Best Lightweight Walking and Hiking Boots (2025)

For walking the Britains fells and mountains , from the Lake District to Snowdonia, you want boots that balance durability with a featherweight feel. Lightweight boots often use modern materials (like Gore-Tex and Vibram soles) to offer support and waterproofing without bulk. UK trails can be wet, muddy, and rocky, so look for mid-height boots with aggressive tread and reliable waterproof membranes. Below are our top picks for men and women, covering both premium and budget ranges (including Merrell, Scarpa, Decathlon and more).

Top Lightweight Hiking Boots for Men

Scarpa Terra GTX

A top-rated all-rounder, the Scarpa Terra GTX uses full-grain leather and a Gore-Tex lining for durability and waterproofing. Testers praised its versatility, quality, and comfort, noting it grips muddy slopes well thanks to its Vibram outsole and slight heel-brake. It’s roomy in the toe and comfortable right out of the box.

Features:

• Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
• Leather upper
• Vibram Energy II sole
• 570 g weight (men’s size)

Pros:

• Comfortable from day one
• Very durable
• Great traction on mud

Cons:

• Quite firm under the heel (not heavily cushioned)
• May feel a bit stiff on very rough, technical terrain

AKU Trekker Lite III

A lightweight mountain boot built for tough terrain, the AKU Trekker Lite III earned second place in expert tests. It features a suede/synthetic upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that kept feet bone-dry during stream crossings. The Vibram Curcuma outsole is highly grippy – particularly on muddy UK hills – with widely spaced lugs that shed debris easily. Despite its rugged protection (blocking rocks and roots effectively), the sole still flexes enough for long dayshakes.

Features:

• Gore-Tex lining
• Vibram Curcuma outsole
• Protective toe rand
• 570 g weight

Pros:

• Exceptionally well-crafted and supportive
• Durable build that “feels built to last”
• Excellent traction on slopes

Cons:

• Quite expensive
• Firm cushioning

Helly Hansen Ascender Mid HT

This mid-height boot is all about lightness and modern design. It uses Helly Hansen’s Helly Tech waterproof membrane (70% recycled fabric in the upper) to keep out rain while allowing breathability. Testers note the Ascender Mid is extremely light (about 490 g) yet still offers good ankle support without feeling bulky. Right out of the box it was comfortable on steep trails, with a secure fit for scrambling.

Features:

• Helly Tech waterproof lining
• Recycled ripstop upper
• Rugged lugged sole
• 490 g weight

Pros:

• Very lightweight and agile
• Supportive yet not clunky or constraining
• Eco-friendly materials

Cons:

• Minimal padding around the ankle (may not suit very heavy loads or extremely rough terrain)
• Relatively high price

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX

A nimble hiking shoe-boot hybrid, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 strikes a balance between a trail runner and a traditional boot. It’s fully waterproof (Gore-Tex) but uses ripstop upper panels to save weight. Reviewers call it “lighter and speedier” than the classic Moab3, yet with plenty of cushioning and support. In tests it delivered plush comfort and stability on moderate trails, feeling almost like a cushioned hiking shoe.

Features:

• Gore-Tex liner
• EVA midsole
• Vibram outsole
• 330 g weight.

Pros:

• One of the lightest walking boots available
• very soft, abundant cushioning
• Excellent support and stability for its weight
• Good grip on moderate terrain

Cons:

• Inner lining is relatively thin and may wear
• Small pebbles can enter the shoe more easily than with bulkier boots.

Decathlon Quechua MH500 (Budget Option)

Decathlon’s Quechua boots are a smart affordable pick for UK walkers. The MH500 (Mid-height) has a full rubber rand around toe/heel and a waterproof inner liner, giving it a surprisingly solid build for under £60. It uses Decathlon’s CrossContact rubber sole (good multi-directional grip) and reinforced seams. Long-term reviews note that after break-in the MH500 is very comfortable and remains in remarkable condition even after heavy use.

Features:

• Waterproof membrane
• Rubber toe/heel rand
• Grippy sole
• 630 g weight

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Surprisingly sturdy and durable for a budget boot
• Keeps feet dry in rain
• Comfortable once fitted to your feet

Cons:

• Build quality shows in minor wear (e.g. ankle padding can rub after very heavy use)
• Less cushioning/support than premium boots

Top Lightweight Hiking Boots for Women

Scarpa Terra GTX (Women’s Version)

The Terra GTX also comes in a women’s-specific model. It shares the same leather/Gore-Tex build as the men’s version. Women testers love its broad toe box and immediate comfort on UK hills. It offers the same versatile performance – great for hillwalking in all conditions – and it’s equally durable.

Features:

• Full-grain leather upper
• Gore-Tex
• Vibram outsole
• 570 g

Pros:

• Very lightweight and agile
• Supportive yet not clunky or constraining
• Eco-friendly materials
• Comfortable
• Well-built
• Excellent grip on mud

Cons:

• A bit firm underfoot
• Moderately heavy for a “lightweight” category

AKU Trekker Lite III (Women’s Version)

Also available in ladies’ fit, this boot is a top pick for women who want a true mountain boot without heavy weight. The women’s Trekker Lite III keeps all the technical features: Gore-Tex waterproofing, a supportive midsole, and a grippy Vibram sole with self-cleaning lugs. It’s well-suited to technical UK terrain like boggy moorland or rocky trails.

Features:

• Gore-Tex, suede/mesh upper
• Vibram outsole
• 570 g

Pros:

• Excellent stability and mud-shedding grip
• Durable
• Quality construction

Cons:

• High price
• Somewhat stiff feel underfoot

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (Women’s)

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 for women provides similar benefits: under 400 g weight, waterproof GORE-TEX, and a flexible sole. Female hikers say it feels like a light weight trail shoe but offers adequate arch support for extended walks. It is perfect for those seeking boots that support fast-paced short hikes or gentle trails comfortably.

Features:

• Gore-Tex, lightweight ripstop upper
• Vibram MegaGrip sole
• 330 g

Pros:

• Very light and cushy
• Surprisingly durable
• Good for summer conditions (high breathability)

Cons:

• Thin lining and debris ingress
• Not ideal for very muddy/rough ground due to lower-cut design

Altra Olympus 5 Mid GTX (Women’s)

The Altra Olympus 5 Mid GTX, a trail shoe-boot mix, provides excellent cushioning with a thick 33 mm midsole and wide toe box. It’s zero-drop with GORE-TEX lining, ideal for wet conditions like rain and creek crossings. The Vibram outsole has deep “Trailclaw” lugs for strong grip on slippery UK paths.

Features:

• Gore-Tex liner
• Vibram Trailclaw outsole
• 33 mm EVA cushion
• 0 mm drop

Pros:

• Extremely cushioned and comfortable for long distances
• Wide fit avoids foot fatigue
• Keeps feet dry in heavy weather

Cons:

• Bulky and slow (not for speed)
• Minimal ankle padding can cause chafing for some hikers

Decathlon Quechua NH500 (Budget Option, Women’s)

The women’s Quechua NH500, similar to the men’s, is a mid-cut waterproof boot offering excellent value. It shares features like durable build (reinforced rand and toe cap) and effective waterproofing. Many women find its £60 price appealing for handling day hikes.

Features:

• Waterproof liner
• Grippy rubber sole
• Abrasion-resistant panels

Pros:

• Great value
• Comfortable once fitted
• Wears well over time

Cons:

• Some fit issues (breaks in slowly)
• Padding at the heel may wear down with intense use

These boots are available in men’s and women’s sizes (fit varies slightly). Always try them on with hiking socks, and test them on different surfaces if possible. Boots suitable for UK hills are usually mid-height, waterproof, and have a good grip. Options range from high-end brands like Scarpa and Merrell to affordable Decathlon, offering lightweight boots for speed, comfort, or challenging weather.

FAQs – Lightweight Hiking Boots for Beginners