These 9 Lightweight Hiking Shoes Are So Fast, You’ll Forget You’re Even Wearing Them – Ready to Hit the Trail Like a Pro?

Ever wandered into an outdoor store, eyes glazed over by a sea of hiking shoes, wondering if they all magically keep your feet bone-dry? Spoiler alert: they don’t. Some promise waterproof magic, while others just shrug off a drizzle—barely. And let’s talk sizing, because nothing kills a trail vibe faster than shoes that feel like a vice or a sock bath. I’ve been through the puzzling maze of specs and reviews more times than I can count, and trust me—knowing which kicks can actually handle the mud without turning your feet into soggy messes is a game changer. Plus, a little heads up: thicker socks might mean you gotta size up. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes a hiking shoe tick—because your next trail adventure shouldn’t be a guessing game. LEARN MORE

Are all hiking shoes waterproof?

No, so you should make sure that a shoe specifies if it is waterproof in the description. Many are water-resistant, which means that they can handle light rain but won’t be able to be fully submerged. You will also want to look for shoes that are abrasion-resistant or have a ripstop composition, for extra durability.

Do hiking shoes run true to size?

In general, all shoes run a little differently size-wise, which is why consulting reviews is important. When shopping for a hiking shoe, consider the fact that you might be wearing a thicker sock and therefore think about going a half-size up.