Best lightweight walking boots for 2024: agile, speedy hiking

For fast hikes and walks in warmer weather, you'll benefit from lighter footwear. We recommend the best lightweight walking boots and shoes.

3 photos of lightweight hiking boots and shoes being tested

by Chris Williams |
Updated on

When it comes to short hikes, fast hikes, and summer hillwalking, some lightweight walking boots or shoes might serve your purposes better than your heavier hiking boots.

It's worth stressing from the outset that lightweight walking boots have a different set of strengths to heavier three-season ones, and they both exist for a reason. Boots (often leather boots) are generally better for longer treks because their construction is more supportive and they are more durable. Meanwhile, lightweight hiking boots and shoes are much more breathable and don't sap stamina.

Hiker standing by a lake wearing lightweight walking boots
Lightweight walking boots are ideal for summer, and for speed ©Live For The Outdoors

Black Friday deals on hiking boots

Last chance! Black Friday deals are sticking around until the end of November. Here at LFTO, we're tracking and reporting the very best Black Friday discounts on our top-rated hiking boots all month long.

Most popular: Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX V2 – 50% off on Inov-8

Huge saving: Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boot – save £70 on Sportsshoes

Save 20%: Scarpa Rush TRK LT GTX Boots – save £40 on Cotswold Outdoor

Editor Oli Reed on a hilltop wearing lightweight walking boots
Think about what you need from a lightweight hiking boot ©Live For The Outdoors

Some tougher and more supportive trail running shoes can also be used as lightweight hiking shoes. But mid-height, low-weight boots can offer a good balance between weight and support.

Our shortlist:

Best in Test: Inov-8 Roclite G345 GTX V2 - View at inov-8.com

Best Value: Columbia Facet 75 Mid - View at columbiasportswear.co.uk

Best for comfort: Hoka Anacapa Breeze Mid - View at hoka.com

Lightweight hiking and fastpacking have boomed in popularity over the last five to 10 years. As a consequence, the corresponding footwear category has boomed with it. To trim down your vast array of candidates, we've been field-testing many lightweight walking boots and shoes to find the best currently available.

Best lightweight hiking boots and shoes in detail:

Best in Test

Inov8 Roclite G345 GTX V2 with award overlayLive For The Outdoors

Description

You rightly assume that with walking boots, you get durability or lightness. This boot shows we no

Pros

  • Deceptively tough
  • Very lightweight
  • Vegan

Cons

  • No stiffened toe cap

Best Value

Columbia Facet 75 Mid with award overlayLive For The Outdoors

Description

In terms of fit, the Facet 75 Mid feels quite similar to the Inov-8 Roclite G345 GTX V2. And

Pros

  • Nicely cushioned
  • Good grip for trails
  • Good value

Cons

  • Could be more sustainable
  • Not especially thick midsole

Best for comfort

Hoka Anacapa Breeze Mid in long grassLive For The Outdoors
Price: £140.00

www.hoka.com

Description

The main aim of Hoka's Anacapa Mid is to be as lightweight and breathable as possible, and the

Pros

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Super comfy
  • Handy quick-lace system

Cons

  • Won't keep water out
  • Pretty aesthetic gets grubby quickly

Best lightweight 3-season boot

La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX being wornLive For The Outdoors

Description

La Sportiva has managed to keep footwear ingenuity constantly flowing from the northern Italian

Pros

  • Best ankle support on test
  • Best soft ground grip on test
  • Uses plenty of recycled material

Cons

  • Others are even better for agility

Best for breathability

Danner TrailcomberLive For The Outdoors

Description

When the name of the game is breathability, Trailcomber takes the win. At less than 270g per shoe,

Pros

  • Fantastically breathable
  • Lightest footwear on test
  • Vegan
  • Good grip on firm ground

Cons

  • Not much support

Best waterproof lightweight hiking shoe

Arc'teryx Aerios GTX ShoeLive For The Outdoors
Price: £150.00

arcteryx.com

Description

You could be forgiven for thinking upon first glance that the Aerios GTX is a trail running shoe.

Pros

  • Good midsole for longer walks
  • Recycled upper
  • Excellent Vibram outsole

Cons

  • Mids and boots offer better ankle support

Best for fastpacking and trail running

Profile shot of Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX on a rockLive For The Outdoors

Description

Named after the fastest bird on Earth, the Peregrine is a tried and tested trail running

Pros

  • Suitable for trail running too
  • Vegan
  • Waterproof and non-waterproof versions

Cons

  • 4mm drop may not suit everyone

Best lightweight boot for wide feet

Keen zionic waterproof lightweight hiking boot

Description

With an athletic fit and aggressive, low-profile lugs, this latest offering from Keen is all about

Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Nimble contoured fit
  • PFC-free

Cons

  • Only suitable for marked trails and easy off-path terrain

Best minimalist walking boots

Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG2 sole and upperLive For The Outdoors

Description

Outdoor footwear makers normally spend a lot of time and effort on foot protection. Vivobarefoot

Pros

  • Durable construction
  • Aid balance
  • Sustainable
  • Great for speed

Cons

  • Sole struggles on wet rock

Best lightweight walking boot for traction

Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GTXLive For The Outdoors

Description

It's been a very tough choice between the Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX and Inov-8 Roclite G345 GTX

Pros

  • Superb traction
  • Fast Quicklace system
  • PFC-free
  • Good midsole

Cons

  • Could do with better ankle support

Best lightweight boot for mountain treks

Adidas Terrex Skychaser Tech reviewLive For The Outdoors

Description

While these look like trendy trail shoes for wandering around city parks and easy trails, they

Pros

  • Excellent cushioning
  • Superb comfort
  • Good grip on a variety of terrain
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Recycled materials in the upper

Cons

  • Higher price than much of the competition

What to look for in lightweight walking boots

How should lightweight hiking boots fit?

Fit for hiking footwear is very important. The magic mark you want is a firm enough fit so your feet don't slide around, causing blisters, while taking into account that your feet swell a bit when walking (or running). You want the heel to be cupped nicely and the forefoot to have ample room, encouraging splayed toes and a natural gait.

Wide feet or high arches need more room. Check there's adequate space around the forefoot. Too little causes pinching, too much allows the boot to roll around your foot on uneven ground.

Brands vary a lot in shoe shape and sizing so it's very helpful trying on hiking footwear before you buy.

Can I wear running shoes for hiking?

If you're considering going down that path, we suggest opting for trail running shoes in particular. These have the aggressive lugs needed to give you grip over uneven and slippery terrain. Road and general use running shoes don't have the right grip for hiking.

Outsole and lug pattern of a Jack Wolfskin hiking boot
Hiking boots have a wide range of lug patterns for different terrain ©Live For The Outdoors

What kind of sole is best for lightweight hiking boots?

Lightweight hiking footwear generally have lug patterns that favour hard-packed terrain. They're less suitable for mud and boggy ground and mountains.

The midsole provides cushioning and stability. It is usually comprised of a stiff shank embedded in either EVA or PU, two different types of foam rubber. EVA offers lightweight cushioning but compresses over time. PU is heavier but more durable, resulting in a stiffer boot with a firmer feel underfoot.

What kind of upper should a lightweight hiking boot have?

Lightweight walking boots and hiking shoes typically employ a mix of suede or nubuck and fabric, mesh or other synthetic materials. Some also eliminate stitching in favour of a welded construction to further reduce weight. A waterproof lining is often desirable but not essential if you're after the best breathability.

What are other important features to look for?

Toe bumper: A toe bumper provides additional durability and protection for the front of the foot, particularly on rocky ground.

Toe box: A broad toe box gives more space for the toes to splay when walking and more room if you're wearing thicker hiking socks. A narrow toe box allows for more precise footwork when moving fast on technical terrain.

Heel counter: This is the stiffened cup that encloses the heel, providing protection and support. A firm heel counter helps to lock the foot in place and offers additional stability.

Tongue: A padded tongue is essential for comfort, but also look for a gusseted or bellows tongue. This prevents water and debris from entering the boot or shoe.

Ankle cuff: A mid boot has a lower ankle cuff than a standard boot, which saves weight and gives a more flexible feel while still offering some support and protection. Trail shoes are cut like trainers for maximum freedom of movement.

With proper care, all hiking boots can last much longer, saving you money

Footwear care

The relationship between hiker and gear is of a reciprocal nature. Or at least it should be if the hiker expects longevity and performance from their gear. Footwear needs to be cared for properly if it is to last and continue to perform as intended.

Footwear care is easy, whether for synthetic fabric or leather. Use water-based and PFC-free footwear cleaners and proofers from Grangers or Nikwax:

Best footwear cleaner

Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner 275ml

Rrp: £8.21

Price: £7.95

Description

Eco-friendly, PFC-free footwear and gear spray-on spot cleaner. It's versatile and can be used on

Best footwear reproofer

Grangers Footwear Repel Plus 275ml

Rrp: £16.76

Price: £10.44

Description

Eco-friendly, PFC-free footwear spray-on reproofer. The Footwear Repel Plus from Grangers is our

Best footwear care kit

Nikwax Hiking Care Kit
Price: £17.99

Description

Leather and fabric footwear care kit including brush and dry bag. The sustainability credentials

How we test

The hiking footwear we test undergoes thorough, real-world testing. As soon as they arrive with us, they get latched to one of our experienced gear testers and stomp off into the hills.

We consider myriad factors when testing and reviewing hiking footwear, from the obvious, such as comfort and performance, to the less obvious and intricate, such as sustainability.

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Chris Williams is a Digital Content Writer for Live For The Outdoors. He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and has been working on Live For The Outdoors since 2021.

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