Top 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2024 • The Adventure Junkies (2024)

BEST FOR: LONG DISTANCE HIKING

Altra’s Lone Peak line has earned a reputation among the long distance, thru-hiking crowd for being one of the best lightweight hiking shoes around and we agree. At 1-pound 2-ounces a pair, the Lone Peak 4 is by far the lightest shoe on the market. When it comes to performance, these lightweight hiking shoes deliver. Wet, dry, or uneven terrain, the grip on these soles offer prime stability.

The roomy, wide toe box allows for full foot splay while also decreasing blisters, which is a much-appreciated feature on long distance hikes. Pair that with the 25mm cushioning and you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds. The coveted zero-drop feature aids in low-impact foot striking while allowing for a more natural movement. Equipped with gaiter hooks so you can easily secure gaiters to the shoes while hiking through thick forests or watery swamps, you can keep unwanted debris out of your shoe no matter where you decide to hike.

BEST FOR: NARROW FEET

Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX offers hiking boot protection with trail running shoe performance. Durable and aggressive, this narrow lightweight hiking shoe is built for endurance.

Slip your foot in and pull on the convenient single lace for a snug and secure fit. As you get into your trail groove, you’ll stay comfortable thanks to the foam cushioning and breathable liner. Should you need to pick up the pace, the nimble design allows you to move swiftly. With rugged grippy tread, you’ll be able to maintain your speed even when trail conditions turn muddy.

BEST FOR: BUDGET OPTION

If price is a concern, consider the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. Made with quality construction, these sturdy and affordable hiking shoes have been a popular choice year after year.

As you trek along the trail, the contoured footbeds offer ample support while Merrell’s air cushion works to absorb the brunt of the shock upon impact. Together, these two features increase stability while optimizing comfort. Sporting an attractive suede leather and mesh exterior, these shoes are durable enough for the trail while also offering ventilation to let your sweaty feet breathe. If you find yourself doing more casual hikes than technical ones, these shoes will suit you well.

BEST FOR: MUDDY TRAILS

Mud, gravel, or grass, the soles on the Brooks Cascadia 14 let you breeze right along the trail. The thick, grippy soles provide terrific traction on tricky terrain while the cushy midsoles adapt to your stride for a better feel.

Thanks to the rubber mud guards and gaiter hooks preventing debris from entering your shoes, you’ll find mud is no match for these hiking shoes. Walk right through the muck and the stabilizing suspension system will give you the control you need to get through even the most uneven or slippery terrain. With the addition of a lace guard, you can stride in confidence knowing you won’t get tripped up by something as simple as an untied shoelace.

BEST FOR: FAST HIKERS

Light and breathable, La Sportiva Wildcat is designed to let you hike fast. The moderate cushion is firm enough to support your foot on take off, yet cushy enough for comfort on long distance hikes. Pair that with the protective soles and you’re ready to tackle roots and rocks without your shoes slowing you down.

As you work up a sweat, the mesh liner works to ventilate your feet, allowing them to breathe. Should a trail obstacle suddenly deter you from your line of stride, the multidirectional sole grooves let you easily change course. This shoe is an excellent choice for the hiker looking to keep a steady pace without uneven or jagged terrain slowing them down.

BEST FOR: HIKING AROUND WATER

Stream crossings are Astral TR1 Water Shoes’ specialty. Offering excellent stability with a water-ready design, these shoes perform best under wet conditions.

Step into a creek and the clever water ready holes located on midsoles drain out the H2O. Meanwhile, Astral’s Balanced Geometry design imitates natural movement to help maintain your footing while the tacky soles grip the ground to optimize sure footing. Since wet situations like these have been known to cause swamp smelling feet, these hiking shoes even come with odor protection on the insoles.

BEST FOR: RAINY DAY HIKING

Drippy conditions require a waterproof shoe that performs well when weather strikes. That’s when having a pair of the Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX comes in handy.

These lightweight hiking shoes feature a GORE-TEX membrane which offers some of the best waterproof protection around. The tough outsoles deliver supreme traction while the toe guard provides extra protection in slippery situations. Sporting a streamlined designed, these lightweight hiking shoes are great for the minimalist who desires comfort, performance, and quality construction.

BEST FOR: ROCKY TERRAIN

When the trail gets rough, you’ll be glad you slapped on your La Sportiva TX4s. These lightweight hiking shoes double as climbing approach shoes, meaning they reach their peak performance when you’re scrambling along rocky terrain on your way to the crag.

The La Sportiva TX4 hiking shoes are built with super grippy soles that optimize stability on uneven ground. As you step down on roots and rocks, you’ll feel fully supported by the durable construction while the cushioning increases your comfort level. Built with an abrasion resistance exterior, these shoes can take a beating and still go strong.

BEST FOR: STABILITY

If you like the sturdy sole hiking boots have to offer, yet want something more nimble, then take a look at the Oboz Sawtooth II Low BDry. The solid rubber sole and lighter weight of the Oboz Sawtooth II strike a nice balance between hiking boot and shoe.

Breathable and waterproof, these hiking shoes offer a comfortable fit with moisture protection. The lofty rubber outsoles provide plenty of stability along with the heel collar which allows for fluid ankle motion. No matter the type of terrain, as your foot strikes the ground you’ll maintain a solid feel.

Although this is the heaviest shoe on the list, if you’re a hiker who wants a sturdy, solid, and secure fit, you may find the trade-off in weight to be worth it.

BEST FOR: DAY HIKES

One glance at the tread on the Saucony Peregrine ISO and you know you’re in for some serious traction. As your foot strikes the ground, the aggressive tread bites into the terrain to provide you with sure footing every step of the way.

As for the weight, the Saucony blows most of the competition out of the water. At 1-pound 5-ounces a pair, the minimal weight of these hiking shoes is astounding, to say the least (and even less for the women’s version!). Add that to the comfortably cushioned midsole and you have a recipe for agility on long distance or day hikes.