As the name suggests, lightweight hiking boots weigh less. This is made possible by their special construction, which focuses on comfort and flexibility. Nevertheless, the lightweight construction is not suitable for every hike.
Classic hiking boots are characterized by a high shaft, a thick sole and robust materials. This makes them particularly durable, and the solid shoes also protect your feet from health damage when climbing and descending. They are therefore always the better choice for demanding tours in the mountains. However, if you just want to go on a long walk in the woods or take a short walk with your dog on uneven terrain, light hiking boots are usually sufficient. But what exactly does the term mean? And what advantages and disadvantages do the models offer?
This is what makes lightweight hiking boots special
So-called are reminiscent (at least visually) of sneakers, as they are similarly light and low. But in contrast to normal sneakers, the ankle-deep shoes offer more support when hiking. And also offer more protection against dirt and moisture. In addition, the shoes have a flexible sole due to their construction, which ideally protects you from sharp stones – but still allows your feet to roll smoothly. For this reason, light hiking shoes are suitable for all routes that are marked blue (i.e. easy) in many hiking guides.
Other features that are the following:
- comfortable quick lacing systems, often made of sturdy synthetic fibres
- easy-care materials, mostly (artificial) leather or synthetic
- comfortable sole, either finely structured or coarsely treaded
What advantages and disadvantages do the models offer?
In fact, lightweight hiking boots offer many advantages, but also have some disadvantages. Read about them here:
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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The two biggest advantages that lightweight hiking shoes have to offer are their low weight and the flexible sole. This means you can enjoy a pleasant wearing comfort, for example by being able to roll your feet more easily. |
At the same time, the soft sole also has a disadvantage: depending on the hardness of the ground, you may feel splashing stones under your feet. In addition, the low shoes do not protect your ankles if you twist them. |
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Due to their processing, they are often very breathable and are therefore particularly suitable for short trekking tours and long walks in the forest on warm autumn days or in summer. |
Precisely because most models are breathable, they don’t keep your feet as warm on cold days. For this reason, lightweight hiking boots are less suitable for cold winter days when your feet get cold more quickly. |
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There are lightweight hiking boots with waterproof and breathable membranes (such as those from the brand ) that are designed to protect your feet from getting wet. That is, when you walk through puddles or on wet surfaces. |
Waterproof models, on the other hand, have the disadvantage that they are less breathable than lightweight hiking boots In this case, however, you will get wet feet more quickly on rainy days. |
Compromise to lightweight hiking boots: Mid-Cuts
In contrast to lightweight hiking boots, so-called They are cut a little higher, but have a lower shaft than “normal” hiking boots. For this reason, the medium-height models are recommended primarily for easy mountain tours – or if you need to protect your ankles better. The mid-height trekking boots are of course also available with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane (depending on the manufacturer).
More information can be found here.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
