The term hiking shoes often evokes images of heavy, clunky boots, but there are actually many lightweight options that are comfortable, supportive, and waterproof. Whether you prefer to hike up a mountain or go on a leisurely stroll in the woods, the right shoes can make the experience more enjoyable. Which hiking shoes are the best? To find out, we’ve done our research to determine the best shoes for light hiking.
Our Editor’s Best Shoes For Light Hiking Reviews
Merrell mens MOAB 2 WTPF Hiking Shoe, Beluga, 9.5 US
Key Features:
- These shoes are great for light hiking because they have a waterproof membrane that will keep your feet dry even if you step into a puddle. The membrane also allows moisture to escape, so your feet won’t feel sweaty after a long hike.
- These shoes are made of pigskin leather and mesh, making them durable and breathable. They are perfect for light hiking, as they will provide comfort and support without being too heavy or bulky.
- These shoes have a traditional lace closure, making them great for light hiking. They’re comfortable and stylish, and they’ll keep your feet protected while you’re out on the trail.
- The Bellows tongue on these shoes for light hiking will keep out any debris that might try to get in, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to be comfortable and protected on the trail.
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature a protective toe cap to help keep your feet safe from rocks and other debris.
- The shoes have a breathable mesh lining that helps keep your feet cool and dry while you’re hiking.
- These are shoes that are meant for light hiking and have a removable contoured insole for medium support.
- The shoes have a molded nylon arch shank for support while hiking.
- The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability to this shoe, making it ideal for light hiking. The shoe is also breathable and comfortable, with a durable design that will last through many hikes.
- The shoe has a lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort.
SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red
Key Features:
- These shoes are made of premium suede leather and have an SL-TEX waterproof membrane to prevent water from entering and volatilizing water vapor. They are ultra-lightweight, weighing in at 1.2 lbs for a size 10 shoe.
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature a breathable and skin-friendly lining that efficiently ventilates and keeps the wearer comfortable and dry all day. They have a lace-up closure for an adjustable and secure fit.
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature a closed-cell tongue to prevent rain, muck, and sand from entering. They also have a rubber anti-collision toe design and a waterproof sealing structure to provide comprehensive protection and comfort.
- The shoes have a removable memory foam insole for arch support and targeted heel cushioning.
- This shoe is designed for light hiking and offers a flexible EVA midsole for superior cushioning, a high energy return, and reduced foot fatigue. The advanced traction rubber sole provides a stable and reliable grip in a variety of environments.
Merrell Women’s CROSSLANDER 2 Hiking Shoe, Charcoal/Capri, 7.5 M US
Key Features:
- The shoes are made of full-grain leather and textile, meaning they are durable and breathable. They are ideal for light hiking, as they provide good traction and support without being too heavy or bulky.
- These are shoes with a traditional lace-up closure. They are designed for light hiking and have a comfortable fit.
- The shoes have a bellows tongue which will keep debris out while the person is light hiking.
- This shoe has a breathable mesh lining that helps keep your feet cool and comfortable while you’re out on the trail. The shoes are also light and comfortable, making them perfect for a day of light hiking.
- These shoes have a removable insole that provides flexible support. They are designed for light hiking and are available in a variety of sizes.
Knixmax Women’s Hiking Shoes Lightweight Non-Slip Climbing Trekking Sneakers for Woman Camping Backpacking Shoe Wine Red Size 10 US/EU 41
Key Features:
- The upper of these shoes are made from suede leather and mesh material. They are breathable and comfortable with a dry and fresh feel.
- These shoes have a non-slip outsole for maximum traction on mixed terrain and extended durability. They have a deep, aggressive lug pattern with the gum rubber outsole.
- The shoes are designed for comfort and have a roomy toe box to accommodate the toes. They also have cushioned insoles for added comfort.
- The shoes have a quick lace system that is minimalistic and strong, allowing for one-pull tightening. The shoes also come with an extra pair of laces and insoles, in case the size runs a bit large.
- The Knixmax woman’s hiking shoes are designed for light hiking and other outdoor activities. They are available in trendy colors with a classic designs. They are made with a comfortable fit and a durable sole.
Dansko Women’s Phylicia Grey Waterproof Hiking Shoes 8.5-9 M US Trail Sneaker
Key Features:
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature waterproof leather uppers.
- The shoes are designed for comfort and support with a removable footbed and cushioning technology.
- The Phylicia is a sneaker designed for light hiking. It is similar to the Dansko Paisley in that it is a next-generation outdoor women’s sneaker. It is available in a variety of colors, including black, grey, and blue. It features a lace-up design and a cushioned sole for comfort.
- This shoe is designed for light hiking on trails. It has a durable Vibram rubber outsole that is slip-resistant for outdoor use on snow and dry surfaces.
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature CleansportNXT technology for odor control. They have a cushioned sole for comfort and support, and the upper is made from breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry.
adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex AX3 Hiking Boot, Black/Black/Carbon, 10 M US
Key Features:
- The shoes have a regular fit, meaning they are not too tight or too loose. They are meant for light hiking, so they are comfortable and provide good support.
- The shoes have a lace closure, meaning that they are fastened with laces. They are designed for light hiking, so they are likely to be comfortable and have good traction.
- These shoes have a mesh upper, which is a type of material that is breathable and comfortable. The synthetic material used in the shoes is also durable. The molded TPU toe cap protects your toes from rocks and other debris.
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and have a textile lining for comfort. They also have a Continental Rubber outsole for extraordinary grip in wet conditions.
- The shoes have a durable, lightweight EVA midsole and a molded sockliner.
CC-Los Hiking Shoes for Men Water Resistant & Lightweight All Day Comfort, Tan Size 7.5-13
Key Features:
- These shoes would be great for light hiking because they are water-resistant and have a double layer. They are also made with suede leather and breathable mesh, which would be comfortable and durable.
- These shoes are designed to be comfortable for light hiking. They have a cushioned memory foam insole and a shock-absorbing phylon midsole. They also have an anti-slip and durable rubber outsole.
- This shoe is designed with a light hike in mind. It has a strong rubber toe cap to protect against any collisions with hard surfaces.
- These shoes are designed for comfort and support while hiking long distances. They have strong arch support and are suitable for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking or mountaineering.
- The shoes are made for light hiking and come with a 30-day price guarantee. If the shopper finds the same shoes for a lower price within 30 days, they can contact the company for a price adjustment. The shoes also come with a 5-year returns service. If the shoes wear out within 5 years, the shopper can contact the company for a full refund.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Falcon, 10 M US
Key Features:
- The shoes have a leather and mesh upper, making them breathable and comfortable for light hiking. They also have a rubber outsole for traction and durability.
- The Vibram outsole is the most important feature of these shoes for light hiking. Vibram is a company that specializes in outsoles for shoes and is known for making high-quality, durable products. This particular outsole is designed to provide good traction and grip on various types of terrain, making it ideal for light hiking. The rest of the shoe is made of a lightweight, breathable material that will keep your feet comfortable while you hike.
- A shopper looking for light hiking shoes might be interested in a pair of shoes that are waterproof. This means that the shoes will keep the feet dry in wet conditions, making them ideal for hiking in wet weather or through puddles and mud.
- The “Nylon Arch Shank” shoes are designed for light hiking and provide support for your feet and ankles. They have a comfortable fit and are made of durable materials.
- The shoes have an air cushion in the sole for comfort while hiking. They are lightweight and have a good grip.
NORTIV 8 Women’s Hiking Shoes Lightweight Breathable Mesh Walking Sneakers Outdoor Work Shoes Light Grey 8 M US SNHS222W
Key Features:
- These shoes are designed for light hiking and feature genuine leather construction for durability and comfort. The high-performance suede leather is softer and more wear-resistant than PU, making these shoes ideal for those who want both comfort and style on the trail.
- The shoes are designed for light hiking and are made to be lightweight and breathable. The mesh lining ensures comfort and breathability, while the EVA foam midsole provides stability. The shoes have hooks at the top to keep the laces secure.
- The shoes are designed for light hiking and provide a durable and slip-resistant outsole. The outsole is made of rugged rubber and provides a high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces.
- This shoe is designed for light hiking and offers a flexible and comfortable fit. The removable insole provides arch support and the EVA midsole reduces foot fatigue and absorbs shock.
- The shoes are designed for light hiking and come with a warranty and friendly customer service.
adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R2 Gore-tex Hiking Walking Shoe, Night Cargo/Core Black/Base Green, 10.5
Key Features:
- These are men’s waterproof shoes that are made for day hikes and general outdoor use. They are light hiking shoes that are perfect for someone who loves to be outdoors and wants a shoe that can keep up with them.
- This shoe is designed for light hiking and is made to be breathable and durable. The upper is made from ripstop mesh with TPU overlays and a toe cap for added durability.
- The shoes have bungee laces for speed lacing, which makes them easy to put on and take off. They’re also comfortable and snug-fitting.
- The shoes have a Gore-tex lining which makes them waterproof and breathable. They are light hiking shoes which makes them perfect for someone who wants to hike in all weather conditions.
- The shoes are designed for light hiking and have a rugged grip. The outsole is made of Traxion and Continental Rubber for excellent grip. The shoes are officially licensed by Continental.
Shoes For Light Hiking FAQs
1. What are the best shoes for light hiking?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s needs will be different. However, some factors to consider when choosing shoes for light hiking include comfort, support, traction, and water resistance.
2. What are the different types of light hiking shoes?
There are many different types of light hiking shoes, but some of the most popular include trail runners, day hiking shoes, and ultralight hikers.
3. What are the features of light hiking shoes?
Light hiking shoes are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for hikers. They typically have a water-resistant or waterproof outer layer, a cushioned insole, and a rugged outsole for traction on different types of terrain.
Some light hiking shoes also have a Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable membrane to help keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
4. How do I choose the right light hiking shoes for me?
There is no definitive answer, as the best light hiking shoes for you will depend on a variety of factors such as the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on, the weather conditions you’ll be hiking in, and your own personal preferences.
However, some tips on choosing the right light hiking shoes for you include considering the weight and breathability of the shoes, as well as the level of support and cushioning they offer. It’s also important to choose a shoe that fits well and provides good traction.
5. What are the care and maintenance tips for light hiking shoes?
Assuming you are talking about synthetic materials:
- Do not put it in the washing machine or dryer
- Instead, clean with a soft brush or cloth and mild soap
- Let air dry, If they get wet, stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape
- Store in a cool, dry place
Conclusion
There are many great shoes for light hiking on the market. Our list of the best shoes for light hiking will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.