What are the best lightweight hiking boots? From lightest to heaviest, the best lightweight hiking boots are the
Each of these lightweight hiking boots weighs around two pounds (less for women), taking some weight off your feet without losing all the support of a mid-cut hiking boot. However, they all have unique fits and different recommended uses. Here's how to choose the best lightweight hiking boots for your feet and your hikes:
best lightweight hiking boots for women and men
Vasque Breeze LT
Main Benefits:
- lightest boot on this list
ultra-light boot may save energy if you hike fast and far enough - lightweight synthetic uppers
microfiber uppers are light and moisture-resistant - ECO-friendly construction
made in part with recycled materials to be lighter on the planet - Recommended use
best for casual or fast hikes on well-maintained trails - narrow fit
The lightest boot on this list, the Vasque Breeze LT ("Light") is the light-weight version of the classic Vasque Breeze (a burly hiking and backpacking boot). Made for fast-and-light hikers, the lightweight Breeze has swapped out leather for synthetic microfiber and light, abrasion-resistant mesh and replaced the sturdy Vibram outsoles of the classic Breeze with lighter Vibram Litebase to cut 30% of the weight (and support). That thinner sole makes the Breeze LT a better match for fast and light hikes on well maintained trails (not moderate to difficult hikes). The LT runs small and narrow — most people will want to size up a full size (or skip it if you have wider feet). If you hike fast and light and mostly stick to well-maintained trails, the Breeze LT is one of the best lightweight hiking boots for hikers with narrow feet.
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Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX
Main Benefits:
- excellent weight to support ratio
lightweight yet still supportive for tough terreain - GORE-TEX
durable and breathable GTX waterproofing - alpine traction
great grip on rocks, snow, mud - Recommended use
best for moderate to difficult mountain trails - standard fit
not as narrow as most Italian brands
Lighter and more supportive than most hiking boots on this list, the Scarpa Rush 2 MId GTX stands out as one of the best lightweight hiking boots. It's surprisingly supportive for such a lightweight hiking boot, thanks to stiff but comfortable soles that reduce foot fatigue and improve ankle stability for rocky terrain (in spite of its limited ankle collars). The Pomoca rubbers outsoles have good grip on rock while also having deeper grooves for good purchase in snow and mud, too. Scarpa doesn't run as narrow as most Italian brands; however, most hikers should size up one full size from their everyday shoe size to get the best fit. This impressive hiking boot is versatile enough for almost any hiking style, including moderate to difficult day hikes in alpine environments.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Main Benefits:
- excellent weight to support ratio
better support at a lighter weight than most hiking boots - GORE-TEX
GTX membrane provides durable and breathable waterproofing - grippy outsoles
aggressive lugs dig into dirt, mud, snow, and scree - Recommended use
versatile boot that excels on steep terrain with soft/loose sediment - standard and wide sizes
available in standard and wide widths to fit more hikers
Like the award-winning X Ultra 3, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid doesn't weigh much more than a trail running shoe. At the same time, it almost matches the support of mid-weight hiking boots. Salomon's best lightweight hiking boot is firm underfoot and features aggressive traction for steep hikes on soft or loose surface. It features a GORE-TEX membrane for above average waterproofing and breathability. It's hard to beat Salomon's X Ultra series if you're looking for lightweight support. In football terms, this boot is the linebacker who runs like a wide receiver. Or the running back who bench-presses as much weight as a 300 pound lineman. Fit-wise, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is available in standard (snug in the heel and a little narrow in the toe box) and wide sizes.
Backcountry.com
$131.25
out of stock
Salomon US
Topo Athletic Trailventure 2
Main Benefits:
- wide toe box
Topo's toe boxes have room to toes to splay naturally - breathability and ventilation
breathable eVent waterproofing or non-waterproof for ventilation - Vibram outsoles
Performance outsoles with excellent hiking traction on most surfaces - podiatrist-approved brand
Topo has American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval
The Topo Trailventure 2 is the best lightweight hiking boot with a wide toe box. (If you haven't heard of Topo Athletic, think of Altra but with more support, a more secure fit, and better durability.) Made for fast-packing, the Trailventure is light and comfortable with a zip-foam cushion. However, offers enough support and traction for moderate to difficult day hikes, too. Trailventures may be moderately priced, but they're packed with premium features, including highly breathable eVent waterproofing (optional) and Vibram outsoles that can handle both mud and technical terrain. This is Topo's only designated hiking shoe/boot, and it's a legit option for day hikers and fast-packers looking for the best lightweight hiking boot.
$126.00
out of stock
Backcountry.com
$118.79
out of stock
Backcountry.com
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
Main Benefits:
- lightweight
weighs approximately a half-pound less than average hiking boots - maximum cushion
Hokas feature thick cushioned midsoles for comfort - GORE-TEX waterproofing
waterproof-breathable membrane for reliable weather-protection - Vibram outsoles
Vibram rubber known for traction on dry and wet surfaces
Most lightweight hiking boots skimp on cushion to cut weight—not the Hoka Anacapa Mid. Like other Hokas, the Anacapa is lightweight with max cushion. At the same time, the Anacapa's cushioning is firmer than some Hokas in order to improve its durability and support for hiking (as opposed to running). Performance-wise, the Anacapa has premium Vibram outsoles and waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX membranes. Its fit runs standard to slightly roomy. Are you into minimum weight and maximum cushion? If so, there's a good chance that the Anacapa Mid GTX would be the best lightweight hiking boot for you. Summer 2023 update: Hoka has added the Anacapa "Breeze"—for a ventilated, non-waterproof option—and the new Anacapa 2 (which is built with more eco-friendly materials).
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Main Benefits:
- light and supportive
lightweight with enough support for moderate to difficult hikes - GORE-TEX waterproofing
GTX membrane is both waterproof and breathable - grippy outsoles
soft rubber outsoles excel on slick rock and technical terrain - standard and wide sizes
available in standard (runs narrow) and wide to fit more feet
In 2021, La Sportiva released a mid cut version of the Ultra Raptor—their most popular trail runner for hikers. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX may be a great choice for hikers who want a lightweight hiking boot with great grip on rocks, a snug and secure fit, and firm feel underfoot. The “GTX” stands for GORE-TEX, which is still the industry standard for reliable and breathable waterproofing for wet weather and soggy trails. The mid-cut Ultra Raptor is also available in wide as La Sportiva (a brand that runs narrow) has started to make its standouts in both standard and wide sizes to fit a broader range of hiking feet. This mid-cut trail running shoe could be the best lightweight hiking boot for serious hikers who mostly hike rocky trails with plenty of scrambling.
$129.35
in stock
Backcountry.com
$129.35
in stock
Backcountry.com
$131.40
in stock
Backcountry.com
$129.35
in stock
Backcountry.com
$142.35
in stock
Backcountry.com
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
Main Benefits:
- high-cut ankle support
the rare lightweight hiking boot with high-cut ankle collars - backpacking capability
premium boot made for both hiking and backpacking - premium leather
nubuck leather is soft, durable, and protective - GORE-TEX Surround waterproofing
the most breathable GORE-TEX membrane on the market - Vibram rubber
grippy Vibram outsoles are especially good on rock
La Sportiva’s Nucleo High II GTX has the highest ankle support among lightweight boots. Technically a lightweight backpacking boot, the Nucleo is heavier than the other boots on this list. However, it's the rare lightweight boot with high-cut ankle support. That means it may be a good match for hikers with ankle issues and backpackers who want to save some weight. Made with soft nubuck leather, the Nucleo is a good-looking boot that features GORE-TEX Surround (Gore's most breathable waterproofing) and Vibram Megatrip outsoles, which excel on technical terrain. La Sportivas run narrow and may require you to size up more than normal. However, the new Nucleo II is also available in wide.
What's the best lightweight hiking boot for you?
You don't need a trail running shoe or a low-cut hiking shoe to go light. The best lightweight hiking boots only weigh a few ounces more. And they may give you much better foot and ankle protection, waterproofing, and durability than hiking shoes and trail runners. That makes them a tantalizing choice for fast and light hikers, fast packers, ultralight backpackers, and casual hikers who just prefer a lighter boot.
The best lightweight hiking boot for you is one that best fits your feet and best matches where you hike and how you hike. My product descriptions should help you narrow down your choices to find your best fit and best match.
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