Our Best Lightweight Walking Shoes For 2023 (2024)

whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned hiker you'll know the right pair of walking shoes can make all the difference.

Lightweight walking shoes have gained popularity over the years due to their comfort, flexibility, and support, allowing you to move more efficiently, with less strain on your feet and joints.

Here are our best lightweight walking shoes for 2023.

inov-8

Rocl*te G 315 GORE-TEX V2

• Rocl*te sole with 6mm lugs offer all-surface performance
• G-Grip graphene-enhanced rubber gives outstanding traction and increased durability
• Suitable for vegans
• Weight: 315g (Men's size 8)
• Price: £155

The Rocl*te G 315 GORE-TEX is inov-8's premier hiking shoe. Paring a single mesh upper with a GORE-TEX membrane, it achieves superb breathability for a waterproof model. Updates to the mid-heel lock panel, tongue, and lace eyelets ensure a secure, supportive fit.

The PowerFlow midsole gives exceptional energy return to aid when the pace is high. Wherever you choose to venture, the Rocl*te sole with 6mm lugs will keep you sure-footed. Boasting graphene-enhanced G-Grip rubber, unbeatable grip and outstanding durability are assured.

Buyer's Comments: This is as close as a hiking shoe gets to a true trail running shoe. It feels incredibly agile and grippy across all terrains.

Meindl

ActivoGORE-TEX

• Meindl Lite Trail rubber sole
• Meindl Comfort-fit last, wider with more space in the forefoot
• Weight: 350g (Men's size 8)
• Price: £170

Championing Meindl's Comfort-fit concept, the Activo GORE-TEX walking shoe is ideal for general outdoor use. With a wider, comfort-orientated last, it offers more room in the toe box while keeping the heel snug and secure. Completed with lightweight uppers, GORE-TEX and a durable sole, it's a classic outdoor all-rounder.

Buyer's Comments: Based on Meindl’s ‘Comfort Fit’ last which gives plenty of space for wider feet, the Activo is one of our most popular light hiking shoes.

Merrell

Moab Speed GORE-TEX

• FloatPro Foam midsole gives a lightweight ride that lasts
• Rock plate protects forefoot against sharp objects
• Suitable for vegans
• Weight: 320g (Men's size 8.5)
• Price: £135

Meet the Moab Speed GORE-TEX hiking shoe, offering the Moab fit you know and love, in a lighter, faster package. Made with a GORE Invisible Fit construction, the improved membrane alignment reduces weight and pressure points while protecting against the wet.

Perfect for stepping up the pace on hard-packed trails, the FloatPro foam midsole gives a cushioned ride, and a rock plate defends against sharp objects. An eco-conscious design, materials include a recycled lining, recycled laces and Vibram sole featuring 30% recycled rubber.

Buyer's Comments: Merrell are masters of this kind of light hiking shoe; bringing modern materials together with the much-loved Moab fit.

La Sportiva

Ultra Raptor II GORE-TEX

• FriXion White outsole with IBS
• Trail Bite Heel
• Suitable for vegans
• Weight: 335g (single shoe size 42)
• Price: £170

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GORE-TEX is the perfect versatile light and breathable fast hiking shoe. A waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane lining combines with an abrasion-resistant mesh upper that features a microfibre reinforcement band to offer all-weather protection. The lacing system features loops sewn on the inside and strengthened on the outside with high-frequency reinforcements, allowing the tension to be distributed over the entire upper.

The Ultra Raptor II also has a rear stabilising heel for perfect control on the traverses. La Sportiva’s Impact Brake System is applied to the sole to absorb negative ground impact, help traction and improve grip downhill. The FriXion White sole with pronounced Trail Bite Heel means better braking on descents and the unique position of the lugs allows as many of them as possible to meet the ground for maximum impact absorption.

Buyer's Comments: We’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this superb shoe – a waterproof version of La Sportiva’s multi-activity icon.

Men's Coming Soon

Salomon

X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX

• GORE-TEX provides waterproof, breathable protection
• Contagrip MA sole with chevron lugs grips the terrain for optimal control
• Suitable for vegans
• Weight: 390g (Men's size 8.5)
• Price: £155

Maximise your time outdoors with the waterproof X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX hiking shoes. Featuring Salomon’s new ADV-C chassis, protection and stability are enhanced without compromising mobility. Powerful on the uphill and nimble on the descents, it has the agility of a trail running style but with all the comfort, support, and grip you need for longer hikes.

Buyer's Comments: The X Ultra 4 manages to be rugged and robust without weighing you down – a great combination for demanding hikes.

Hoka

Anacapa GORE-TEX

• GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
• Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole
• Weight: 397g (Men's size 8.5)
• Price: £140

The Hoka Anacapa GORE-TEX brings ultimate comfort to everyday exploration. A day hiker with a comfortable, smooth feel, the Anacapa is a low-profile shoe featuring Hoka’s signature extended-heel Hubble geometry.

Engineered from lightweight leather certified by the Leather Working Group, this versatile shoe also employs recycled polyester in the collar, mesh, and laces in addition to an insole made from 50% soybean oil. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides superb traction on technical terrain, giving you confidence as well as comfort all day long.

Buyer's Comments: This highly cushioned hiker uses environmentally-conscious materials and has been endorsed by the Royal College of Podiatry.