10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

The KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Oxford Casual Hiking Shoes offer a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and durable shoe suitable for light to moderate hiking. These shoes use premium oiled leather paired with breathable mesh lining, creating a balance between durability and comfort. While they are not the lightest option, weighing about 3.6 pounds per pair, they still manage to stay manageable for day hikes or casual outdoor activities. The padded tongue and collar along with a removable footbed provide good support and cushioning, making long walks more comfortable by supporting your arches and matching your foot shape.

Traction is a strong point for these shoes, thanks to the KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs designed to grip muddy or rocky surfaces well. This outsole is also non-marking, so you can wear them indoors without worrying about scuff marks. The fit is generous, especially around the toes, which is great if you want some extra room to avoid blisters or discomfort.

These shoes are not fully waterproof, so they might not be the best pick if you expect to hike in very wet conditions often. They do benefit from the leather’s natural water resistance but would need extra care or treatment for heavy moisture exposure. Durability is good, supported by quality materials and recommended leather care, but the shoes are heavier compared to specialized lightweight hiking shoes designed for fast, technical use. The KEEN Targhee 3 Oxfords suit hikers who want reliable support, solid traction, and a comfortable fit for casual to moderate trails, especially in dry to mildly wet conditions. They’re less ideal if your priority is ultra-lightweight gear or full waterproofing.

The KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed to keep your feet dry with the KEEN.DRY breathable membrane, which effectively allows moisture to escape while preventing water from entering. The use of durable premium leather and breathable mesh ensures good longevity and comfort. Additionally, environmentally friendly materials such as Leather Working Group certified tanneries and DWR treatment appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

The KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber soles provide impressive traction with 4mm lugs that offer excellent grip on various surfaces, including muddy and rocky terrains. The non-marking rubber outsoles prevent scuff marks on indoor surfaces. For support and cushioning, these shoes feature an external support shank and a heel cradle for superior stability and balance, and a removable footbed that offers good arch support and cushioning that withstands prolonged use without compressing quickly.

The fit is quite generous, allowing toes to spread out comfortably, which can be beneficial on long hikes. However, the shoes may feel a bit heavy for those specifically looking for extremely lightweight options, as they prioritize durability and support over minimal weight. Additionally, while they are waterproof, the leather may require maintenance with a leather cleaner for tough stains. If you're looking for a well-rounded pair of hiking shoes that balances comfort, support, and durability, the KEEN Targhee 3 could be a good match. If weight is your primary concern, you might want to explore other options.

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.