This is a gear review of the Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes on the market in 2022.
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 weekend hike and it could ruin your entire trip. 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.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof lightweight hiking shoes available in 2022.
Best Light Hiking Shoes for Backpacking 2022
The best light hiking shoes for backpacking for 2022 are:
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes – Overall
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Durable leather and suede construction
> Targeted heel and arch support
> Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole for improved traction
> Merrell Air Cushion in the heels
> EVA midsole
Cons:
> These shoes have a high arch than some other shoes.
The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe has been one of the leading hiking shoes on the market for over a decade, and 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.
They are a medium to wide fit and there is also a wide version for those that have very wide feet.
The Merrell Moab 2 Vent is one of the best hiking shoes of 2022 for desert hiking due to the breathability, lightweight and solid construction.
I have 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 own and use a pair of these shoes today.
Best Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Contragrip MA rubber outsole for good traction
> New chassis for improved stability and flexibility
> SensiFit technology cradles the feet
> Waterproof Gore-Tex protection
Cons:
> Quicklace system takes some getting used to
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
The Salomon X Ultra 4 hiking shoe is also 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.
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.
Best Ultralight Hiking Shoe
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Plush yet lightweight cushioning
> Updated toe boxes
> Enhanced midfoot support and lockdown
> Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole
Cons:
> Lack the protection of hiking shoes – they’re also non-waterproof but HOKA does offer a waterproof alternative
If it’s ultralightweight, comfort, and support you’re looking for, look no further than the HOKA One One Speedgoat 4 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 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.
Most Durable Light Hiking Shoe
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Cross between a boot and a shoe
> Gore-tex surround aeration channels for breathable protection
> STB Control System integrates ventilation with stability
> Vibram XS Trek and Impact Brake System provides excellent traction
Cons:
> A little heavier than other options
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.
Best Hiking Shoe for Wide Feet
Keen Targhee III Low WP
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane
> Cleansport NXT coating for natural odor control
> Dual-density EVA footbeds for comfort
> TPU heel-capture system for stability
> Best Shoes for Wide Feet
Cons:
> Not good for narrow feet
> Flat footbed with little arch support (but that could be a good thing for some)
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. Thers 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 high-traction grip on whatever the trail throws at you.
The Keen Targhee EXP hiking shoe is the one of the best hiking shoes for wide feet due to the nice and 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 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 is an improvement over previous models that most people will find give better support.
Overall, the Adidas Terrex R3 GTX is a solid hiking shoe with good tread and a durable design.
Scarpa Rush Low
Weight per pair: 1 lb. 10.8 oz / 680 grams
Pros:
> Lightweight
> Feels like a running shoe but more durable for hiking
> ?
Cons:
> Not as supportive as some other shoes in this review but more supportive than trail runners
> Expensive
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.
Vasque Men’s Breeze AT GTX Low Hiking Shoe
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Durable nubuck leather uppers
> Gore-Tex protects the feet from wet weather
> Breathable air mesh in the uppers
> Vibram Contact Grip outsole for traction
Cons:
> They’re a little heavy
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 thru 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 provide 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.
Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D V8 GTX
Weight:
Pros:
> Super lightweight
> Good cushioned stability
> Molded OrthoLite footbeds
> Wet-traction outsoles
Cons:
> Runs large, we recommend sizing down ½ size
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 lightweight hiking shoes for narrow to medium width feet.
Altra Lone Peak 6
Weight: TBA
Pros:
> Super lightweight feel
> Stone guard for protection underfoot
> Strategic, laser-cut holes for quick drainage
> Roomy toe boxes
Cons:
> Not the most durable due to being lightweight
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. 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.
Other Hiking Shoes
The following list of hiking shoes are also worth considering:
- Merrel Moab 3 GTX: The Merrel Moab 3 GTX is the newest incarnation of the famed Moab from Merrell.
- Merrel Moab 3 Vent: The Merrel Moab 3 Vent is also the newest version of my favorite Moab 2 from Merrell.
- 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.
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.
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.
Breathability
The waterproof membrane inside 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.
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 soul 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.
Weight
The weight of the hiking shoe will be influenced by how much cushioning the shoe offers, as well as the thickness of materials used in the shoe.
The best lightweight 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.
Comfort, Support 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 prioritise 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.
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.
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 insidw ithout 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 comapnies that have moved to this system for a lot of theor lightweight shoes. It removes a lot of the fine tuning in favor of lightweight and simplicity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
The Best Light Hiking Shoe for 2022 is in the list below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Trail running shoes are shoes designed specifically for running off-road – from forests, bridleways, beaches, to grassy fields. They’re usually lightweight but still offer decent traction and durability compared to regular running shoes. Hiking shoes are similar to hiking boots but have a lower cut that closer resembles a sneaker. They usually have thick lugs and a rubber sole to offer excellent traction, as well as durable and breathable Gore-Tex protection.
You should definitely wear shoes specifically designed for hiking when exploring the great outdoors. These hiking shoes offer greater traction and durability and usually have built-in cushioning and stability features, too. They’re also far more durable as they’re designed to last longer (about 800 to 1000 miles or 1 to 3 years for most folks) than a trail running shoe, which usually uses more lightweight materials. Hiking shoes are a little heavier because of the extra protection, however, many hikers opt for a shoe as they offer great durability, less weight than a hiking boot, and better protection than a trail runner.
It depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your shoes/boots, as both offers separate benefits. Hiking boots offer better ankle support and protection from the elements, and these are the two main reasons why hikers choose a boot over a shoe. They also provide better warmth and are likely to be more durable than shoes. Lightweight Hiking Shoes take less time to break in and will dry quicker when wet.
