Updated October 2026
5 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for 2026
We compared hiking shoes around 10 oz and light low-cut trail shoes.
- 5 top picks compared
- 3 brands
- Specs from real Amazon listings
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace
Just 9.7 oz with quick laces and a lugged rubber sole.
- 9.7 oz.
- Quick cord laces.
- TPU overlays.
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Quick picks
The best lightweight hiking shoes at a glance
Every pick has a clear job. Find the one that matches how you hike, then check today's price on Amazon.
- 1BEST OVERALL
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace
Just 9.7 oz with quick laces and a lugged rubber sole.
- 9.7 oz.
- Quick cord laces.
- 2
BEST WATERPROOFOUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
A 10.7 oz shoe with a waterproof inner sock.
- 10.7 oz.
- Waterproof sock.
- 3
BEST MEN'SColumbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoes
A light, no break-in Columbia shoe with breathable suede mesh.
- No break-in.
- Breathable suede mesh.
- 4
BEST CUSHIONEDColumbia Men's Fairbanks Low
A mesh low shoe with a TechLite midsole.
- TechLite midsole.
- Wrap-around toe tread.
- 5
LIGHTEST BOOTNORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
A 14.98 oz waterproof ankle boot.
- 14.98 oz per boot.
- Wide toe box version.
Compare
Lightweight Hiking Shoes comparison
Key specs side by side. Prices, sizes, and colors change often, so check Amazon for the latest.
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoe
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Oxford fabric; TPU overlays
- Waterproofing
- Not listed
- Sole / Traction
- Lugged rubber
OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Best Lightweight Waterproof Shoe
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof inner sock
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoes
Best Lightweight Men's Hiking Shoe
- Type
- Men's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and textile; suede mesh
- Waterproofing
- Not waterproof (breathable)
- Sole / Traction
- High-traction rubber
Columbia Men's Fairbanks Low
Best Cushioned Light Shoe
- Type
- Men's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Mesh; suede heel cap
- Waterproofing
- Not listed
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip non-marking
NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Suede leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
Reviews
Lightweight Hiking Shoes reviews
Why each product made the list, who it suits, and where it falls short.
1. NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoe
Best for: Fast hikers and travelers.
Why we picked it
The NORTIV 8 women's shoe earns our Best Overall spot as the lightest shoe here with a high rating.
NORTIV 8 lists 9.7 oz, Oxford fabric with TPU overlays, seamless construction, cord laces, an EVA insole, and a lugged rubber outsole.
What we like
- 9.7 oz.
- Quick cord laces.
- TPU overlays.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- Waterproofing not listed.
- Women's sizes only.
Key specs
- Brand
- NORTIV 8
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Oxford fabric; TPU overlays
- Waterproofing
- Not listed
- Sole / Traction
- Lugged rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 9.7 oz; quick laces
- Recommended Use
- Light hikes, travel
Who Should Buy It?
Choose NORTIV 8 for light hikes.
Consider Other Lightweight Hiking Shoes If...
Consider OUTJET for waterproofing.
Bottom line: the NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace is our best lightweight hiking shoe.
Check Price on Amazon2. OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Best Lightweight Waterproof Shoe
Best for: Light hikes in wet weather.
Why we picked it
The OUTJET earns its spot by adding waterproofing at about 11 oz.
OUTJET lists 10.7 oz, a leather and mesh upper, a waterproof sock, a thick EVA midsole, and an anti-slip rubber sole.
What we like
- 10.7 oz.
- Waterproof sock.
- Thick EVA midsole.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- Women's sizes only.
- Smaller review base.
Key specs
- Brand
- OUTJET
- Type
- Women's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof inner sock
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 10.7 oz
- Recommended Use
- Hiking, walking
Who Should Buy It?
Choose OUTJET for rain.
Consider Other Lightweight Hiking Shoes If...
Consider NORTIV 8 for the lightest shoe.
Bottom line: the OUTJET Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes is our best lightweight waterproof shoe.
Check Price on Amazon3. Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoes
Best Lightweight Men's Hiking Shoe
Best for: Men on dry trails.
Why we picked it
The Crestwood earns its spot with a lightweight build and a huge review base.
Columbia lists a lightweight trail-ready design, breathable suede mesh, a high-traction tread, and no break-in period.
What we like
- No break-in.
- Breathable suede mesh.
- High-traction tread.
- Huge review base.
Could be better
- Not waterproof.
- Weight not listed.
Key specs
- Brand
- Columbia
- Series
- Crestwood
- Type
- Men's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Leather and textile; suede mesh
- Waterproofing
- Not waterproof (breathable)
- Sole / Traction
- High-traction rubber
- Weight / Extras
- Lightweight; no break-in
- Recommended Use
- Dry trails, everyday
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Crestwood for dry trails.
Consider Other Lightweight Hiking Shoes If...
Not waterproof.
Bottom line: the Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoes is our best lightweight men's hiking shoe.
Check Price on Amazon4. Columbia Men's Fairbanks Low
Best Cushioned Light Shoe
Best for: All-day comfort.
Why we picked it
The Fairbanks Low earns its spot with TechLite cushioning.
Columbia lists a mesh upper, a suede heel cap, webbing eyelets, a TechLite midsole, and Omni-Grip rubber.
What we like
- TechLite midsole.
- Wrap-around toe tread.
- Webbing eyelets.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- Weight not listed.
- Lower rating.
Key specs
- Brand
- Columbia
- Series
- Fairbanks Low
- Type
- Men's low hiking shoe
- Upper
- Mesh; suede heel cap
- Waterproofing
- Not listed
- Sole / Traction
- Omni-Grip non-marking
- Weight / Extras
- TechLite midsole
- Recommended Use
- Town and trail
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Fairbanks for comfort.
Consider Other Lightweight Hiking Shoes If...
Consider the Crestwood for a higher rating.
Bottom line: the Columbia Men's Fairbanks Low is our best cushioned light shoe.
Check Price on Amazon5. NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
Best for: Hikers who want ankle support without much weight.
Why we picked it
The NORTIV 8 women's boot earns its spot as a light boot alternative.
NORTIV 8 lists 14.98 oz per boot, suede leather, a waterproof build, an EVA insole, and rubber traction.
What we like
- 14.98 oz per boot.
- Wide toe box version.
- EVA insole.
- Large review base.
Could be better
- Heavier than shoes.
- Firm sole.
Key specs
- Brand
- NORTIV 8
- Type
- Women's ankle hiking boot
- Upper
- Suede leather and mesh
- Waterproofing
- Waterproof
- Sole / Traction
- EVA and rubber
- Weight / Extras
- 14.98 oz per boot
- Recommended Use
- Day hikes, travel
Who Should Buy It?
Choose NORTIV 8 for light ankle support.
Consider Other Lightweight Hiking Shoes If...
Consider a low shoe for the lightest option.
Bottom line: the NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots is our best lightweight hiking boot.
Check Price on AmazonOur process
How we chose these lightweight hiking shoes
1. Real listings only
We compared 5 lightweight hiking shoes from 3 brands using the specs and features published on each Amazon listing and by the manufacturer.
2. One clear job per pick
Each product earns a specific role — like best overall, best budget, or best for a technique — so you can match a pick to how you actually fish.
3. Honest trade-offs
Every review lists what could be better and who should skip it. We only state features the listings support — never invented specs or prices.
Buying guide
How to Choose Lightweight Hiking Shoes
The right hiking footwear depends on terrain, weather, and how much weight you carry.
- 1
Boots vs. shoes
Boots add ankle support for rocky trails and heavy packs; low shoes are lighter and faster.
- 2
Waterproofing
Waterproof boots keep feet dry in rain and snow but breathe less in heat.
- 3
Traction
Deep lugs and sticky rubber grip mud, rock, and wet roots.
- 4
Fit
Try boots in the afternoon with hiking socks, and leave a thumb's width at the toe.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do hiking boots need breaking in?
Most modern boots need little break-in. Wear them on short walks first.
Should hiking boots be a size bigger?
Often a half size up leaves room for socks and downhill swelling.
How long do hiking boots last?
About 500–1,000 trail miles depending on use and care.
Still deciding?
Our #1 pick is the NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Quick Lace.
Fast hikers and travelers.
Keep exploring
More Hiking Shoes & Boots Guides
Related guides and a path back to the hiking shoes & boots hub.