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 KEEN Men's Targhee 2 Mid hiking boots are a solid choice if you’re looking for shoes that offer good protection and support on trails. They feature a waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane that keeps your feet dry by blocking water but letting sweat escape, which is great for wet conditions. The boots use premium leather combined with breathable mesh, making them durable yet comfortable, while the DWR coating helps prevent the leather from drying out over time.

Their traction is strong thanks to the KEEN All-Terrain rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs, providing reliable grip on muddy or rocky surfaces. Support-wise, the mid-height design and external shank offer ankle stability and balance, which is helpful on rough terrain. The removable footbed with arch support and resilient cushioning adds to comfort during long hikes. The fit is roomy, allowing your toes to spread naturally, which many hikers appreciate.

These boots weigh about 4 pounds, which is heavier than typical lightweight hiking shoes and might slow you down if you want something ultra-light. Since they are leather, they require some care to keep them in good shape, and the break-in period might feel stiff initially. They are not ideal for casual or very light trail walking but suit those who need durable, waterproof footwear with good traction and support for moderate to challenging hikes.