Trekking & hiking boots online shopping today: There’s a time and place for traditional leather boots like the Lowa Renegade above, but in 2023, lightweight footwear has all but taken over. This movement is epitomized by Topo Athletic’s Trailventure 2 WP: With the looks of a trail runner but the bones of a hiking boot, the Trailventure 2 WP provides decent stability and support by way of an external TPU heel counter, reasonably tall and padded collar, and full-length rock plate. On the other hand, the 33-millimeter stack height, plush ZipFoam midsole, and minimalist weight will have you moving quickly and comfortably over long distances. Put it all together, and the Topo Athletic is a well-balanced shoe for those tackling easy trails with a light load. We’re huge fans of lightweight footwear, but it’s important to be aware of the inherent compromises. In particular, the Trailventure 2 WP’s relatively streamlined collar and very accommodating fit translate to less support on off-camber sections of trail or while carrying a heavy pack. Additionally, the wide toe box led to issues on steep descents, where our feet moved around inside the shoe so much that our toes hit the end. But in most other metrics, the Trailventure 2 WP felt fairly uncompromised: Our feet were isolated from rocks and roots, traction was excellent with the Vibram Megagrip outsole, and the waterproof membrane effectively kept out moisture. Unless you plan to travel in mountainous terrain or tend to carry a heavy load, the Trailventure’s benefits will far outweigh the tradeoffs. Lastly, Topo Athletic also makes a non-waterproof version ($160), but performance drops with no rock plate and a downgraded Vibram outsole. Discover even more details at hiking shoes.

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a great deal that’ll get you out on the trails in most conditions. This water-resistant suede boot is incredibly comfortable, and the break-in period almost non-existent. It is as supportive as you’d expect a hiking boot to be with solid underfoot construction. It’s an excellent option for beginners and experts alike who are looking for a boot that’ll deliver great performance at a decent value. While we appreciate the comfort and performance this boot offers, it has a few limitations. First, while the Vibram sole sticks well to dry and technical surfaces, the lugs do not have the appropriate spacing between them to shed mud easily. As a result, they are not recommended for super muddy or sloppy conditions. Additionally, the design is a little heavier than other lightweight boots. Overall, it is a high-value option that’ll keep you comfortable and protected for most outdoor adventures.

The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is designed like a much burlier boot—high ankle collar, waterproof membrane, mostly leather upper, bomber toe bumper—but it still slides in under the 2-pound mark. “I wore these boots from the Pacific Crest Trail to the top of a Sierra peak and back again, and I almost felt like I was wearing runners,” declared one tester after six days in the Eastern Sierra of California. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has a cushy EVA midsole that gives it that running-shoe feel and makes it comfy out of the box. (Added cushioning around the ankle helps too.) It’s augmented with a TPU plate, but though our test samples show no signs of breaking down, we’d be wary of the midsole’s long-term durability after 500 or so miles. As for the X Ultra 4 Mid’s other features, it has a GORE-TEX® membrane for awesome weatherproofing and a flexible proprietary rubber outsole with aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs. Our testers reported that it held fast on granite and mud but faltered a bit in loose gravel. Fit note: Salomon footwear tends to run narrow, but the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX bucks the trend, even pleasing one tester with self-described “Frodo feet.”

What’s not to like with the Oboz Bridger? On the trail, the boot feels slower and heavier than competitors like the Merrell Moab 3 Mid or KEEN Targhee III Mid. Further, the in-house B-Dry waterproof membrane makes the boot run warm even in moderate temperatures. For a cheaper option from Oboz, the Sawtooth X is another mid-height boot that has more mesh in the build, but it’s less tough and supportive at a similar weight (although you do save $15 in the process). For those hiking in hot and dry conditions, both the Bridger and Sawtooth are made in non-waterproof versions.

Looking for a shoe that can go the distance without a lot of bulk? Look no further. The Danner Trail 2650 was designed for folks who might want to tackle a long walk like the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail it’s named for. Unlike clunkier boots, the 2650 has a lightweight-yet-oversize EVA midsole (no hard plastic TPU here!) for a softer step that’s reminiscent of a trail running shoe. Yet, the TPU shank adds stiffness and support for backpack loads of up to 25 pounds, as one Colorado tester learned on a three-day trip in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. “These hit my sweet spot: nimble and agile to scamper around the rock fields, but supportive enough to carry a moderate backpack for a few nights,” she reports.

Boots in this lightweight category are, not surprisingly, light and flexible but tough enough for a longer day hike or short overnight backpacking trip. Options range from the more traditional KEEN Targhee III to the light and fast Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid. Waterproof liners are the norm, but they’re typically the less expensive type (read: non Gore-Tex). Materials used in the construction trend toward a heavy use of mesh and nylon with leather mixed in. This keeps cost and weight down, but doesn’t make them as durable as some pricier full-leather options. You also won’t see as stiff of a structure, as the boot’s shank and support won’t be very substantial. As long as you’re not carrying a heavy pack, that shouldn’t be a deterrent. Read even more information at https://www.trekkit.in/.

If you live in a wet climate or prefer a precipitous hike to dry conditions, consider the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX. This waterproof boot beats out the competition when it comes to performance in wet conditions. We tested it by hiking in the rain and trudging through rivers. The gusseted tongue and Nubuck leather construction do well to keep water out, keeping your socks dry. Not only that, but it offers a superior level of comfort and support. The deep lugs are sticky, holding well on sloppy and dry surfaces. Even with these heavyweight features, it is a relatively light boot, making it a great option for all types of adventures in wet (or dry) conditions. That said, we wish this boot offered a bit more stability. The upper cuff around the ankle is not very rigid, which translates to less stability on uneven surfaces. Additionally, it is difficult to insert the lace into the eyelets of the boot, meaning it takes more time to lace up and release. If you’re seeking a bombproof boot for water or snow, this is the one you should check out.