Lightweight hiking shoes are best for three-season hikes on established trails with a total pack weight of 35 pounds or less. If your pack weighs more than that, please don’t go out and buy a pair of heavy boots. Reduce your pack weight instead and your feet will thank you.
I have worn the same model of hiking shoes (Merrell Moabs) since 2006. But, I didn’t want to write an article entitled “The Single Best Hiking Shoe” (even though I think they may be). So I’ve included four other popular hiking shoes in this list to give you a few more options.
These shoes have been on the market for several years, receive consistently high ratings at online retailers like REI.com and Amazon.com and I see them a lot on the trails.
There are lots of other good hiking shoes, but these are some of the most popular choices.
Socks and Insoles
High quality socks and insoles are just as important for foot comfort as a good pair of lightweight hiking shoes. Here are some good options for hiking socks and insoles:
Hiking Socks
Smartwool Light Hiker (Thick)
Smartwool PHD Light (Medium)
Wrightsock Coolmesh (Thin)
Hiking Insoles
Superfeet Premium Insoles (Stiff)
Montrail Enduro Soles (Medium)
Spenco Polysorb Insoles (Soft)
Have a question about lightweight hiking shoes or a recommendation based on your own experiences? Please post your comments below…