The Best Men's Light Hiking Boots
Light hiking boots are a step up from hiking or trekking shoes and provide a little more ankle support. Some hikers need this sort of support for casual day hikes while some users only need that extra support when donning an overnight backpack. These boots are ideal for well-maintained hiking trails or for venturing into some light scrambling or mild off-trail route finding. These boots also provide a little extra protection from scrapes or abrasions of the ankle that can be encountered while on or off trail. And, since they are lighter than a standard hiking boot, often referred to as a backpacking boot, they don’t take the toll of fatigue as heavier boots can.
Wearing a hiking or backpacking boot that aligns perfectly to your individual hiking style is one of the most critical factors in determining your comfort level on, and enjoyment of, all the wonderful trails out there. A good hiking or backpacking boot, provides the support and protection your feet and ankles require and limits potential for foot or ankle discomfort or injury. Quality footwear protects your soles from inevitable fatigue caused by repeated pounding against earthen surfaces, safeguards your toes from bruising when connecting with rocks or boulders and provides needed traction on steep inclines and slick surfaces. Mid-rise hiking boots offer ankle support to reduce twisting on uneven trail sections. Backpacking boots are specifically engineered to help support heavy loads and protect feet from fatigue when hiking long distances. Dive into our reviews below comparing individual products. This way, you’ll be able to confidently choose the perfect footgear to match your specific needs.