Since 2020, I've personally tested and reviewed the best lightweight hiking boots on the market. At last count, I've tested at least 18 lightweight hiking boots—pairs that tip the scales around 2 pounds (men) or less (women). That's the benefit of testing hiking footwear 1,000 miles every year and working in the outdoor gear industry. From lightest to heaviest, the best lightweight hiking boots for 2026 are the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid, Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, Topo Athletic Trailventure 2, HOKA Anacapa 2, and La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX.
Testing the lightweight Oboz Katabatic LT hiking boot at Maroon Bells
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5 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots
OBOZ KATABATIC LT MID GTX
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Easier Trails
Main Benefits:
- aggressive traction for the trail
- Standard fit with wide sizes available
Most Oboz hiking boots are Montana-grade brutes, but the Katabatic LT Mid GTX is a lightweight hiking boot built for easy to moderate trails. Over two years of testing, the Katabatic's lightweight ("LT") construction has impressed on my mid-week fitness hikes in the Sandia Mountains, where I consciously pick up my pace to burn more calories. Its moderately aggressive traction can handle mixed terrain well, too. This moderately cushioned hiking boot is more flexible underfoot than most Oboz, making it a good match for fast hikers with light packs or for casual hikers. That being said, I also hiked Colorado's Maroon Bells in the Oboz Katabatic LT.
Best Fit
standard fit,
available in wide sizes
Best Match
fast packers,
casual hikers, light hiking
Men's Katabatic Mid LT GTX
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Women's Katabatic Mid LT GTX
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TOPO ATHLETIC TRAILVENTURE 2
Lightweight Hiking Boot with Wide Toe Box
Main Benefits:
The Topo Trailventure 2 is a fastpacking boot with a wide toe box. (If you haven't heard of Topo Athletic, think of Altra but with more support, a more secure fit, and better durability.) Between the extra toe room and zip-foam cushion, this lightweight hiking boot is easy on your feet but tough on the trail, thanks to Vibram outsoles that can handle both mud and technical terrain. The highly breathable eVent waterproofing is another clear plus. I've personally owned three pairs of Trailventures and wore them to win top hiker at Backcountry's Summer Adventure Challenge. Of the lightweight hiking boots on this list, it's the best fit for wide feet.
Best Fit
wider feet,
wide toe box fans
Best Match
fast packers,
day hikers
Men's Topo Trailventure 2
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Women's Topo Trailventure 2
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HOKA ANACAPA 2 MID GTX
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Cushion
Main Benefits:
Most lightweight hiking boots skimp on cushion to cut weight—not the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid. Like other Hokas, the Anacapa is lightweight with max cushion. At the same time, the Anacapa's cushioning is firmer than some Hokas in order to improve its durability and support for hiking (as opposed to running). Performance-wise, the Anacapa has premium Vibram outsoles and waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX membranes. I personally own this hiking boot, which has a standard fit. The Anacapa "Breeze" is the non-waterproof version for men and women who want a more ventilated hiking boot for warm temperatures.
See my full Anacapa Mid review
Best Fit
standard feet
Best Match
day hikes
Men's HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid
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Women's HOKA Ancapa 2 Mid
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SALOMON X ULTRA 5 MID GTX
Most Versatile Lightweight Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is tough for a lightweight hiking boot. It's hard to beat Salomon's X Ultra series. I've personally hiked more than 1,000 miles in them and have enjoyed the newest model, the X Ultra 5, on moderate to difficult test hikes across New Mexico. The X Ultra 5 is stabile yet agile with a GORE-TEX membrane for above average waterproofing and breathability. It's the most versatile lightweight hiking boot I know—athletic enough for fast hikers and sturdy enough for tough trails.
See my full X Ultra 5 Mid review
Best Fit
standard fit,
available in wide sizes
Best Match
day hikers,
moderate to difficult trails
Men's Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
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LA SPORTIVA NUCLEO HIGH II GTX
Lightweight Backpacking Boot
Main Benefits:
La Sportiva’s Nucleo High II GTX has the highest ankle support among lightweight hiking boots I've tested. That means it may be a good match for hikers with ankle issues and backpackers who want to save some weight. Made with soft nubuck leather, the Nucleo is a good-looking boot that features GORE-TEX Surround (Gore's most breathable waterproofing) and Vibram Megatrip outsoles, which excel on rocky terrain. I had a good experience when I tested this boot for hundreds of miles in 2021-2022. La Sportivas run narrow and may require you to size up more than normal. However, the new Nucleo II is also available in wide. Since it's a backpacking boot, it's heavier than the others on this list but still has a light and athletic feel, given its recommended use.
See my full Nucleo High review
Best Fit
narrow feet
available in wide
Best Match
difficult day hikes,
light backpacking
Men's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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Women's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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What's the best lightweight hiking boot for you?
You don't need a trail running shoe or a low-cut hiking shoe to go light. The best lightweight hiking boots only weigh a few ounces more. And they may give you much better foot and ankle protection, waterproofing, and durability than hiking shoes and trail runners. That makes them a tantalizing choice for fast and light hikers, fast packers, ultralight backpackers, and casual hikers who just prefer a lighter boot.
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