7 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots

We evaluated the best lightweight hiking boots in the lab and on our actual trail adventures and crowned Outpulse Mid GTX as best overall. It stands out with its shoe-like weight and responsiveness, which enhances our agility. Our hikes feel effortless and energetic with this mid-cut boot.

We discovered that Outpulse lies between a hiker and a trail runner — giving a boot’s protection while having a shoe’s sensation. Weighing 13.6 oz (386g), it’s a mindblowing 4.8 oz lighter than the average hiking boot (18.4 oz/521g)! It significantly sheds off grams by maintaining a humble stack that gives us more control through better ground feel.

Even with the lower-than-average stack, the platform feels comfortable for long hikes. Our durometer confirms it’s 25.4% softer than average. Despite the plush foam, we feel springy and fast because of the stiff TPU Energy Blade that runs through the midsole.

Outpulse’s overall build feels protective with its waterproof membrane on top and its solid Contagrip outsole underfoot. We hiked through rocks, inclines, and loose gravel with no slip issues. However, we don’t recommend this pair on soft ground and technical terrains because its 3.5 mm lugs lack the bite needed for difficult trails.

When we want a waterproof boot that doesn’t weigh us down, we turn to the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. It’s also super grippy and supportive so it’s the perfect companion for our multi-day hikes.

It doesn’t get much better on the waterproofing front than being able to stand in running water for more than a minute and emerge with dry feet. The extra-plush 17 mm tongue comes with a full gusset. Together with the high ankle collar and GoreTex membrane, this dream combination works wonders at keeping the water out. We especially appreciate this on our thru-hikes when it can be tricky to dry our boots out overnight.

Our ankles felt supported by the high collar and the pioneering active support system. Salomon opted for traditional lacing in these boots and it does a sterling job at locking our feet in securely. The plastic shank in the midsole provides additional stability and stops our ankles from rolling while traversing rocky and uneven paths.

In our lab, we weighed these boots at a remarkable 13.8 oz (390g), 5.7 oz (163g) lighter than the average waterproof hiking boot. This is good news for our Big Mountain Days, since we can put in more miles before our feet get tired! This weight has to be saved somewhere and we suspected it might be in the midsole. In fact, in the lab, we measured the stack height to be 31.5 mm at the heel. Since the average for hiking boots is 35.8 mm, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX does have a bit less material underfoot than average, but we really like the increased ground feel. Along with the faultless Contragrip sole and its 5.1 mm lugs (16% deeper than average), we felt grounded and confident on our hikes.

We don't recommend this shoe to hikers who do not enjoy the ground feel. They would have to look at hiking shoes with a higher stack height then. 

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX packs in heaps of cushioning in an astonishingly lightweight package. With its Hubble heel contributing to silky smooth transitions and a grippy yet cushy marshmallow feel underfoot, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is our favorite lightweight hiking boot with the best cushioning out there!

The Anacapa Mid GTX goes all in when it comes to cushioning - it’s super soft and there’s simply more of it! The plush feel is down to the midsole - using a durometer, we found the midsole is 19% softer than average! We found the heel stack measures 0.5 mm higher than average, and the forefoot 2.3 mm higher than average. On the trail, this means more material between our feet and the ground, so we felt wonderfully protected from sharp objects, despite the soft midsole.

On our test hikes, these boots held us steady on uneven forest trails, gravel, and rocky outcrops. The 4.7 mm lugs are only 0.3 mm deeper than average for hiking boots, but the unique and flexible lug pattern is what gives this boot its superior traction.

Amazingly, considering its many perks, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is an incredible 4.5 oz (127g) lighter than the average waterproof hiking boot, making it a great choice for long days on the mountain.

While hiking with heavy loads we found the collar was too weak to support both our weight and that of a backpack. For this reason, we don’t recommend the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX for backpacking and through-hikes.

We hit the jackpot when we found the Hoka Trail Code GTX. First-rate comfort, this is an unbelievably lightweight, waterproof boot with a sticky outsole, making the Hoka Trail Code GTX our best pick for the most comfortable lightweight hiking boots.

Hoka’s iconic hubble heel delivers ultra-smooth transitions and, paired with soft cushioning, the Trail Code GTX makes our hikes on smooth, maintained trails an absolute dream. Back in the lab, we pressed a durometer to the thicker-than-average midsole. The durometer measured a jaw-dropping 23.4 HA, making it 16% softer than the average hiking boot! It’s no surprise we felt we were walking on clouds!

For a completely waterproof boot, we were surprised to find how light the Trail Code GTX feels on our feet. It tips the scales at a remarkable 15.5 oz (440g) – 3.4 oz (96g) lighter than average. Our feet felt far less tired than we had expected after a long day’s hiking.

Wet rock, loose gravel and sticky mud are no match for the Hoka Trail Code GTX, and we felt confident hiking on all types of terrain. The well-spaced lugs shed mud well, and when we measured them in the lab we found them to be 4.7 mm – 0.2 mm deeper than average. Coupled with a slightly softer outsole than average (86.6 HC compared to 87.5 HC), we trust these boots to bite on almost anything.

Pushing the boot to 90°, our force gauge measured 26.1N, making this an incredibly flexible boot. We don’t recommend the Hoka Trail Code GTX to long-distance backpackers for the simple reason that it lacks sufficient support for our feet during our multi-day hikes.

There is a lot to love in the stylish Hoka Kaha 2. It has support and cushioning in bucketloads, yet still manages to weigh in below average, plus it has a marvelously grippy outsole. It knocks the proverbial socks off the competition, so we chose the Hoka Kaha 2 as the best lightweight hiking boot for backpacking.

Even when hiking over roots and rough trails, it felt nigh on impossible to roll an ankle due to the wide platform of the Kaha 2. Back in the lab, we brought out the caliper to get a handle on just how wide it is. We were expecting it to be wide, but even we were surprised! The Kaha 2 has a very broad forefoot, measuring 117 mm compared to the average of 113.8 mm. But the secret to the superior stability hides out in the heel. Measuring a whopping 106.1 mm wide, the heel is 14.6 mm wider than average! Both backpackers and wide-footed hikers can rest easy, knowing the Hoka Kaha 2 does it utmost to keep us supported and stable.

For a fully waterproof, Nubuck leather backpacking boot, the Hoka Kaha 2 still manages to weigh in just below the average fpr waterproof hiking boots. Tipping the scales at 18.5 oz (525g), we find it balances the line perfectly between weight and the supportive features which make it such a good choice for backpacking.

We were mightily impressed by the Hoka Kaha 2’s ability to grip on soft, wet ground, slippery rocks and loose trails alike. When we took a closer look at the lugs though, all became clear. The chunky lugs measure 4.9 mm, 9% deeper than average! They dealt admirably with hugely varied terrain during our back-country hikes.

Our only gripe with the Hoka Kaha 2 has to do with the tongue. The plush padding measures 12.5 mm thick, which is around the average, but the problem is that the tongue is just too short. Tying the laces up normally leads to uncomfortable lace bite. This can be solved by wearing a second pair of socks, or alternative lacing.

In a combination of our lab investigations and test hikes the Timberland Sprint Trekker came out on top as the best lightweight hiking boot for urban hiking. With an impressively durable outsole, incredibly light weight for its category and a flexible midsole, the Sprint Trekker is our boot of choice for city hikes.

In our experience, harder outsole rubber lasts longer, and we fully expect the Sprint Trekker to keep on giving! We measured 3.8 mm of rubber on the outsole, excluding lugs - that's 41% more rubber than average! Not only that, but our durometer readings were among the highest we’ve seen. At 92 HC, the outsole is much harder than the average 87.5 HC, making it able to withstand long days on hard, concrete surfaces.

Weighing in at 16.5 oz (468g) we were pleasantly surprised by how light this leather boot feels on our feet. It’s 2.4 oz (68g) lighter than average and never felt heavy on our full day hikes.

The Sprint Trekker helps us find our natural stride thanks to its balanced flexibility. Our force gauge measured 38.6N when bending the boot to 90° - 5.2N less than average. Our feet feel supported but not confined, and we can bend our feet naturally as we walk. We find this ideal for well-maintained, urban trails.

At a glance, the Timberland Sprint Trekker tapers excessively at the toebox, and our measurements confirm the observation. At 69.6 mm, the toebox is 7 mm narrower than average! We don’t recommend this boot to hikers with wide feet.

Countless hours of lab tests and actual hikes can confirm Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX is our ultimate speed hiking boot in the lightweight category. It offers the cushion and support of heavy-duty boots while maintaining the ride and nimbleness of trail shoes. It sustains our speed over long excursions without feeling tired.

Upon first wear, we instantly know it’s lighter than its counterparts. Our scales confirm it’s only 11.7 oz (332g), 34.1% lighter than the average hiking boot. It boosts our agility and speed through various terrains without weighing us down.

Moab Speed Mid GTX aced its midsole, delivering luxurious comfort and unparalleled propulsion. It encouraged faster paces while exempting us from weariness with its luscious 38.1 mm heel and ultra-plush 18.6 HA cushion. Our durometer measurement stands 26.2% below average. Other than protection from underfoot hazards, the platform offers an enjoyable rebound with every step.

The boot caught us off guard with its level of ankle support. It might be lightweight, but it sure is a mighty shield. From top to bottom, it ensures our protection with the durable upper with a fully gusseted tongue and the grippy outsole with 3.5 mm lugs. 

While this shoe feels stable, it lacks the firm cushion needed for carrying heavy backpacks over long periods. This type of adventure requires a sturdier boot.