10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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 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 Crestwood Hiking Shoe is a solid choice for lightweight hiking adventures. Its combination of suede leather, mesh, and webbing materials ensures durability while keeping the shoe fairly lightweight. The TechLite midsole is designed for all-day comfort, providing superior cushioning and high energy return, which is great for longer hikes where foot fatigue can set in.

The Omni-Grip outsole offers advanced traction, making it reliable on various terrains, though it is particularly noted for being indoor-friendly and non-marking which might not be as aggressive as some outdoor-only designs. The low-top shaft height offers flexibility and ease of movement but may not provide as much ankle support as higher top options. Fit is generally true to size, which should make finding the right fit straightforward for many users.

However, while the shoe is designed with quality materials and craftsmanship, it lacks specific mention of water resistance, which could be a drawback in wet conditions. If durability and comfort are your primary concerns, these shoes are built to last and offer a good balance of performance features for most hiking scenarios. If you are planning hikes in particularly wet or muddy environments, you might want to consider additional waterproofing options or another model with a focus on water resistance.