, especially if you peek at different colorways on Amazon.

The Moab 3 is well-cushioned and comfort is unmatched at its price. It's a solid all-season boot, though it may not last through years of heavy use. Note that these aren't the waterproofed version, but they're only $20 more if you need them.

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The most cost-effective shoes that use that highly sought-after Gore-Tex waterproofing come from Merrell. Its Moab Speed Mid hiking boots are the lightest, most affordable boot that uses the tech.

These boots cut the fat off Merrell’s typical Moab boot with thinner materials that give it a sneaker-like build. The mid version of the Moab Speed has a higher collar for superb ankle support, and when I took them on a few hikes, I found these highly cushioned boots incredibly comfortable. They provide enough support to prevent rolling ankles and a nimble stride on the trail.

They hold up well underwater and through streams, and, like the Moab 3, they're fairly breathable. They run hot, though, given that they use a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane.

The Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex has great styling, too. They’re great for walking and reliable on all terrains. I haven’t worn these long enough to see wear and tear, but the outsole is known to peel after heavy usage.

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Hoka is known for footwear with maximum cushioning, and its hiking boots are no exception. Despite an exaggerated outsole and silhouette, the Kaha 2 GTX boots are surprisingly light at just over two pounds per pair.

Though heavier than other entries on this list, the Kaha 2s provide the most plush support compared to any other lightweight hiking boots on the market, softening impact on the trail and further cradling your feet. That pillowy comfort also makes these incredibly easy to wear out of the box, requiring zero break-in.

I have a pair I’ve been hiking in for over two years and they still feel as comfortable as day one. They’ve performed well over on slippery rocks and I’ve used them to cross many streams without its GTX ever failing. They look damn good, too.Reviews editor and fashion-forward colleague Danny Perez also loves his pair of Kaha 2s. “They're supportive from the insoles to the ankle collar,” he says. “The Vibram soles are super grippy on wet surfaces, and the uppers effectively repel water. They're also built sturdy while still being lightweight and comfortable.”

The Kaha 2 GTXs are ultra-supportive, and their two-inch-thick foam midsoles protect against rocks and gravel. They also have a wide toe box with ample room for thick hiking socks, a plus for winter treks. These are best for those who prioritize comfort over weight and nimble performance.

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Like Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, the Lowa Innox GTX Mids are built like trail shoes with solid ankle support. Comfy out of the box and highly flexible, the Innox GTX Mids have thick midsoles for gravel protection, a cushy ankle collar, and a Gore-Tex lining to ward off moisture.

These boots for best on flat paths and trails without debris, as they lack toe and heel caps that lend additional protection against jagged edges.

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Vasque’s Breeze boots feature a nubuck leather and mesh upper, making them a highly breathable pair of lightweight hiking boots. The style may lean classic in appearance, but modern elements still help them perform on the trail: a comfy EVA midsole and footbed, proprietary Vasque waterproofing, ample synthetic padding made with recycled materials, and several mesh panels for extra breathability.

A Gear Junkie reviewer says the Breezes are excellent in snowy, wet conditions, and they didn’t experience pinching or hot spots after a week-long trip through snow, gorges, and marshlands. We found these comfortable despite the short laces that can be annoying to tie.

The Breezes sport a comfortable, supportive fit, and are lightweight and surprisingly breathable. Their waterproofing isn't the best on this list, however, and is best kept away from deep streams and rivers.

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Danner's Mountain 600 is a classic mountaineer-styled boot. It sports durable suede and leather, a thickly padded mesh tongue for moisture-wicking and breathability, and metal eyelets for hardy lace support. The Vibram Fuga outsole has a superior grip, providing traction on rocky surfaces and decent underfoot comfort. The interior liner is also perforated throughout to relieve sweaty feet from long treks and thick hiking socks.

They're minimal, too, without many panels, as Danner claims its design's few seams are intended to prevent failure and breakage. There isn't much visible stitching either, giving it a distinct look.

Although missing a heel drop, it's competent enough for mountain hikes and steep trails. It's also supportive, cushy, and comfy for hours-long hikes. However, they're not built tough for technical hikes, and though the outsole is sticky, it won't perform well in very wet conditions. Its waterproofing is excellent, though, and its style is classic, recalling mountaineers of the early days.

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The Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots from Salomon are heavy-duty shoes that can survive the most challenging, rugged terrain. Frequently recommended for treacherous hikes and multiday backpacking trips, the Quest 4s have a superb fit and padded interior for supreme comfort. The outsoles provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces while protecting your underfoot from rough, rocky trails.

The bulky silhouette makes these heavier lightweight hiking boots at 2 pounds, 14.4 ounces per pair, but that compromise grants better performance and more stable footing.

The boot is known for great performance in cold conditions and for trekking over mud and snow, though they tend to run hot in warmer temperatures.

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Vasque's all-purpose Here is a cushy mid-ankle boot stylish enough for the city streets yet technical enough for the trail. It has lug outsoles for decent traction on slippy trails, a highly breathable upper with slightly opaque mesh, and a heel collar to keep your foot in place. That heel also has a nifty pull tab to slide it on your feet, and its thin tongue further aids in breathability. These are smart streetwear stompers similar to what'd expect from Nike ACG.

Frustratingly, it doesn't have waterproofing, and its breathable upper is perforated enough to let water pass through it. That's also why these aren't technical—it's clear Vasque made these for city slickers and commuters who prioritize a little more function in their daily walks to work.

But if you're looking for lightweight boots for city stepping and trail use, especially in the warmer months, the Here Mid (also available in Low) is one of the best.

“I’ve had my Vasques for about six months, and I love wearing them on walks around my neighborhood just as much as hikes on the rocky trails around town,” says Adam Schram, assistant editor of commerce at Runner's World. “The upper is incredibly stretchy, which made me think initially that the shoe wouldn’t be very supportive, but the eyelet placement on the heel collar gives me plenty of freedom to lace up tight around my ankles in a way that doesn’t feel constrictive.”

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