10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Modern Hiking Shoe is designed with a combination of pigskin leather and mesh, offering a good balance of durability and breathability for lightweight hiking. Its protective toe cap and Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provide reliable traction on various terrains, which is important for safety and grip. The shoe features Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel and a lightweight EVA foam midsole, delivering cushioning and stability without adding much weight, making it comfortable for longer walks. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole adds medium arch support and reinforced heel cushioning, suitable for moderate foot support needs. Additionally, the bellows tongue helps keep debris out, enhancing comfort on dusty or rocky trails.

Although the shoe is not fully waterproof, its materials offer some water resistance, but it may not be ideal for very wet or muddy conditions. The use of recycled materials shows an environmentally friendly approach, which is a nice bonus. The fit is generally true to size, but those with wider feet might want to try it on first.

This shoe is a solid choice for hikers seeking lightweight, supportive footwear with good traction and moderate water resistance, but it may fall short for those needing full waterproof protection or heavy-duty support.

The Columbia Mens Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid choice for those seeking lightweight hiking footwear with reliable protection and comfort. Thanks to its TECHLITE midsole, these boots offer good cushioning and energy return, which helps reduce foot fatigue on various trail surfaces without adding much weight. The OMNI-TECH waterproof membrane is a standout feature, keeping feet dry during moderate rain or snow while still allowing breathability to avoid overheating. This makes the boot suitable for wet or changing weather conditions.

Its upper combines leather and mesh, balancing durability with some breathability, and the metal hardware adds to its rugged build. For grip, the OMNI-GRIP outsole uses a smart tread pattern and rubber compound that works well on rocks, dirt, and gravel, providing stable traction in both wet and dry environments. The fit focuses on ankle support with a cushioned collar enhancing comfort for longer hikes. While the boot is described as lightweight, it is still a mid-height ankle boot, which might feel a bit bulkier compared to very lightweight trail runners or low-cut shoes. Also, the leather elements may require some break-in time and occasional care to maintain durability over many hiking seasons.

This model is ideal for hikers who want a waterproof, supportive boot that performs well across different terrains, especially when moderate weather protection is needed.

The Altra Olympus 5 hiking shoes are designed to offer comfort and reliable performance for hikers who value roominess and grip. They feature Altra’s FootShape fit, providing a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally, enhancing comfort during long walks or uneven trails. The mesh upper keeps the shoes breathable but may not provide much water resistance, making them less ideal for wet conditions. Weighing around 3 pounds per pair, they are not the lightest in the lightweight hiking category but remain manageable for moderate hikes.

Support and cushioning are well planned, with enough padding to protect your feet on rugged terrain. A standout feature is the Vibram Megagrip outsole, known for excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces, which offers confidence on slippery or rocky paths. The GaiterTrap system is a thoughtful addition, allowing easy attachment of gaiters to keep trail debris out, which is useful on rough trails.

Durability is expected to be good due to the Vibram sole and sturdy mesh, although the mesh may wear faster than leather in very harsh conditions. The fit is generous, helping to avoid cramped toes but might feel loose for people with narrow feet. These shoes are well suited for hikers seeking comfort, solid grip, and convenience features, but those frequently hiking in wet or very rough environments might prefer options with better water resistance and tougher materials.