- A Pair of Lightweight Hiking Shoes - Bill Sassani
When hiking it is important to not just consider the amount of weight being carried in the pack, but also on the feet as well. Heavy hiking boots can be cumbersome and heavy. This can be a problem when someone wants to hike fast and cover a lot of miles. These hiking shoes can help hikers and lightweight backpackers have adequate footwear while also not dragging them down either.
What Are Lightweight Hiking Shoes?
Lightweight hiking shoes are footwear designed and made from materials that allow them to be used on hiking trails or even off-trail. Hiking boots are made from leather or synthetics with heavier soles, and with heavier models have a piece of metal or plastic in the sole to protect the wearer from sharp rocks. Lightweight shoes are made from synthetic components, and look more like sneakers than boots.
What Are the Advantages of Lightweight Hiking Shoes?
The biggest advantage of lightweight footwear is that they have less weight than hiking boots. This means that the wearer doesn’t have to exert as much energy to lift the foot up. Lightweight shoes can breathe better than leather boots, and can be easily slipped on and off in order to air the feet out. Also, lightweight shoes can take less time to break-in, as opposed to boots. This can help with preventing hotspots and blisters when out on the trail.
What Are the Disadvantages of Lightweight Hiking Shoes?
The disadvantages of lightweight hiking shoes include:
- Lack of ankle support: Many models have little or no ankle support. For someone with ankle problems this could be a problem, especially if planning on hiking off-trail. Consider using a pair of trekking poles when wearing these shoes on uneven terrain.
- Shorter lifespan: If hiking a lot, such as spending a whole summer backpacking, lightweight shoes may wear out more quickly than heavier leather boots.
- Lack of waterproofing: Although some models may have some waterproofing or even Gore-Tex, they may not match the same amount seen in hiking boots. For instance, they may have enough waterproofing for a quick walk across a stream. However, your feet may get wet after standing around in the rain all day.
Where to Look for Lightweight Hiking Shoes?
Check out REI’s Trail Running Shoe section, or Sierra Trading Post’s Hiking Shoes section online. In addition, look into local gear shops and camping stores for lightweight shoe options.
Lightweight hiking shoes can be a great choice for hikers or backpackers that are interested in shedding pounds when traveling outside.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
