Which lightweight hiking shoes offer the best balance between weight and durability?
This page compares 6 lightweight hiking shoes with verified specifications and prices. Top options include La Sportiva Spire GTX, Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof. Prices range from £93 to £163. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Weight (ounces) ⇅ | Waterproof ⇅ | Traction System ⇅ | Midsole Material ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Toe Protection ⇅ |
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La Sportiva Spire GTX
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£163.19 ≈ | 440 g | ✓ | Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System | Compression Molded EVA with TPU inserts and 5mm Ortholite insole | Heel 39.1 mm; Forefoot 23.1 mm | PU TechLite toe |
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The Spire GTX is a mid-duty, low-cut waterproof hiking/backpacking shoe with a breathable GORE-TEX Surround lining, a supportive CM EVA midsole with TPU inserts, and a Vibram XS Trek outsole featuring La Sportiva's Impact Brake System for strong rock traction. It balances durability and protection with technologies (Nano Cell 2.0, STB control) aimed at stability and underfoot ventilation, suited for steep, technical trails and light backpacking. Constructed materials emphasize abrasion resistanc ★ Ideal forIdeal for hikers seeking a balance of weight and durability because it weighs 440 g while offering a robust CM EVA midsole with TPU inserts and a protective PU TechLite toe.
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Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
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£129.10 ≈ | 365g per shoe | ✓ | Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4mm traction lugs | FloatPro foam | 34-24mm | Protective abrasion-resistant synthetic toe cap |
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The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX combines a lightweight build with GORE-TEX waterproofing, FloatPro foam cushioning, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole. It suits day hikers and travelers who want sneaker-like comfort and reliable grip on moderate trails without the bulk of a traditional hiking shoe. ★ Ideal forIt suits hikers seeking the best balance between weight and durability because each shoe weighs 365 g while using a nylon ripstop and TPU upper, abrasion-resistant toe cap, full-length rock plate, and durable Vibram TC5+ outsole.
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Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
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£121.72 ≈ | 480g per shoe | ✓ | Vibram TC5+ outsole | Super Rebound Compound | 20.5mm toe to 31.7mm heel | Protective abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap |
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The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof combines a waterproof membrane, pig suede leather and mesh upper, cushioned Super Rebound Compound midsole, and Vibram TC5+ outsole. It suits day hikers and outdoor users who want durable, comfortable footwear with reliable protection and all-surface traction. ★ Ideal forWith a 480g per-shoe weight, abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap, Super Rebound Compound midsole, and Vibram TC5+ outsole, it offers a practical balance of manageable weight and durable trail protection. |
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Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
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£104.60 ≈ | 400g per half pair size 42 | ✓ | PRESA HIK-01 / SuperGum | 2D EVA-CM | — | 3D toe guard |
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The Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX is a waterproof hiking shoe with a durable nubuck leather upper, supportive DST TPU frame, and PRESA outsole. It suits hikers who want trail-runner agility with added stability, protection, and durability for rough or technical terrain. ★ Ideal forIt offers a strong weight-to-durability balance with a 400g half-pair weight, durable nubuck upper, GORE-TEX waterproofing, 2D EVA-CM midsole, DST stability frame, and protective 3D toe guard.
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Danner Trail 2650 GTX
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£92.98 ≈ | 756g per pair | ✓ | Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip | Danner PlyoGo EVA | 35.2mm heel, 20.3mm forefoot | Rubber toe rand |
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The Danner Trail 2650 GTX is a lightweight waterproof hiking shoe with a GORE-TEX liner, Vibram 460 Megagrip outsole, EVA midsole, and TPU Trailguard shank. It suits hikers who want durable protection, reliable wet-weather grip, and a shoe that works for day hikes and everyday use. ★ Ideal forIt offers a strong weight-to-durability balance with a 27 oz per-pair weight, durable suede and textile upper, rubber toe rand, TPU Trailguard shank, and Vibram Megagrip outsole.
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Merrell Moab Speed 2
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£103.31 ≈ | 0lbs-11.99oz per shoe | ✓ | Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole, 4 mm lugs | FloatPro Foam midsole with full-length rock plate and FlexPlate | 34-24mm | Protective abrasion-resistant synthetic toe cap |
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The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is a lightweight, highly cushioned hiking shoe with a FloatPro Foam midsole, Vibram TC5+ outsole, and available GORE-TEX waterproofing. It pairs sneaker-like comfort and substantial stack height with durable synthetic toe and heel protection, suited for fast hikes and varied trails. The design emphasizes breathability, recycled materials, and a secure heel fit. ★ Ideal forIdeal for hikers seeking a balance of low weight and durability because it uses FloatPro Foam midsole and Vibram TC5+ outsole while weighing 0lbs-11.99oz per shoe and offering a full-length rock plate.
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