Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots
Are you looking for the best lightweight waterproof hiking boots? Look no further. Finding the right pair of hiking boots is important if you want to have an enjoyable and for this roundup, we will discuss the best lightweight and waterproof hiking boots.
Whether you are going for a hike on open trails or in the rock-filled mountains with uneven terrain, a quality pair of hiking boots is as important as the other hiking gear you carry. It will keep you comfortable all through and shelter your feet from sharp stones, thorns, and insects. A sound pair of hiking boots also plays a big role in ensuring that you have an outing experience to remember.
We have scoured the market and put together a roundup of waterproof hiking boots that are outstandingly lightweight to maximize comfort. Built with durability in mind, these boots are here to keep your feet cozy, warm, and in good shape while hiking. We have also attached a comprehensive guide with the key things you should consider when making a purchase.
With all that said, let’s jump right in.
Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots
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Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boot
Coming in first is the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot. This hiking boot is engineered with the classic mountaineering style and is very comfortable to wear.
Its selling point is cushioning and heel support. It employs advanced technology and superior cushioning to ensure unmatched cushioning and wear comfort. On top of that, it comes with a TECHLITE lightweight midsole which provides long-lasting foot support.
Another facet that makes it one of the best lightweight waterproof hiking boots is all-terrain traction. It is built with an Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole that provides the ultimate grip across different terrains, even in wet environments.
Features
- Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole
- Waterproof design
- TECHLITE midsole
- Suede and leather construction
- Reinforced toe and heel
- Ankle-high shaft length
Pros
- Superior all-terrain traction
- Excellent water resistance
- Good arch support
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Wears out quickly
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NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Hiking Boots
If you are looking for sound hiking boots but are tight on a budget, NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots are your ideal option. These boots are reasonably priced but they don’t cut any corners on quality, comfort, or durability.
They deliver all-day comfort with removable and shock-absorbent insoles which also offer the best cushioning and support. Moreover, these boots come with lightweight and flexible EVA midsoles that go the extra mile to reduce foot fatigue when hiking for long.
Durability is another attribute that makes this boot stand out. It is made with a synthetic fabric that is resistant to normal wear and tear. On top of that, the boot has non-slip rubber soles that are fully slip-proof.
Features
- Slip-proof rubber outsole
- Water-resistant design
- Protective toe cap
- Improved arch support
- Removable and shock-absorbent cushioned insoles
- Flexible EVA midsoles
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- All-day comfort
- Superb foot support
Cons
- Not fully water-resistant
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FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Hiking Boots
When it comes to versatility, the FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Hiking Work Boots are hard to beat. Primarily made for hiking, these waterproof and lightweight boots double up as work boots with supreme comfort.
The lightweight construction makes them comfortable to wear even for long hours. The fabric is breathable and flexible to optimize wear comfort. On top of that, these boots have a strengthened toe cap and heel to provide full protection and ankle support.
Another impressive thing about the boot is it’s made for all-season wear. It offers great comfort for outdoor activities and daily life no matter the season. Over and above that, it features a non-slip outsole that provides good grip and protection on different surfaces.
Features
- Non-slip outsole
- Strengthened toe cap
- Thick waterproof fabric
- Removable insole
- Breathable lining
- Durable and scratch resistant 1000D Cordula fabric upper
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Breathable and comfortable
- Lightweight and secure fit
- Perfect for all-season wear
Cons
- Cheaply stitched
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Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Mid Hiking Shoe
With the Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Mid Hiking Shoe, tackling any trail becomes a walk in the park. It is a great all-rounder framed with metal hardware and full laced-up support for wearability wherever you go.
This hiking boot provides sure-footed traction on all surfaces. This is made possible by the indoor-friendly Omni-Grip and non-marking outsole. Other than that, it is equipped with TechLite midsole which delivers long-lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well.
As outstanding as the comfort of this hiking shoe is, so is its breathability. It is designed with a waterproof and breathable textile upper with a suede collar and heel accents. The upper is also scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Features
- TechLite midsole
- Omni-Grip, advanced traction technology
- Waterproof and breathable upper
- Rubber toe cap
- Responsive cushioning
Pros
- Non-marking outsole
- Breathable
- Warm and comfortable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Quality control issues
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Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Hiking Boot
Timberland is an industry leader in the design and engineering of premium footwear. Its boots are known for their craftsmanship, durability, and protection and the Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is not any different.
This is the boot that you need to explore mountains, hills, and other fields as you get closer to nature. It has a seam-sealed waterproof construction to keep your feet dry in wet weather. Furthermore, the premium full-grain leather upper guarantees the ultimate protection in all environments.
For added comfort, the boot is outfitted with a compression-molded EVA foam midsole that also ensures high energy return. It is also designed and built with a rugged rubber lug sole which is slip-resistant.
Features
- Seam-sealed waterproof construction
- Rubber lug sole
- Leather upper
- Rustproof speed lace hardware
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Elegant design
- Great fitting
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Stains easily
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Salomon Men’s OUTPULSE Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
If you are big on style and athletics, Salomon Men’s OUTPULSE Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots are your ideal option. They have an elegant design made with the highest-quality materials.
The selling point of these boots is comfort. They are crafted with soft EVA compounds and natural rubber. This combination guarantees supreme comfort and instant cushioning on any surface. The midsole of this boot is also engineered to provide a more earth-conscious, smooth yet dynamic stride.
On top of that, these boots are ultra-light so they are comfortable to wear all day. They are also easy to put on and remove thanks to the lace-up closure type.
Features
- Soft and springy midsole
- Lace-up closure
- Leather outer material
- Rubber sole
- Curved midsole
Pros
- Supreme comfort
- Lightweight
- Good waterproofness
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Narrow fit
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Merell Antora 3 Mid Wp
Next on our list of the best lightweight waterproof hiking boots is Merell Antora 3 Mid Wp Lichen 5 M. These waterproof boots weigh a mere 10.23oz per shoe so you don’t have to worry about them weighing you down.
Another defining feature of these shoes is comfort. They are designed for all-day comfort for the women who wear them. They have superior cushioning that ensures high energy return and superior comfort all day.
The mid-height design of this shoe goes a long way to add on comfort and provide ample ankle reinforcement. Additionally, the shoe features a super rebound compound that provides extra spring in your step. It also boasts an NXT lined footbed cover for odorless strides, and a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool on hot hikes.
In addition to all these features, the Merell Antora 3 Mid Wp is built with a Vibram TC5+ outsole for uncompromising grip on the grittiest terrains.
Features
- Waterproof membrane
- NXT lined footbed cover
- Forefoot and heel cushioning
- Rock plate
- Breathable mesh lining
- Mid-height design
- EVA footbed
- Padded collar
Pros
- Excellent arch support
- Soft and comfortable
- Great traction
- Fits true to size
- No break-in required
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Helly-Hansen Switchback Trail Low HT Hiking Shoe
Last but not least, we have the Helly-Hansen Men Switchback Trail Low HT Performance Lightweight Hiking Sneaker Shoe. It is a lightweight yet stable and properly cushioned hiker’s shoe that is fully waterproof.
The stylish and comfortable design of this shoe makes it multifunctional. You can wear it when hiking, camping, commuting, and any other outdoor activity in all seasons. Besides, it offers superior traction in rough terrain and ample protection using the protective toe and heel caps.
These high-performance hiking shoes are built with durability in mind. Even with repeated wear, it can weather the normal tear and wear. This shoe also comes with a synthetic rubber sole to add durability.
To top it all off, it has an odor-reducing midsole that wicks moisture and sweat to maximize wear comfort.
Features
- Waterproof and breathable membrane
- Multi-directional traction system
- Synthetic sole material
- Ankle shaft height
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Odor-reducing midsole
Pros
- Great color and design
- Comfortable to wear
- True to size
- Versatile
- Good quality
Cons
- Tight neck
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Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots Buying Guide
Choosing hiking boots is not something you do in a hurry. We all have unique comfort needs and foot shapes so you should take your time to pick the right pair. Here are some of the factors to guide you in making the right selection.
Durability
A pair of the best lightweight waterproof hiking boots should be built with durability in mind. The upper and the sole should be durable and stiff respectively to guarantee durability. On top of that, the boots should have quality stitching which is vital to keeping every part of the boot in good shape.
Support and Stability
Support and stability are what make a great hiking boot. A stiff outsole and midsole in hiking boots provide extra foot support which in turn ensures high energy return. The boots you choose to buy should also have adequate support on the ankle for stability.
Traction
You will want hiking boots that provide excellent traction in all fields. Vibram soles are the standard for high-quality outsoles. They offer maximum traction on all surfaces and unmatched durability as well. We also recommend that you opt for boots that have some sort of heel brake integrated. Such boots make it easy to walk downhill on a steep hill or slope.
Breathability
The other important thing to take into consideration is breathability. Breathability in hiking boots is tied to waterproofness and the more waterproof a boot is the less breathable it becomes. Try and look for boots that are waterproof and breathable at the same time. They will keep your feet cool in the hot environments and optimize wear comfort.
Fit
Ensure that the boots you choose to buy have the perfect fit. Know the shape and size of your foot and choose accordingly.
If you want to tailor the fit and comfort of the boot, get a pair that comes with removable insoles. Some insoles provide more arch support while others promote a flatter and more natural footfall.
Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots FAQs
- Should I get waterproof hiking boots?
It depends. If you plan to go hiking in wet and cold environments, you should get boots that are waterproof so your feet stay dry throughout the outing.
That said, waterproof hiking boots tend to be less breathable. So, if you purpose to hike in the warm and dry weather conditions, weatherproof boots are not a necessity.
- Are lightweight boots any good?
Absolutely. Heavy and cumbersome boots can break your outing especially when you are going for a long hike. So, it is wise to get a durable and lightweight pair of hiking boots as they are comfortable to wear for any occasion.
- What are the most comfortable hiking boots?
Comfort in hiking boots is largely a matter of individuality. What feels comfortable for you might not be comfortable for your neighbor. So, go for the boots that are lightweight and feel good when you wear them.
Final Words
Lightweight and waterproof hiking boots offer the perfect blend of fit and function in wet areas. With the right pair, you will be able to tackle different trails with ease and enjoy your outings no matter the weather. Hopefully, this post has helped you find the ideal boots for your personal needs.