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Getting a good pair of lightweight hiking shoes with the right balance of weight, traction, comfort, and durability will make a significant difference with every step along the trail.
However, finding the right lightweight hiking shoes can be daunting with so many options for both males and females on the market. That’s where I kick in and save the day!
In today’s article, I will review some of the best lightweight hiking shoes for men and women to help you pick the right pair. Without further ado, let’s review some shoes.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes For Men And Women
Lightweight and waterproof hiking shoes provide a great balance between blister prevention, durability, comfort, water protection, and traction. Therefore, ensuring a stable and safe trail ride.
However, finding the right pair that will offer all-weather protection, comfort, and help you prevent foot fatigue can be a challenge. The following three options make a great choice for everyone.
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Trail Running Shoe
The Salomon Ultra 3 Mid GTX provides the comfort of a shoe but also the support that you would expect from hiking boots. It’s a lightweight and capable choice for backpackers who appreciate comfort.
Designed on the Advanced Chassis as other hiking boots by Salomon, this model wraps around the ankle and foot with padded comfort and extra support in the mid-top height. It’s a lightweight shoe. However, it’s not the lightest hiking shoe on the market because of the good traction and excellent stability.
The brand utilizes a proprietary rubber material known as Contagrip HT for the sole and the sole on this shoe utilizes Descent Control lug design which enhances the downhill performance. It also enhances the performance over mud and wet stone. The exterior material of this shoe is predominantly synthetic.
The only thing I slightly dislike about the shoe is the upper because it’s made of mostly synthetic textile. Salomon designed these shoes with low weight in mind, so they had to compromise the strength of the shoe to decrease the overall weight. But this fabric isn’t as durable and will get damaged over time.
If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, get your Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX today! Last but not least, I would like to suggest that you use a seam sealing product to keep the exterior stitching protected.
Pros:
- Descent control technology
- Fantastic lightweight hiking shoes
- Keeps feel dry and comfortable at all times
- Your feet won’t feel heavy at the end of the day
- Solid construction, good traction, and stability
- Performs well in different conditions
- They aren’t too long or weak
Cons:
- They’re a bit narrow but get looser over time
- They aren’t waterproof, however, they do dry quickly
- The upper is mostly made of synthetic textile
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
If you’re looking for a cheap and lightweight but also good hiking shoe, then look no further than Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid. It’s a very comfortable, breathable, and affordable hiking shoe.
The moment you slide your feet into these hiking shoes, you will realize why they’ve been so popular for so long among hikers. What I like most about these shoes is their cushioned tongue and collar.
If you’re searching for shoes with flexible and supportive footbeds, then Merrell makes a perfect choice for you. You will obtain good arch support and stability thanks to the extra padding in the heel.
Although the extra padding feels a bit high at first, it delivers a customized feel as well as better comfort over long days. This model makes a great option for day hikers who enjoy a good hike. However, it’s not highly suitable for long and steep climbs, carrying heavy loads, and traversing technical terrain.
The Merrell Moab 2 also has 2 silicon bands built into the upper portion that runs lengthwise around the outside and inside of the foot. These bands provide more structure and lower the risk of rolling an ankle. It’s hard to tell if the band is helping or not. However, the shoes feel secure in most conditions.
Overall, they’re excellent hiking shoes that will last you for a long time with proper care. They’re budget-friendly, durable, and lightweight. What more could you possibly ask for in a hiking shoe?
Pros:
- Detachable insole
- Breathable mesh lining
- EVA footbed and Vibram sole
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Closed-cell foam tongue
- Air cushion in the heel
- Recycled materials
Cons:
- Not stable on wet terrains
- Not the most durable hiking shoes on the market
- They squeak when you walk
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Last but not least, I have a model by KEEN that will blow your mind away! It’s their Men’s Targhee II Mid waterproof hiking boots. They’re a best-seller that works for both day hiking and day-to-day use.
You can get KEEN’s hiking boots for around $150. They’re affordable and easily accessible. Although this isn’t the most attractive hiking boot on the market, it’s still worth considering due to the features.
The upper is made of waterproof nubuck leather while the outsole provides strong lugs to ensure a good grip on the trail. You will also notice the KEEN logon on the rear, sole, and side of the hiking boots.
Overall, they’re good-looking and solid boots available in 5 color combinations. What I appreciate about these shoes is their removable metatomical dual-density EVA footbed that’s been anatomically designed to provide excellent arch support and follow the natural contours of the foot for maximum comfort.
The footbed acts as a durable shock absorber which is why it’s used in different types of shoes. I also like the collar. It’s padded and provides great ankle support utilizing a torsion stability ESS shank. The tongue is also padded. Also, you can wear Targhee at different times of the year because they’re breathable.
They’re lightweight and great for day hiking. However, they’re not great for backpacking, carrying heavy loads, and so on. I would also like to mention that no break-in period is required. Meaning, they’re good to go right out of the box. Now, let’s summarize the pros and cons of these popular hiking shoes.
Pros:
- No break-in period
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for regular day-to-day use
- Treated with a PFC-free water repellant
- Thick and padded collar and tongue
- Excellent traction and support
- Comfortable and waterproof
- Patented toe box protection
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- Poorly-designed lace eyelets
- Not suitable for backpacking, longer hiking, etc.
- Super durable but poor grip
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes?
When shopping for the best lightweight hiking shoes, you should consider a few aspects such as weight, water resistance, breathability, traction, and of course, price. Let’s break down these factors in detail so you can make a well-informed decision.
Weight
Going up a hiking train can seem like a nightmare if you wear heavyweight hiking shoes. Therefore, pick a lightweight pair of shoes that will ensure better movement across different terrains. Lightweight shoes also dry quicker.
Water-resistance
Look for hiking shoes labeled as “water-resistant” or “waterproof”. The waterproof options have uppers with waterproof membranes that keep your feet fully dry in wet conditions. However, these membranes come with a disadvantage. Unfortunately, they reduce breathability.
Breathability
As I already mentioned, waterproof membranes can reduce breathability in hiking shoes. Therefore, opt for a pair of shoes with uppers made of mesh or some other moisture-repelling material. That way, your feet will stay well-ventilated and dry at all times.
Traction
If your shoes have lugged soles, you won’t have any problems going through different elements or going down a steep hill. Good traction keeps your movements secure which is vital if you’re somewhere where you can easily slip and injure yourself.
Price
The price of hiking shoes depends on various factors like brand, quality, size, material, and color. Usually, expect to pay between $40 and $400 for hiking shoes.
My Top Pick
Instead of letting tough weather conditions and muddy terrain get in the way of your hiking adventures, buy a good pair of lightweight hiking shoes and hit the trails at any time!
I would highly suggest that you pick something within your budget that’s also sturdy and well-made such as the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot. The other two options make great choices as well so do your research and pick the one that meets your budget and requirements.
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