Here are the best minimalist hiking shoes and boots for men and women. These lightweight, comfortable boots that we have handpicked for you!
Choosing the right hiking shoes can completely change the way you take your next hike, it’s a big decision, especially if you are hiking during the winter months.
For your comfort and enjoyment of your hike, you want to make sure you have a good pair of durable shoes that won’t leave you with foot blisters and uncomfortable feet during your long hike. All of these minimalist hiking boots have two things in common, they are comfortable to wear and they are durable so they offer great value.
No matter what kind of hiking you plan on doing, these hiking shoes and minimalist boots will get the job done.
Find your next pair of hiking shoes in this list of 20 minimalist footwear! The right choice will leave you comfortable, supported, and ready to take on any trail.
20 Best Minimalist Hiking Shoes and Boots
These trail runners are made for tough terrain and will provide your feet with great shock absorption during your hike. These lightweight shoe are best suited for moderate trails.
Benefits & Features
- Very affordable
- Great traction
- Lightweight
- Great Traction
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not particularly breathable
Made out of 100% suede leather and mesh, these hiking boots feature a durable rubber sole. These high quality pair of shoes are best for lighter hikes to moderate day hikes.
Benefits & Features
- Great value
- Comfortable
- Roomy toe box
- Great traction
- Durable
Cons
- Below-average breathability
- Doesn't offer the best waterproofing
These hiking boots are made in the USA and are water resistant and made of a breathable mesh to help you stay comfortable no matter where you are hiking. They offer good grip but are versatile enough for everyday wear or hitting your favorite trails. Great for cold weather day hikes.
Benefits & Features
- Insulation rated to -4° F / -20° C
- Comfortable
- Good traction
- Water Resistant
Cons
- Not Waterproof
This shoe is great for both waterproof shoes and breathability to give you a protective foot experience while you’re hiking. It has all the features of the Moab Waterproof above, but is actually fully waterproof which makes it a great choice for wet conditions over long distances.
Benefits & Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Lightweight
- Great traction
- Durable
Cons
- Could be more breathable
These shoes are trail ready and can be used in all seasons, and is ideal for day hiking. Their leather uppers and rubber outsole offer some water resistance but are not waterproof according to many reviews.
Benefits & Features
- Lightweight
- Good Traction
- Durable
- Good ankle support
Cons
- Not Actually waterproof
These shoes will keep your feet warm and cozy while you’re hiking, and provide traction and durability to help you tackle any hike. These are among the best hiking shoes for flat, well-groomed trails.
Benefits & Features
- Great traction
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not the most comfortable on longer hikes.
These boots are like having four wheel drive on your feet! They are waterproof and breathable thanks to the The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane; and perfect for rocky terrain.
Benefits & Features
- Waterproof
- Great ankle support
- Fairly inexpensive
- Very Comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as durable as other options
The breathable membrane on these shoes help to keep water out and give you durable protection against wet weather while hiking.
Benefits & Features
- Durable
- Great traction
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Wide toe box
Cons
- A little stiff out of the box
These boots are lightweight and comfortable with a slip-free rubber sole for rough terrain. However it's waterproofing isn't very effective.
Benefits & Features
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Good traction
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not very durable
The waterproof membrane will keep these traditional hiking boots dry and keep out debris thanks to the gusseted tongue on these boots.
Benefits & Features
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Good ankle support
- Comfortable
Cons
- Poor traction
These hiking boots give your feet flexibles upport and the cushion in the heel will help to absorb shock and add stability while hiking.
Benefits & Features
- Comfortable
- Good ankle support
- Great traction
Cons
- Slightly rigid out of the box
A solid, but flexible women's hiking shoe built with durable materials for all-day comfort and the ability to tackle hikes in any terrain and all weathers - with a sure-grip Vibram sole and waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX protection.
Benefits & Features
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Great traction
- Durable
Cons
- Not lightweight
These comfortable suede hiking boots are breathable and perfect for high performance hiking or trail blazing.
Benefits & Features
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Poor arch support
These waterproof hiking boots deliver all day comfort and are made of high-quality rubber soles to keep you from slipping. Some wearers have complained about durability which makes these best suited for the occasional hiker.
Benefits & Features
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not very durable
These adorable hiking boots offer decent breathability and good amount of water resitance. They are a decent low cost pick for the occasional hiker.
Benefits & Features
- Lightweight
- Good traction
- Decent water resistance
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not comfy out of the box
- Not durable
These lightweight boots feature loads of comfort, a rubber toe cap to protect from hazards, and waterproof and breathable Gore Tex for hiking in any conditions. If you are looking for good waterproof boots these are a top pick!
Benefits & Features- Lightweight
- Good traction
- Good value
- Comfortable
- Good ankle support
- Waterproof
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
If cold weather hiking on snowy trails is in your future, then these winter hiking boots are for you! With these well insulated, grippy snow boots on, skipping hikes in
the winter is no longer an option!
Benefits & Features
- Well insulated, rated to -25°F/-32°C
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Great traction
- Lightweight
- Dureable
Cons
- A little more expensive than other options
These hiking boots are perfect for hiking in all kinds of weather. These durable boots are perfect for challenging terrain and day hikes.
Benefits & Features
- Great traction
- Highly durable
- Very breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not the Best Waterproofing
These sturdy boots offer arch support and keep moisture and debris out while keeping your feet comfortable on long hikes over rugged terrain. The Merrell moab are top picks for a reason!
Benefits & Features
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Decent traction
Cons
- Not durable
These shoes are perfect for long lasting comfort and high energy return while you’re hiking.
Benefits & Features
- Comfortable
- Decent traction
- Lightweight
- Decent waterproofing
Cons
- Poor arch support
- Poor breathability
20 best minimalist hiking shoes and boots for your next big outdoor adventure. Hiking can be a great way to spend quality time with friends or family, but it’s important that you are wearing footwear that is comfortable enough for an entire day of walking on uneven terrain.
This article has compiled all the information you need in order to make purchasing decisions about which minimalist shoes will work best for you! We are confident you will make an excellent choice for all your outdoor adventures after reading this list of footwear.
Check out these top picks before venturing into nature again.
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls who lives in the Niagara region of Ontario. She loves photography, camping, hiking, and travel.
