Best lightweight walking boots for 2024: agile, speedy hiking

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.

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

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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:

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.

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.

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:

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.