8 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Men 2026

The Columbia Men’s Vertisol Trail is a stability powerhouse, engineered for hikers who demand control on uneven terrain without sacrificing agility. At the heart of its performance lies the Omni-Max system, which combines a Techlite midsole, deflection domes in the heel and forefoot, and flex grooves that work in harmony to reduce impact and enhance rebound. This isn’t just cushioning—it’s smart energy redirection, offering a planted, confident stride whether you’re scrambling over rocks or descending loose scree. If you’ve ever felt unstable on shifting trails, this shoe answers with precision and poise.

In real-world testing across mixed terrain—wet roots, gravel switchbacks, and hard-packed dirt—the Omni-Grip rubber outsole delivered tenacious traction, biting into surfaces without leaving marks, making it safe for indoor use too. The mesh upper with synthetic overlays strikes a smart balance: breathable enough for summer hikes, yet rugged enough to shrug off brush and debris. While the fit runs slightly narrow, it locks the heel securely, minimizing slippage on descents. However, the flex grooves, while excellent for propulsion, can feel a bit stiff during the first few wearings—expect a short break-in period.

Compared to the Merrell Moab 3, the Vertisol Trail trades some plush cushioning for superior stability and responsive feedback, making it ideal for technical trails where foot placement matters more than cloud-like softness. It’s less about luxury and more about precision engineering—a go-to for day hikers and trail runners who prioritize control. While it lacks waterproofing, its quick-dry capability and trail-to-town versatility give it an edge over heavier alternatives. For those seeking confident footing with minimal weight, this Columbia model outperforms many in its class.

The Columbia Strata Trail Low is a value champion that punches far above its price point, delivering trail-ready performance without the premium tag. Built with a durable suede and mesh upper and a gusseted tongue, it keeps out rocks and grit—critical for off-trail adventures—while remaining surprisingly lightweight for a shoe this rugged. The Omni-Grip outsole uses a strategically blended lug pattern that grips wet rocks, dry dirt, and loose gravel with equal confidence, making it a true cross-terrain performer. If you’re tired of budget shoes that fail after two hikes, this one redefines expectations.

On extended hikes, the Techlite midsole proved its worth, offering consistent cushioning with high energy return—no sagging or dead spots even after 10-mile days. The shoe handled moderate inclines and rocky descents admirably, though deeper mud exposed the limits of its lug depth, where traction began to pack in. The synthetic leather overlays add reinforced protection at high-wear zones, and the overall construction feels overbuilt for the price. Still, larger-footed users may find the toe box snug, and the lack of waterproofing means it’s best suited for dry-season treks.

Against the OL OUTJET LEGEND, the Strata Trail Low offers better breathability and superior outsole grip, despite a slightly higher cost. It’s not as plush as the Merrell Moab 3, but it’s closer in performance than the price suggests. Ideal for budget-conscious hikers who don’t want to compromise on durability or traction, this Columbia model is a workhorse in disguise. For the balance of craftsmanship, comfort, and trail capability, it delivers more than you’d expect at any price.

The Merrell CHAM 8 Stretch is a game-changer for quick adventures, thanks to its elastic cord and lock lacing system that lets you slip in and go—no tying, no fuss. This isn’t just convenience; it’s smart design for dynamic movement, with a stretchy waterproof nubuck upper that molds to your foot while keeping water and debris out. The bellows tongue seals out trail grit, and the TPU heel counter ensures your foot stays locked in place, even on uneven descents. If you hate re-lacing mid-hike or struggle with traditional laces, this shoe is a breath of fresh air.

In real-world use, the flexible yet supportive fit shines on day hikes and trail runs, adapting to foot swelling without pressure points. The Kinetic Fit BASE insole offers light, flexible support, though it’s not as plush as the Moab 3’s advanced version—better for agility than all-day load-bearing. The outsole provides solid grip on dry trails but can feel a bit slippery on wet rock, a trade-off for its lighter lug pattern. While the stretch upper is comfortable, it lacks the long-term structure of fully laced boots, making it less ideal for heavy backpacking.

Compared to the Merrell Moab 3, the CHAM 8 trades traditional support for speed and simplicity, making it perfect for fast-and-light hikers or those transitioning from trail runners. It’s not built for rugged alpine climbs, but for weekend scrambles and urban-to-trail transitions, it’s unmatched. With its quick-lace innovation and streamlined comfort, it outpaces most in ease of use—though you’ll sacrifice some cushioning for that speed.

The Merrell Moab 3 is the gold standard of lightweight hiking shoes, blending proven durability, all-terrain grip, and eco-conscious materials into a single, trail-dominating package. With a pigskin leather and mesh upper, 100% recycled laces, and a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, it’s built to last while minimizing environmental impact. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole delivers reinforced heel cushioning and medium arch support, making it a top pick for hikers who log serious miles. If you want one shoe that handles everything from desert trails to forest paths, this is it.

On rugged terrain, the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock with precision, reducing fatigue on long descents, while the molded nylon arch shank adds torsional stability—critical on uneven ground. The protective toe cap shrugs off rock strikes, and the bellows tongue keeps debris out without sacrificing breathability. We tested it on wet granite and loose shale, and the Vibram sole held firm, outperforming many competitors in grip and durability. The only downside? The recycled mesh, while eco-friendly, takes longer to dry than synthetic alternatives.

Next to the Columbia Vertisol Trail, the Moab 3 offers superior cushioning and broader terrain adaptability, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s not as fast to put on as the CHAM 8, but it delivers more support for loaded hikes. For serious hikers who demand comfort, durability, and sustainability, this Merrell model sets the benchmark. With its balanced blend of performance, protection, and planet-friendly design, it justifies its position as the best overall choice.

The Adidas Terrex Anylander stands out as a sustainable trail performer, built with a blend of recycled and renewable materials without compromising on function. At just 390 grams (size 9), it’s one of the lightest options in the lineup, making it ideal for fast hikes or urban adventures where weight matters. The Traxion outsole delivers multi-directional grip with lugs designed for rugged terrain, while the EVA midsole offers step-absorbing cushioning that stays resilient over time. If you’re eco-conscious but don’t want to sacrifice performance, this Adidas model walks the talk.

In real-world testing, the stretchy textile upper provided a sock-like fit that’s comfortable right out of the box, though it lacks the structure for heavy loads or technical terrain. The reinforced toe cap adds durability, and the 10mm drop promotes a natural stride, reducing calf fatigue on long walks. It excelled on dry trails and pavement, but the outsole struggled in deep mud, where lugs packed in quickly. The lack of a gusseted tongue also means small debris can sneak in—fine for clean trails, less so for bushwhacking.

Compared to the Columbia Fairbanks Low, the Anylander offers better eco-credentials and similar weight, but less trail-specific grip. It’s not as rugged as the Merrell Moab 3, but it’s faster and more stylish for trail-to-town wear. For eco-minded adventurers who prioritize low weight and clean design, this shoe hits the sweet spot. With its light footprint and planet-first materials, it’s a forward-thinking choice that doesn’t skimp on comfort.

The Columbia Fairbanks Low is a master of versatility, delivering all-day comfort whether you’re on a mountain trail or walking downtown. Its mesh upper and suede heel cap offer breathability and durability in one sleek package, while the wrap-around front tread enhances grip during quick directional changes. The real star is the TechLite midsole, which provides superior cushioning and high energy return, making it feel springy underfoot even after hours of use. If you want a shoe that transitions seamlessly from hiking to errands, this one does it all without compromise.

We tested it on mixed urban and trail environments—pavement, gravel, and packed dirt—and it performed exceptionally well, thanks to the Omni-Grip outsole that stays safe on indoor floors while gripping wet rocks outdoors. The flexible webbing eyelets adapt to foot swelling, reducing pressure points, a rare feature in this price range. However, the lack of a gusseted tongue means fine grit can enter on dusty trails, and the upper, while breathable, offers minimal protection in downpours.

Against the Adidas Terrex Anylander, the Fairbanks Low provides better traction and more durable construction, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s not waterproof like the SHULOOK model, but it dries faster and feels more nimble. For hikers who value comfort, style, and multi-environment performance, this Columbia model is unmatched. With its nimble design and town-to-trail ease, it offers more real-world utility than many pricier options.

The SHULOOK Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a rare blend of protection and lightness, tipping the scales at just 1.2 lbs while still offering full waterproofing—a feat many brands struggle to achieve. The SL-TEX waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in streams and rain, while the breathable D01 lining prevents that swampy feeling common in budget waterproof shoes. The removable memory foam insole molds to your foot, delivering excellent arch support, and the flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock like a premium trail runner. If you need dry, cushioned feet without the bulk, this shoe delivers.

On wet trails and rocky inclines, the advanced traction rubber sole held firm, though the lugs are shallower than the Merrell Moab 3’s, limiting deep-mud performance. The closed-cell tongue is a standout—effectively blocking sand, rain, and muck—making it ideal for stream crossings and dusty paths. The rubber toe cap adds durability, and the overall build feels rugged for the price. However, the fit runs narrow, and the ankle collar lacks padding, which can lead to heel slip on steep descents.

Next to the OL OUTJET LEGEND, the SHULOOK offers better breathability and more advanced cushioning, despite a similar price. It’s not as stylish as the Columbia Fairbanks, but it’s far more protective in wet conditions. For hikers in rainy climates or those tackling mixed terrain, this shoe is a smart, functional choice. With its lightweight waterproof design and reliable grip, it outperforms many in its category.

The OL OUTJET LEGEND is the budget king, offering genuine leather construction and waterproofing at a price that undercuts nearly every competitor. The OL-TEX waterproof design keeps feet dry in light rain and damp grass, while the thickened EVA midsole delivers solid shock absorption—surprising for a shoe this affordable. The rubber outsole provides dependable grip on pavement and dry trails, making it a solid pick for casual hikes, workdays, or weekend walks. If you need a durable, no-frills shoe without breaking the bank, this one delivers.

In real use, the leather upper felt sturdy and broke in quickly, though it’s less breathable than mesh counterparts—feet warmed up faster on sunny hikes. The outsole grips well on flat terrain but struggles on wet rock or loose gravel, where deeper lugs would help. The fit is roomy, great for wide feet, but the lack of a gusseted tongue means debris can enter on dusty trails. There’s no advanced cushioning or arch support, so it’s not ideal for long-distance hikes, but for light to moderate use, it holds up well.

Compared to the Columbia Strata Trail Low, the OL OUTJET offers better water resistance and wider fit, but less breathability and traction. It’s not as refined as the Merrell Moab 3, but for entry-level hikers or backup trail shoes, it’s a value-packed workhorse. With its leather durability and waterproof promise, it’s the smartest pick for tight budgets.