For the full breakdown, see our best Women’s Lightweight Hiking Shoes guide.
That weight class—roughly a pound to a pound and a quarter—covers most daylight miles without packing a heavy boot onto a fast-paced foot. The trade is structure: the lightest shoes trade stability and rugged underfoot armor for speed, so matching the shoe to the load and terrain matters more than chasing the last half-ounce.
What Makes a Hiking Shoe Light?
Weight comes out of the midsole density, upper materials, and outsole coverage. Both skip a waterproof liner to save ounces, which works for dry trails but lets in rain.
The Lightest Women’s Models, Side by Side
| Shoe Model | Women’s Weight (per pair) | Waterproof | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Speedgoat 7 | 15.7 oz (≈1 lb) | No | $145 |
| Saucony Peregrine 16 | ~1 lb 1 oz | No | $150 |
| Topo Athletic Traverse | 1 lb 1.4 oz | No | $155 |
| Altra Lone Peak 9 | 1 lb 2.6 oz | No | $140 |
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 | 1 lb 3.4 oz | No | $140 |
| Brooks Cascadia 19 | 1 lb 3.6 oz | No | $150 |
| Danner Trail 2650 GTX | 1 lb 5 oz | Yes (Gore-Tex) | $190 |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX | 1 lb 6 oz | Yes (Gore-Tex) | $175 |
Should You Go for the Lightest or the Most Protective?
The Speedgoat 7 and the Peregrine 16 shine on day hikes, fastpacking, and dry singletrack where every ounce saved translates to less fatigue by mile ten. If you carry more than a daypack or walk rocky, rooted terrain, consider the Merrell Moab Speed 2 (a light-but-supportive hybrid with a Vibram TC5+ outsole) or the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, which adds a Gore-Tex liner and a tougher Contagrip outsole for a 6-ounce weight penalty over the Speedgoat. The Danner Trail 2650 GTX sits in the same protective-lightweight pocket, offering a Gore-Tex membrane and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole at under 1 lb 6 oz.
Waterproof shoes run about 2–4 ounces heavier per pair than their non-waterproof versions, as seen in the Salomon and Danner models above. That weight is worth it on wet or muddy trails but can make the same shoe feel hot on a dry summer day. Zero-drop shoes such as the Altra Lone Peak 9 demand a short adaptation period if you are used to a raised heel—allow a few easy walks before hitting the trail for a full day.
FAQs
Are the lightest hiking shoes durable enough for rocky trails?
The lightest models use trail-runner construction with less armor around the toe and underfoot. On sharp, uneven rock they wear faster than a traditional leather or thick-foam boot, so they are best for established trails and moderate terrain rather than scrambling or talus fields.
Do I need a waterproof version if I hike in wet conditions?
A Gore-Tex liner keeps feet dry through puddles and rain but adds roughly 2–4 ounces per pair and reduces breathability. For occasional wet hikes a non-waterproof shoe dries faster; for consistent mud and stream crossings the weight trade is worth it.
Can I use these shoes for trail running?
Models like the HOKA Speedgoat 7 and Saucony Peregrine 16 are built on trail-runner platforms and are fully suitable for running. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 and Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX lean more toward fast hiking but will handle short runs comfortably.
References & Sources
- Merrell. Women’s Lightweight Hiking Shoes Collection. Official product specs and pricing for the Merrell Moab Speed 2 and other lightweight options.