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A reliable and comfortable hiking boot is just the gear one should be careful to choose before the venture. These days people prefer lightweight hiking boots rather than the old heavy boots which look sturdier than the former.
Most of the well known brands are producing out of the box designs which make the old heavy boots look out dated and inconvenient.
While choosing the right boot one should carefully check for the carbon content of the sole. A low carbon containing sole in a hiking boot has a very limited life and its service is also very unreliable.
Top 3 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots on the market
Top 3 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for men
Top 3 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for women
Hiking Boots Introduction
The different kinds of hiking boots
There are different kinds of hiking boots, like lightweight hiking boots, middleweight hiking boots and mountaineering boots.
The light boots are perfectly geared for a moderate elevation and not a rugged terrain. They provide a better grip or support compared to the trail shoes.
Mid weight boots are also known as backpacking boots which provide support as well as cushioning required while carrying heavy backpacks. It is capable of climbing more than moderate elevation in a terrain which is rugged.
Mountaineering boots are more durable than any other boot and provides the best ankle protection. They have strong thick sole that can tolerate traversing ice and rough terrains quite easily.
The lightweight hiking boots are very popular among backpackers who like to travel light and easy. The nylon mesh when combined with split grain leather gives your feet space to breathe and be cozy. The leather separates the inner part which is made out of rough cow hide from the exterior which is much smoother. This in turn makes the product affordable with a reasonable price.
Materials in lightweight hiking boots
Now a day materials such as nylon, polyester or synthetic leather are extensively used when make hiking boots. They are undoubtedly lighter than any other material as also makes the product cost less.
Being light weight it dries off pretty easily but with extensive use it might wear off sooner. One can also come across lightweight hiking boots, which are made of leather and at the same time provide a waterproof surface with a Gore Tex lining which will enable your feet to breathe and be comfortable.
A boot comprises of four parts: insole, midsole, shank and outsole. The insole is the cushioned part providing arch support. A midsole consists of the shock absorbing material which reduces the impact from the rough terrain.
Materials like Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVC), Polyurethane (PU), Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are used to make the boot durable and light. Lightweight boots don’t include shank; it provides stability for mountaineering boots.
The outsole in the modern hiking shoe is generally made of thermoplastic polyurethane with a lug for better support. Light boots have shallow lugs for less weight and better flexibility.
Different brands
Asolo boots are well known for their light weight and durability. Innovative ideas and technology provides the boots with excellent grip and breathing space.
Meindl Toronto is offering a waterproof leather hiking boots with reasonable price. Merrell Moab has created the boots in such a fashion that renders it comfortable as well as capable of going through extensive activities.
Scarpa SL Activ might be a bit expensive but are definitely worth the price. Also North Face, Keen, La Sportiva and Timberland are major players on the lightweight hiking boots market.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for Men and Women
1. Timberland White Ledge – best lightweight waterproof hiking boots
When you spend hours outside exploring the less-beaten path, should always be equipped with durable boots that are not only comfortable, supportive, waterproof, and ultimately rugged.
Thankfully, Timberland has introduced its latest and greatest hiking boots that have recently gotten the reputation of being one of the best hiking boots. These fashionable hiking boots have many advanced features including shock observed cushioning, rugged lug outsoles, and a waterproof design that somehow allows your feet to breathe.
The Timberland White Ledge hiking boots are built with premium waterproof leather and seems to ensure strength, durability, and waterproof protection.
Beyond that, these revolutionary boots come integrated with the latest and greatest technologies in the hiking boot industry including EVA foot beds for comfort and durability, fully gusseted and durable tongue to keep out debris, and unmatched rugged rubber lugs for the world’s greatest traction on any surface.
No matter what weather condition you’re faced with, these cute, easy to clean, comfy, and stable boots are specifically designed to help aid you in any environment and situation.
Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
Our Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
Timberland Women’s White Ledge Hiking Boot
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
Testing the Timberland White Ledge
When we first heard about these boots, we were quite excited. Timberland has built up a reputation of having high quality and luxurious boots that can withstand any conditions for years on end. As soon as we received these shoes we took them out on a 15-mile hike.
Upon placing these boots on our feet, it was absolutely clear that Timberland had built these boots with style and durability equally in mind. The leather seemed to be extremely high quality and durable. The shoes were initially extremely comfortable and supportive of our feet and ankles.
Throughout the hike, we noticed that these hiking boots gripped all sorts of terrain extremely well. No matter what terrain we were faced with, these boots held on as if superglue was attached to the bottom of the shoes. We tested these hiking boots in water and confirmed that these boots are extremely waterproof. Oddly enough, our feet stayed dry and were able to breathe throughout the entire hike. We also noticed that the sole of the shoe was extremely cushiony and added to the comfort of the shoe.
Once we got back from the hike itself, we got to our final check of the boots. With a simple wipe of a fabric cloth, the shoes looked brand-new. The issue seems extremely easy to clean and I felt like it was near impossible to dirty up these boots.
Once we took our feet out of the boots, we noticed that our feet stayed dry throughout the whole time. We experienced no friction or rubbing on any part of the feet, and our feet did not feel drained or sore by any means. We noticed absolutely no blisters, no discomfort or any hotspots within our feet.
Conclusion on the Timberland White Ledge lightweight hiking boot
Overall, we absolutely love these hiking boots. They are not only fashionable, but they come backed with durability in mind. If you’re looking for a fashionable, rugged hiking boot that will allow you to hike many sorts of terrain and last years on end, we highly recommend the Timberland White Ledge hiking boots.
2. KEEN TARGHEE II hiking boots review
Keen, known for their outstanding outdoor footwear & apparel, have brought to the market a truly unique hiking boot that is taking over the hiking boot industry quickly.
Keen’s TARGHEE II hiking boots are the latest and greatest addition to their existing line of hiking boots, claiming to be the perfect hiking boots for any outdoor challenge.
Designed with three different color themes in mind, these boots are readily available in Raven & Tawny Olive, Shitake & Bossa Nova, and Cascade Brown & Brown Sugar.
At the end goal of creating the best hiking boots in the world, Keen’s TARGHEE II hiking boots are not only waterproof, but perfectly designed for your individual foot. The removable foot bed within the shoes can be shaped for your personal comfort.
Although waterproof, these boots are beyond durable and breathable, handcrafted with the highest quality material. The high quality leather and mesh are perfectly handcrafted to create one of the most comfortable hiking boots known to man.
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
KEEN Women’s Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
Testing out Keen’s Targhee II Hiking Boots
Before we had a chance test out these hiking boots, we quickly saw a growing reputation of quality, durability, and comfort around these boots. The lucky few that were able to review and test the issues before us had responded positively to the shoes claiming that they worked amazingly.
When our own pair came in the mail we excitedly opened the box and threw these shoes on our feet. Customizable foot bed, should our feet not fit perfectly into the shoes. We laced these puppies up, and took them on a 9 mile hike. Truthfully, we’ve never experienced such a high-quality yet comfortable pair of hiking boots. Normally, its damn near impossible to find a pair of durable hiking boots that are both durable and equally comfy. Normally it’s a trade-off, one for the other. However, these boots held up quite well. Being comfortable and durable, these unique, light-weight hiking boots weighed only 436.6 g. Being so lightweight, we forgot we were wearing hiking boots!
Through out the hiking adventure wearing these boots, we noticed quite a nice grip on all types of terrain. We tested out the boots in the water and can confirm that these guys are waterproof and water resistant. The boots flexed and worked hand-in-hand with our feet and created a wonderful hiking experience.
When we were finished with our hike, we noticed dry feet and no hot-spots/problematic areas on our feet.
Conclusion
Overall, we’re beyond pleased with Keen’s Targhee II Hiking Boots. Coming in 3 different styles, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for your personal tastes. Throughout our vigorous tests, we found no issues with these hiking boots. If you’re looking for a pair of long-lasting, comfortable, and lightweight hiking boots, we recommend Keen’s Targhee II Hiking Boots without question.
3. The LA SPORTIVA ECO 3.0 hiking boots review
La Sportiva, known for their technical outdoor products, have outdone themselves again with their latest installment of light-weight hiking boots. With their newest addition to their hiking boots line, the LA SPORTIVA ECO 3.0 GTX boots are something you’re going to want to take a look at.
Being on the market for a while now, these boots have gained an unmatched reputation for comfort and flexibility. These high-quality hiking boots are made, cut, eco-friendly, and ultimately durable enough for any hiking challenge that stands before you. These boots continue to have a strong reputation of comfort and flexibility to ensure comfortable yet effective hiking boots that will last you for years.
Design of the latest technology, the flex control technology allows the shoes to bend whichever way your foot normally does but also stay intact and durable. The issue comes packed with beyond comfortable soles that are sure to make you forget that you’re actually wearing hiking boots in the first place.
The LA SPORTIVA ECO 3.0 lightweight hiking boots, weighing just under 530 g are built with the highest quality material possible. Using high-capacity nubuck leather and factory tested, leading industry nylon mesh, the shoes are sure to last you more than a handful of years. Flying of the shoe is designed with flexibility and durability in mind, making an overall beautiful pair of shoes that are crafted by the finest hands.
La Sportiva Men’s FC ECO 3.0 GTX Hiking Boot
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
La Sportiva Women’s FC ECO 3.0 GTX Hiking Boot
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
Testing the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX Boots
Truthfully we were extremely excited to test these out on our favorite hiking path. When placing the LA SPORTIVA ECO 3.0 on our feet, we immediately notice the comfort and modern design of these hiking boots. Fitting perfectly on my wider foot, these hiking boots definitely had our support which is something that I needed. When walking around initially, these shoes hugged my feet and I quickly forgot I was actually wearing hiking boots in the first place.
We took these hiking boots out on a 12-mile hike and absolutely fell in love with the issue. The shoes definitely had a unique sense of grip on any terrain. Whether it was rocks, gravel, trees, dirt, or any other type of terrain.
These hiking boots continued to work flawlessly throughout the 12-mile hike and we experienced no problems whatsoever. The shoes were snug and comfy, yet lightweight and breathable to the point that our feet stayed dry throughout the entire hike.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, we absolutely fell in love with these boots. If you consider yourself an intermediate hiker and in search of a durable, long-lasting pair of lightweight hiking boots, we highly recommend the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX hiking boot.
4. CAPRA MID SPORT GORE-TEX Hiking Boots Review
Introducing one of the greatest pair of hiking boots you’ve never worn. Built with durability and strength in mind, these beautiful boots are waterproof, extremely lightweight and ultimately comfortable.
If you’re considering purchasing a new pair of hiking boots, you definitely want to take a look at these. Combining traditional hiking boot styles with modern technology, Merrell has raised the bar with these revolutionary boots.
The Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex hiking boots are the most comfortable hiking boots we’ve ever worn. When we first received the Gore-Tex boots, we wanted to test them out rigorously. We ultimately ended up testing these boots out on a 20 mile hike and they ultimately held up to their name.
We noticed no blisters, hotspots or any other issues after our hike. These boots are extremely lightweight and supportive, and even forgot we were wearing them! The ankle support was beyond awesome, and the shoes themselves seemed to be quite ventilated yet waterproof.
Long story short, we had no issues whatsoever and have a strong feeling that these boots are going to last quite a long time.
Merrell Men’s Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Merrell Women’s Capra Sport Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
CAPRA MID SPORT GORE-TEX Hiking Boots features
These modern hiking boots come jam-packed with amazing features including:
- Synthetic leather
- Stratafuse™ exoskeleton for shape and support
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Metal hook and lacing eyelet For Longevity
- Merrell air cushion in the heel
- Completely Vegan Friendly (No Animal Parts Used In Production Of Boots)
- Minimal Weight of 2 pounds
- Vibram high performance rubber
Fitting more like a sneaker than a boot, the Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex boots are sure to be your all-time favorite hiking boots. Not only are they extremely lightweight and durable, they are built with modern technological advances to ensure that these boots last longer than any other boot you’ve ever owned. The boots themselves look beautiful and are sure to catch a look or two.
Beyond our personal tests, everyone online seems to be raving over the Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex hiking boots for good reason. Many people have tested the boots far beyond our traditional test by traveling hundreds of miles and have reported no problems at all.
It’s absolutely clear that these boots are winners to hikers around the world. Most of all reviews online will agree that the shoes are beautiful, lightweight, durable, and most importantly, comfortable. If you’re considering purchasing a new pair of hiking boots, be sure to check out these amazing pair of boots. We’ve yet to hear anything negative of these boots and doubt we ever will.
5. North Face Ultra Fastpack GTX review
The North Face Ultra Fastpack GTX boot is a great lightweight hiking boot. The boot only weighs approximately 400 grams per boot making it very light to wear.
The boot is ideal for hiking in various sorts of terrain. The North Face Ultra Fastpack GTX has proven very reliable in on/off trail, rocky terrain, riverbeds and slippery surfaces.
One of the great things about the boot is the waterproof Gore-Tex shell protecting the boot from receiving water. As long as you stay above water just around the ankles you will not have to worry about flooded boots.
The boot also has a water-resistant minimal-weight upper layer ensuring dry boots. Together with the Gore-Tex this makes sure that the boot is light and swift on trails.
New The North Face Men’s Ultra Fastpack Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The North Face Women’s Ultra Fastpack II Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Our Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Outsole, heel and protection
The boot has a Vibram rubber outsole creating good traction when walking the trails without being afraid of slippery surfaces. With a TPU CRADLE heel-stability technology and TPU quarter weld for structure the boot hast support, which makes the boot perfect and comfortable for almost any terrain. It also has a reinforced toecap protection, which naturally increases the safety of the boot.
In spite of the good outsole some surfaces can be felt through the boot, which many hikers do not appreciate. In addition to this the boot does not give quite as much as you could have hoped for and therefor you can experience sore feet.
Conclusion
All in all the North Face Ultra Fastpack GTX is a great lightweight hiking boot. The boot is not slippery and breathes easy. With the water protection and extra cushioning inside, the shoe is fitted for most terrains. The boot is also quick to dry should you get your ankles under water due to its breathability. The boot weighs so little, and taken into account how the Gore-Tex works with all the other features of the boot – the Northface Ultra Fastpack GTX it is definitely worth the money!