Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes 2025

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This is a gear review of the Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for backpacking in 2025.

There are so many different styles and brands of lightweight hiking shoes on the market at the moment. It can be hard to choose which one is the best fit. For many hikers and backpackers, a lightweight shoe is a better option than a heavier boot.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof lightweight hiking shoes available in 2025.

You might also be interested in looking at the Best Lightweight Hiking Boots or the Best Trail Runners for Hiking.

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How We Tested

All the Lightweight Hiking Shoes in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store that used to fit hiking shoes to customers and is regarded as an expert in this field. Some of the shoes in this review were purchased by the author and some were supplied by the manufacturer. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather and over thousands of miles of use. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best lightweight hiking shoes for 2025. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Light Hiking Shoes for Backpacking 2025

The best light hiking shoes for backpacking for 2025 are:

• Best Overall: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Vent Hiking Shoe
• Best Lightweight Waterproof Shoes: Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX
• Best Hiking Shoes for Thru Hiking: Altra Lone Peak 9
• Best Ultralight Shoes: HOKA Speedgoat 6
• Most Durable Hiking Shoes: La Sportiva Spire
• Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet: Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Shoes
• Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 Low
• Salomon Men’s Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX 
• Merrel Moab Speed Low
• Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes

The Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is the updated replacement for the hugely popular Moab 2 which has been one of the leading budget hiking shoes for over a decade.

It provides out-of-the-box comfort and improved features, including recycled material and a newly designed sole. Anyone who liked the previous model will love this one too.

While they are some of the best-priced and most comfortable shoes they are heavier than most of the other shoes in this review. And the combination of comfort and price makes them the best hiking shoe in 2025.

The Merrell Moab 3 comes in waterproof and non-waterproof ventilated versions. It is the ventilated version that I prefer because of the increased breathability. They are a medium to wide fit and there is also a wide version for those that have very wide feet.

Overall, the Merrell Moab 3 Vent is one of the best low-profile hiking shoes of 2025 for desert hiking due to its breathability, lightweight, and solid construction. They are also one of the best budget hiking shoes.

If you’re regularly powering up and down steep hills or technical terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is a great choice. They offer the agility of a running shoe combined with the stability and grip of a hiking boot.

The Contragrip MA rubber outsole grips the terrain, even when slippery or wet. 

The Salomon X Ultra 4 is an upgrade from the previous model and is equipped with SensiFit technology to cradle the feet from the midsole to the lacing system, which provides a secure and snug fit.

The Salomon X Ultra hiking shoe is waterproof and breathable due to the use of Gore-Tex, but it also has a non-waterproof version.  

The Salomon X Ultra 4 is a great lightweight waterproof hiking shoe for medium to narrow-width feet. If you like the fit and feel of Salomon shoes, these will make a great lightweight hiking shoe for thru-hiking or ultralight hikers wanting a quality shoe.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 has been updated this season with a couple of improvements to this very popular lightweight trail runner.

The MaxTrac outsoles have been updated with slightly better traction and wear than the previous model with the trademark foot and toe shape underneath replaced with a more skeleton look. Either way, the traction is slightly improved.

They have a StoneGuard that offers more protection from rocks underfoot without compromising the feel of being on the trail. 

The Altra Lone Peak EGO midsoles have been updated and still provide the famous soft ride that has made these shoes super popular within the thru-hiking community. The Altra Lone Peak 9 keeps the same oversized toe box that allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally and for the big toes to remain in a straight position.

If you want to use a trail runner style shoe for ultralight hiking and backpacking trips then they need to be tough. These are tough enough for most trails but if you are on very muddy trails or planning off-trail hiking trips then a trail runner is not the best option.

The fit of these shoes combined with zero drop means they are not for everyone. For many people, they are a good transition before moving to ultralight minimalist shoes. Having said that, they have a cult-like following among ultralight thru-hikers. Just don’t expect them to last as long as the other hiking shoes in this review. Most people should expect about 500 miles out of these shoes before they are worn out and have holes. I found testing the previous model that they last longer than 500 miles in most cases but it is very dependent on how demanding the trails are.

I have been using the Altra Lone Peak trail runners for several years including thru-hiking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. I loved the lightweight feel. They are one of the best trail running shoes for thru-hiking. These are my current ultralight hiking shoes of choice that I use for ultralight hiking.

If it’s ultralightweight, comfort, and support you’re looking for, look no further than the Hoka Speedgoat 6 upgraded running shoe. These trail runners have lightweight foam midsoles for maximum cushioning and excellent absorbing impact.

The updated toe boxes and wider forefoot construction provide a more accommodating fit for enhanced comfort and stability.

The gusseted tongues feature strategic cutouts for added breathability and the breathable textile lining provides abrasion-free wear.

While these shoes offer plush cushioning and support, they still have good traction. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides good grip in both wet and dry conditions. 

A trail runner like this is best suited to trails that are in good condition and not as well suited to rough terrain or muddy. If heading onto rougher trails then a stronger hiking shoe might be a better option.

The Hoka is slightly narrower than the Altras and they have a 5mm drop which most people seem to prefer. Most hikers will get around 500 miles out of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 shoes when thru-hiking.

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is great for day hikes, trail running, thru-hiking, or backpacking on nice trails and is one of the best light trail runners for thru-hiking.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX hiking shoe is a great midpoint between a hiking boot and a trail hiking shoe. It features abrasion-resistant mesh uppers and Gore-tex surround aeration channels to offer durability and breathable waterproof protection.

This works alongside the Nano Cell 2.0 Technology to allow maximum aeration and comfort within the footbed and midsole, while the STB Control System integrates ventilation outlets into the midsoles while also providing torsional stability for comfort and a snug fit.

The La Sportiva hiking shoe uses Vibram XS Trek and Impact Brake System outsoles to supply traction and grip and is aggressive enough for the most rugged of terrains.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a little heavier than many other shoes on our list, they’re surprisingly lightweight considering they fit more like a hiking boot rather than a shoe, and provide maximum stability, grip, and confidence on the trail. 

The Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes are an industry favorite as they provide traction, durability, and protection. If you have a wide foot these shoes should be the first shoes you take a look at.

Crafted from environmental leather equipped with KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membranes, this shoe will keep your feet dry while allowing perspiration to dissipate.

They’re treated to provide natural odor control and keep your shoes smelling fresher for longer. While good in theory these shoes will get just as stinky as any other shoe on this list.

The Keen Targhee IV Men’s Hiking Shoes have a removable air-injected insole that provides a good amount of underfoot comfort.

The outsole tread will give you enough traction in all but the slipperiest terrain, and they are durable enough to last a long time. 

The Keen Targhee IV Waterproof hiking shoe is one of the best hiking shoes for men with wide feet due to the nice wide-toe box. If you have wide feet then start with this hiking shoe and see how it feels before trying any other shoe from any other brand.

The Adidas Terrex Free Gore-Tex 2.0 Low is popular with hikers wanting a solid shoe with good traction.

Although the shoes are well made and durable they are on the heavy side compared with some other models in this review. The laces and overall lacing system are an improvement over previous models that most people will find give better support.

Overall, the Adidas Terrex Free Gore-Tex 2.0 Low are solid hiking shoes with good tread and a durable design.

It’s no surprise that Salomon has made the list again, with another quality trail shoe. The Salomon XA PRO 3D V8 is designed with Seamed SensiFit uppers and molded OrthoLite footbeds to provide comfort without weighing the shoe down. 

The shoe has a stable and cushioned midsole for a secure feel and premium wet-traction outsoles which provide grip even in the worst of conditions. 

The fully waterproof Gore-Tex membranes mean you can ignore the conditions underfoot and concentrate on what’s in front of you.

Plus the Salomon XA Pro is now 20G lighter, featuring thinner, softer materials but the same durability and reliability. 

The Salomon XA Pro is one of the best hiking shoes for narrow to medium-width feet.

The Merrell Moab Speed Low is very much like a lightweight Merrell Moab 3. It looks very much like a trail-running version of the very popular Moab.

While it provides a generous amount of support and is quite durable it is lacking compared to the heavier version that is rated as the best shoe overall. And like the Moab 3, it comes in at a reasonable price which will make it very popular with anyone wanting a lightweight shoe for hiking and backpacking.

Overall, the Merrell Moab Speed Low is a very popular light hiking shoe.

The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes have been discontinued but I have kept them on the list as they are a good option at a discounted price.

The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes are one of the lightest hiking shoes for 2025. When I tried these shoes for the first time I was impressed by their comfort and light feel. They feel more like a stiff-soled pair of trail running shoes.

They feel comfortable right out of the box but over time the suede leather will shape itself to fit your feet perfectly making these shoes very comfortable.

These shoes also provide the best traction of any shoe in this review. The traction is provided by large lugs that provide a good grip. But that grip will come at the cost of durability. The sole will not last as long as some of the other light hiking shoes in this review.

The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes are the best lightweight hiking shoes overall. They are super comfortable, and lightweight and provide the best traction of any of the shoes in this review.

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Other Hiking Shoes

The following list of hiking shoes is also worth considering:

• Danner Trail 2650: The Danner Trail 2650 will be added to the list when the review has been completed.

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Hiking Shoe Comparison Table

Brand	Weight	Type	Material	Waterproof
Merrell Men’s Moab 3	2 lb. 1 oz	Hiking Shoe	Leather/mesh	Waterproof and Non-Waterproof Models
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX	1 lb. 11.5 oz	Hiking Shoe	Synthetic	Yes
Altra Lone Peak 9	1 lb. 6.4 oz	Trail Runner	Mesh	No
HOKA Speedgoat 6	1 lb. 3.6 oz	Trail Runner	Not Specified	No
La Sportiva Spire	1 lb. 15 oz	Hiking Shoe	Mesh	Yes
Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Shoes	2 lb 5 oz	Hiking Shoe	Leather	Waterproof and Non-Waterproof Models
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 Low	2 lb. 0.6 oz	Hiking Shoe	Synthetic	Waterproof and Non-Waterproof Models
Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D V8 GTX	1 lb. 10.1 oz	Trail Runner	Not Specified	Yes
Merrel Moab Speed Low	1 lb. 6.6 oz	Hiking Shoe	Mesh / Synthetic	Waterproof and Non-Waterproof Models
Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes	1 lb. 9 oz	Hiking Shoe	Not Specified	Yes

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Materials 

All the best hiking shoes share similar attributes when it comes to the outer materials and uppers.

A lot of hiking footwear uses leather and suede that are highly durable. Once broken in are incredibly soft and comfortable, whereas synthetic materials are less durable but may be better if minimizing the weight of the shoe is your priority. 

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Waterproof

Gore-Tex features on many quality waterproof hiking shoes and is a material that offers waterproof protection while remaining breathable.

It’s a must if you’re looking for an all-weather waterproof hiking shoe. 

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Breathability

The waterproof membrane inside the light weight shoes does not provide a lot of breathability. And when they are wet and covered with mud they will not be able to breathe at all. In a lot of cases, the breathability of hiking shoes will only really occur in non-waterproof lightweight hiking shoes. In most cases, it is my preference to wear the most breathable shoes possible. This gives my feet the chance to breathe and prevents heat and moisture build-up that can lead to blisters.

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Traction and Outsoles

Having a hiking shoe with quality traction is essential for hiking and backpacking.

Most quality hiking shoes will feature a Vibram rubber sole which provides grip on uneven and slippery terrain and in all kinds of weather. 

The tread on most of the hiking shoes in this review should last between 800 – 1000 miles. The tread on trail running shoes will last a lot less with 500 miles or less considered normal.

The sole of a good hiking shoe will wear out at about the same pace as the rest of the shoe. So when the bottom of the hiking shoe is worn out, so is the rest of the shoe.

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Weight 

The weight of the hiking shoe will be influenced by how much cushioning the shoe offers, as well as the thickness of the materials used in the shoe. 

The best ultralight hiking shoes are trail runners, however, bear in mind that in order to minimize weight, the shoe may compromise on durability and the amount of protection it offers.

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Comfort and support

Hiking involves being on your feet for hours at a time, so hiking shoes should ideally ease the strain on your feet and provide lightweight cushioning. The levels of cushioning you require will also depend on the arch type of your feet. 

For example, those with high arches will need maximum cushioning, whereas those with flat feet will need to prioritize stability, which means that the shoe locks the foot into place and prevents it from rolling. 

When looking for a hiking shoe for long distances you should also pay attention to any shock absorption it provides, particularly in the heel area which takes the brunt of the shock while hiking. 

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Sizing 

You might not think twice about which size to choose when it comes to purchasing a new pair of hiking shoes, however, it’s worth bearing in mind that when spending hours walking on a trail, particularly on hot days, feet are likely to swell.

This is why it’s a good idea to buy hiking footwear at least a half size larger than your everyday shoes. I prefer to buy hiking shoes that are one whole size larger than my foot size. Since I started buying bigger shoes I have stopped getting blisters and my feet are less tired at the end of the day.

If you learn only one thing from the whole article let it be this: Buy hiking shoes one size bigger than your normal shoes. Your feet will swell when you are hiking for 6-plus hours.

You can test whether or not a hiking shoe fits appropriately by loosening the laces, moving your foot forward so that your toes touch the front of the toe box, and then seeing whether you can put your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. I like to have about at least this amount of room when trying on a shoe.

This will ensure that as your feet swell, the toes don’t slide forward and hit the toe box on downhill sections of the trail.

Another reason for buying slightly bigger shoes is that hiking socks are thicker than regular socks.

For this reason, it’s safer to buy hiking shoes that are a little big, rather than purchasing ones that are too small and hoping that they stretch out in time.

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Lacing System

The lacing system and the way the shoe laces work have a bearing on how the shoe will fit. They should be done up firmly but not tight. There should be enough room inside without allowing your feet to move around which will not only cause discomfort but can cause blisters.

While the traditional lacing systems with an eyelet and laces work best to fine-tune the shoe on your foot, some manufacturers offer a speed lacing system. They offer a single pull system that stays in place with a toggle or similar. While they work well for a lot of people they do not work for everyone. Salomon is one of the big companies that have moved to this system for a lot of their lightweight shoes. It removes a lot of the fine-tuning in favor of lightweight and simplicity.

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Break-in Period

This seems obvious, but whenever you purchase new hiking shoes, it’s a good idea to allow time to break them in before wearing them on an actual hiking trip.

Hiking shoes that feel fine when you try them on can suddenly cause blisters once you’ve worn them for thousands of steps!

For this reason, it’s a good idea to buy your hiking footwear at least a few weeks before any long hiking trips and to wear them as much as you can beforehand.

This way, you’ll give the materials time to soften up and adapt to the shape of your feet, and if you encounter any issues, you can address these issues in the hiking shoe before you head out onto the trail. 

Having said that, all the shoes on this list should feel good right away. If there is any doubt then try something else.

Light Hiking Shoes are usually comfortable straight away and do not need any break-in period. If the shoes are not comfortable right out of the box then they might not be for you. They should feel good instantly.

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Price

There is no escaping the fact that a good quality pair of light hiking shoes are not cheap. I recommend spending the money to ensure your lightweight shoes for hiking and backpacking trails are the best you can afford. And they are the best fit for your feet.

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Socks

It is difficult to talk about the best light hiking shoes without mentioning just how important it is to have good hiking socks. The socks must be not only comfortable but durable enough to withstand hiking trips on muddy trails and many days without being washed. There are also Waterproof Hiking Socks if you are planning on going into areas with lots of water.

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Hiking Shoe Insoles

It wasn’t that long ago that the insoles supplied with hiking shoes were very poor quality. Over the years they have improved a lot. For most people, there is no need to invest in new insoles. But if you have issues with your feet, knees, hips, or back then you might need either orthotic inserts prescribed by a qualified podiatrist.

For many years I used orthotics due to long-term foot issues. But for many people, a good pair of Insoles might be a good investment.

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Conclusion

The Best Light Hiking Shoe for 2025 is in the list below:

• Best Overall: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Vent Hiking Shoe
• Best Lightweight Waterproof Shoes: Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX
• Best Hiking Shoes for Thru Hiking: Altra Lone Peak 9
• Best Ultralight Shoes: HOKA Speedgoat 6
• Most Durable Hiking Shoes: La Sportiva Spire
• Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet: Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Shoes
• Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 Low
• Salomon Men’s Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX 
• Merrel Moab Speed Low
• Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes

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Frequently Asked Questions

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