Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes

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This is a gear review of the Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes on the market in 2023.

There are so many different styles and brands of lightweight hiking shoes on the market at the moment. It can be so hard to choose which one is the best fit. Choose the wrong hiking shoes for your day hike or long-distance backpacking trip and it could ruin your time in the backcountry. The right pair of hiking shoes will provide a balance of comfort, durability, traction, and weight and will ensure you put your best foot forward. 

I researched, tested, and reviewed more than 20 hiking shoes over several months and came up with a list of the best hiking shoes. I also have hiked thousands of miles in hiking shoes and used to manage an outdoor store where I would fit customers with the correct shoe for their style of hiking and foot type.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof lightweight hiking shoes available in 2023.

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Best Light Hiking Shoes for Backpacking 2023

The best light hiking shoes for backpacking for 2023 are:

• Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Vent Hiking Shoe
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX
• Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes
• HOKA Speedgoat 5
• La Sportiva Spire
• Keen Targhee III Low WP
• Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
• Scarpa Rush Low
• Vasque Men’s Breeze AT GTX Low Hiking Shoe
• Salomon Men’s Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX 
• Altra Lone Peak 6
• Merrel Moab 2

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

It provides out-of-the-box comfort and improved features including the use of 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 make them the best hiking shoe in 2023.

The Merrell Moab 3 comes in a waterproof version and non-waterproof ventilated version. 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 2023 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 it’s 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 they also have 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 then these will make a great lightweight hiking shoe for thru-hiking or ultralight hikers wanting a quality shoe.

I was a big fan of the older Vasque Breeze Low Hiking Shoes which are now discontinued. So when the Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoe was introduced I knew they would be good.

The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes are one of the lightest hiking shoes for 2023. 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.

If it’s ultralightweight, comfort, and support you’re looking for, look no further than the HOKA One One Speedgoat 5 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 don’t compromise on traction, as they’re equipped with a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole to provide grip in both wet and dry conditions, as well as zonal rubber placement which offers additional support and stability where you need it most. 

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 stronger hiking shoe might be a better option.

The Hoka One Ones are slightly narrower than the Altras and they have a 4mm drop which most people seem to prefer. Most people report that they get around 500 miles out of these shoes when thru-hiking but

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 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 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 are aggressive enough for the most rugged of terrains.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX are 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 III Low GTX is an industry favorite as it provides traction, durability, and protection. If you have a wide foot these shoes should be the first shoes you take a look at.

Crafted from durable oiled nubuck and equipped with KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membranes, this shoe will keep your feet dry while allowing perspiration to dissipate.

They’re also treated with Cleansport NXT to provide natural odor control and keep your shoes smelling fresher for longer. 

The Keen Targhee III Men’s Hiking Shoes have removable, dual-density EVA footbeds to provide plush underfoot comfort. There is an injected TPU heel-capture system that promotes stability as you hike.

The mud shields provide protection and durability, while the KEEN all-terrain rubber outsoles with 4mm multidirectional lugs promise a high-traction grip on whatever the trail throws at you. 

The Keen Targhee EXP hiking shoe is one of the best hiking shoes for men with wide feet due to the nice wide-toe box. In fact, 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 Swift has been around for a couple of years and becoming more and more popular with each new version. The Adidas Terrex R3 GTX is an upgraded model that will also be 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 Swift R3 GTX is a solid hiking shoe with good tread and a durable design.

The Scarpa Rush Low GTX is a good lightweight hiking shoe that is more light a durable trail runner than a hiking shoe. While they provide more support than trail runner they do not offer as much support as most of the other hiking shoes in this review.

The Scarpa Rush offers good traction and the lacing system prevents slipping within the shoe. They look smart and while they are a little heavy they could be used for trail running too.

Overall, the Scarpa Rush Low GTX is a durable light shoe for hiking and backpacking. They are certainly a shoe that is comfortable and one I would like to wear more often.

Equipped with 2mm waterproof nubuck leather uppers, the Vasque Breeze GTX low hiking shoe provides a perfect balance between comfort and durability. 

I spent over 2000 miles hiking in these shoes and enjoyed the breathable Gore-Tex membrane to seal out wet weather and air mesh in the uppers to provide extra ventilation. 

The Vasque-exclusive Vibram Contact Grip with Megagrip compound outsoles provides traction on varied terrain, while the midsoles with EVA cushioning pods provide ultimate underfoot comfort.

These shoes have thermoplastic polyurethane shanks to lend stability and support to the foot, so they’re perfect if you suffer from foot-related issues.

They have a medium fit but people with wide feet can get the wide version which I used and liked on my hikes.

The Vasque Breeze GTX is one of the best lightweight waterproof hiking shoes on the market. I used these hiking shoes on the Appalachian Trail and would recommend them as the best hiking shoe for the Appalachian Trail.

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.

These trail runners are super lightweight hiking shoes that still provide a bit of protection from the elements.

They have an updated StoneGuard that offers more protection from rocks underfoot while using less material and laser-cut holes on the uppers to allow quick drainage after creek crossings. 

The Altra Lone Peak EGO midsoles provide a responsive yet soft ride while the Balanced Cushioning platform places heels and forefeet the same distance from the ground, which encourages low-impact landings.

The FootShape toe box on these trail runners allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally and for the big toes to remain in a straight position. The MaxTrac outsoles feature a multidirectional lug pattern for superb traction on multiple terrains.

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. But 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 shoes in this review. Most people expect about 500 miles out of these shoes before they are worn out and have holes. While testing these shoes on a thru hike in New Zealand they last me about that long but many hikers report getting much longer and some much less.

I used the Altra Lone Peak trail runners while 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 lightweight hiking shoe of choice that I use for ultralight hiking.

The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe has been replaced by the new Merrell Moab 3 but these shoes are still available and at a discounted price. I have worn these shoes on numerous long-distance thru hiking trips and love them even though they have been on the market for over a decade. The Moab 2 does not disappoint.

It provides out-of-the-box comfort thanks to its durable leather and supportive footbed with targeted heel cushioning. This improves overall comfort by reducing stress on your foot and providing arch and heel support so you can keep walking all day long. 

The molded nylon arch shanks provide stability, and the bellowed, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out.

The Merrell Moab 2 uses a quality Vibram TC5+ rubber sole that offers durability, stability, and slip resistance on the trail. 

The Merrell Moab 2 Vent is still a great hiking shoe due to its budget price, breathability, lightweight, and construction. As they are discontinued there will not be many left, so check the prices below for availability.

I used both the non-waterproof Merrell Moab and the GTX waterproof Merrell Moab version when I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. While the waterproof version is more popular, the ventilator version is better in my opinion. I still own and use a pair of these shoes today, even if they are very worn out.

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Other Hiking Shoes

The following list of hiking shoes are also worth considering:

• La Sportive TX 4: The La Sportiva TX is being reviewed at the moment and will be added to the list soon.
• Danner Trail 2650: The Danner Trail 2650 will be added to the list when the review has been completed.
• Merrell Moab Speed Low: The Merrell Moab Speed Low is a great pair of light hiking shoes that will be added to the list as soon as the review has been completed.
• Scarpa Zen Pro: The Scarpa Zen Pro is another light shoe for hiking. Review coming soon.

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Buyer’s Guide

Here is some information that you need to know about hiking shoes.

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.

A good hiking shoe will have a sole of the shoe 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 personally 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 trail.

Another reason for buying shoes that are slightly bigger 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.

A trail runner is usually comfortable straight away and does not need any break-in period. In fact, if the trail runner is not comfortable right out of the box then it is not 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 the Best Hiking Socks. It is important that the socks are 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 2023 is in the list below:

• Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Vent Hiking Shoe
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX
• Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoes
• HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 5
• La Sportiva Spire
• Keen Targhee III Low WP
• Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
• Scarpa Rush Low
• Vasque Men’s Breeze AT GTX Low Hiking Shoe
• Salomon Men’s Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX 
• Altra Lone Peak 6
• Merrel Moab 2

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Frequently Asked Questions

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