10 pairs of lightweight hiking shoes that you'll want to wear to the fullest [less than 500g per shoe]

The other day, the North Face, the love shoes I've been using for the past few years. Ultra Fast Pack MidI suddenly realized that the sole was in a very bad state. Soft hiking shoes for hiking wear out quickly, so depending on the pace, if you're not good enough, you'll often end up falling in a year in no time. I'm sure there are many people who have similar experiences. Entering the mountain in smooth climbing boots is like acting with the Grim Reaper. I won't say anything bad, so let's go and find a partner together.

So, this time I'll write about recommended hiking shoes. To put it simply, I don't think that just walking around the store will really be a good idea to decide whether or not it's really recommended for mountaineering boots. For this reason, please understand that the following is a recommendation in the sense that we wanted to try on in the store and try on a few hours after purchase, rather than trying it on, rather than "this guy might be a good guy."

Of course, we don't intend to leave it on this site and end it with no intention of leaving it on, and we will thoroughly compare and test the recommended candidates listed here and report them at a later date, so please look forward to it too.

table of contents

Why do you want to wear such lightweight hiking shoes?

10 pairs of lightweight hiking shoes that you'll want to wear to the fullest (first half 5 pairs)

10 pairs of lightweight hiking shoes that you'll want to wear to the fullest (5 pairs of second half)

Why do you want to wear such lightweight hiking shoes?

Whether you're a beginner, serious, or relaxed person, lightweight hiking shoes, you should bring a pair of shoes.

For those who are not satisfied with nearby mountains and are trying to get serious about climbing, it remains the most suitable equipment for those who are always looking to climb in earnest. However, if you have these, it's perfect for any mountain, and it's not that you don't need other mountain climbing boots. For a light outfit walking course that is just a day trip or a hut, I can't imagine anything better than the hiking shoes I'm going to introduce now.

For example, I suddenly thought I'd have some time this weekend and quickly packed my luggage into a pack the day before. In the morning, I stuck my foot into this guy from the entrance and wandered straight to the top. Unlike hard trekking boots, they are easy to walk on flat ground and are less tiring, and unlike regular sneakers, they are less likely to slip on rough roads. Even if there is some mud, the fabric is waterproof so you can wash it off easily in the water. These hiking shoes, which sell a balance of ease of walking and ease, are perfect for not only hiking in the nearby low mountains, but also for speed hiking with a lot of light foot traffic.

Another thing I think is that hiking shoes are the best first pair for those who are interested in mountain climbing. First, you can start with these easy-to-walking, safe shoes, and gradually become accustomed to walking in the mountains, and even if you buy more trekking boots right away, hiking shoes that are useful in nearby mountains will never be wasted. Above all, when looking at the overall mountaineering boots, there are many reasonably priced items.

Lightweight hiking shoes are now a hugely exciting category

On the other hand, looking at the outdoor industry as a whole, the hiking shoe category remains a fierce battle category in 2016. A few years ago, it would have been treated as such an incredible shoe or mountaineering boot (it's just my personal feeling), but now, even manufacturers who have only made hard-core Alpine boots have now introduced new products into this category.

This means that it is no longer possible to ignore the popularity of outdoor camping, due to the lighter equipment such as fast packing and the popularity of outdoor camping, due to the light-heavy use of outdoor music festivals. Inevitably, competition is intensifying, and one after another, light, high-performance, new ideas are appearing, making it a situation that you cannot miss.

Pickup criteria etc.

Many outdoor manufacturers are now releasing various types of hiking shoes, but this time, I have considered a model with a mid-cut foot of less than 500g per shoe. If you hear that under 500g (around 450g) is about the same weight as the weight of the leather shoes you usually wear, you will probably be able to feel the lightness of the shoes. Of course, there are many good shoes for hiking boots weighing over 500g, but please understand that we want to compare the performance of the product, which is a model that is friendly to those who are wearing mountain boots for the first time.

By the way, when it comes to low-cut or mid-cut, low-cut has the advantage that it is lighter and allows for free movement of the ankle, making it easier to walk in small steps, but it also has the disadvantages, such as the risk of ankle sprains and the ease of pebbles and dirt getting in from the outside. On the other hand, the mid-cut model that covers the ankles (which will now be called hiking boots, in line with overseas conventions) is the opposite. For me, I don't want to run on mountain paths in small steps all the time, and I've always been prone to spraining, so I like mid-cut hiking boots that are even a little more secure.

Finally, one more thing is obvious, just to be safe, just because others are going to take it, just because they are popular doesn't necessarily mean that those shoes are good for you too. As I mentioned this in my previous article , be sure make sure it fits your feet

10 lightweight hiking shoes you'll want to wear to the fullest in the future

THE NORTH FACE Ultra Fastpack II Mid GORE-TEX

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

First, let's start with the successor model of my favorite lightweight hiking boots, which have been in the starting lineup for the rest of my life until this new replacement. When it first released, it was so light that it seemed like many people (on the internet) were so picky that they said, "It's just North Face mountaineering boots after all." However, in reality, this brand has already accumulated a lot of track record since ancient times, mainly in mountain races, and these shoes have been using this know-how to start moving in the direction of hiking.

The previous model I used was 400g, which was lighter than this one, and it was shocking to see how light it felt when I first walked it at the time. The outsole (the part that contacts the ground) is made of Vibram, so it is not slippery even on rough roads, and although the upper is thin, there is no wear or tear, it proves its ability to be a mountaineering boot.

The model that was renewed this season is slightly heavier at 432g. The direct cause is unknown, but the upper material feels slightly firmer and stiffer than before. The outsole has a new Vibram Megagrip rubber that provides grip on any surface. The midsole uses TNF's unique CRADLE™ GUIDE technology, which improves shock absorption, stability and protection, and appears to have evolved to accommodate harder terrain in various places.

La Sportiva Core High GTX

Lightness★★★★★☆Stable

Hiking is often done during hot weather, so your shoes are soaked with sweat more than you might imagine. That's why we recommend wool or synthetic fibers instead of cotton, and shoes should be as breathable as possible and keep the inside dry. However, I was faced with the dilemma of the waterproof membrane needed for mountaineering boots getting in the way of ventilation. TEX® SURROUND® , a groundbreaking technology created by GORE-TEX in 2015, combines high waterproofness with the highest degree of breathability . From what I have experienced, its ability is undoubtedly, and if anyone is worried about the stuffiness of their shoes, I would recommend a model that uses this technology without hesitation.

The mesh-shaped resin covers the entire upper, and its appearance not only gives it a futuristic impact, but also makes it light, strong, and highly breathable. As a Sportiva fan, who has already experienced the amazingness of the IMPACT BRAKE SYSTEM on the heel, I am not at all worried about the high grip and impact resistance.

By the way, this model is different from the SYNTHESIS GORE-TEXⓇ SURROUND In fact, this is a high-cut model that has been on sale overseas since last year but has not been released in Japan. is said that this year it will only be available in a few stores The performance has almost not changed, but despite the mid-cut SYNTHESIS, the heels were actually shallow enough to be called low-cut, so this is truly a demon, a golden pole, an Amuro, and a ν Gundam. I got it without hesitation.

Salewa HIKE ROLLER MID GORE-TEX

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

These are hiking boots that I've never forgotten at Outdoor Retailer 2015 in Salt Lake City, have been eagerly awaiting its release . The cutting-edge design, which grew up in Italy, is really lovely. It's light and cool, but it also has a lot of challenging features.

Vibram's newly developed outsole, Vibram RollinGait System, has a clear curve from heel to toe, supporting natural weight transfer, from impact absorption when landing to stepping on the toe. Especially when downhill, it reduces muscle fatigue (great!). I've worn it several times and it's getting better and faster.

Additionally, there are optional shoe holes attached to both sides of the shoe. By passing the shoelaces through this, you can tighten your entire foot deeper, and the hold and fit of the foot can be maximized. However, as expected, if you pass the laces through them, the length of the shoelaces will not be enough, so I'll keep an eye on the playful side of the shoelaces that require a long shoelaces separately.

Despite this lightness, the upper is made of a hybrid structure with synthetic fibers, mainly suede leather, so it feels more like a sturdy light climbing shoe than a running shoe. Although they are not shoes for running, there is a sense of security that even if you use them in a slightly more difficult way, they won't sway.

Salomon X ULTRA MID2 GTX

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

When it comes to mid-cuts for hiking, Salomon also has a wide range of other models, and the reason I chose this model this time is because of the best balance of lightness and stability among the wide range of products. Of course, the other models are of course of quality that is hard to throw away. As a manufacturer has been making shoes that are often crossover between sports and trekking before this category became a boom, it is a different age after all.。

What I was impressed once again this time was the unforgettable good fit of SENSIFIT, the upper fit technology that the company has cultivated over many years. The footholds that snugly wrap around them from both sides of the foot are very comfortable and have an excellent fit. Basically, it is a brand that has accumulated a track record in athlete shoes, so it is said that the sole area is softer than the ones we have selected this time. In other words, while it is highly comfortable to walk and the freedom of your feet, it is likely that it is located far from full-scale hiking boots, so as long as you don't get the wrong positioning, you should definitely make a satisfactory choice.

mont-bell lapland boots

Lightness★☆☆☆☆☆ Stability

In the sense that its performance is sufficient and has excellent value for money, this Montbell is definitely worth missing. A distinctive feature is that despite being lightweight shoes, the upper has many parts that are reinforced with leather, so compared to shoes that are softer than running shoes, this shoe does not offer that much of a fit and freedom of foot. It has a strong impression of being a lightweight version of trekking boots, so to speak, so to speak, it would fit for people who find it more reassuringly reassuring the strength and comfort of a mountaineering boot.

However, the outsole uses a unique technology that is highly adhesive and makes it easy to grip even on wet rocky areas and wooden paths, making it a perfect fit for humid Japanese trails (but it seems to wear out quickly).

I don't think I have a particularly slim foot shape, but starting this year, I'm adding a lineup that suits the wide foot shapes. As expected from a national brand for all Japanese people. Of course, I have not forgotten about low-cut and mid-cut models for men and women.

Next page: 10 pairs of lightweight hiking shoes that you'll want to wear to the fullest [5 pairs of second half]

MERRELL CAPRA BOLT MID GORE-TEX

Lightness★★★★★☆Stable

It's been over 30 years, from hiking boots made by cheerful cowboy boot craftsmen to stylish outdoor shoes that have been the hit at outdoor festivals. Until a few years ago, it is certain that they kept them away by saying, "It's a bit of a flirt..." (sorry to say so), but when I learned about it carefully, it was actually a very serious brand that offers outdoor shoes to a wide range of users.

Merrell, who has always been at the forefront of outdoor culture, came to this point and looked at the "goat." Why a goat now? That said, it's not the one who's slurping at the farm, but the wild thing that runs through the steep slopes of the mountainside at an incredible speed.

The Coupler series' hooves shaped outsoles were inspired by the strong hooves that run around freely without being overwhelmed by the rough rocky areas. The outer hoof part (white part in the photo) is made of highly flexible rubber, making it less slippery, and it is firmly attached to the hard rock surface, while the inside (black part in the photo) is made of harder material, which is resistant to mud and rough roads, making it easier to absorb impact.

Our original SELECT GRIP is designed to accommodate a variety of terrains through this hybrid sole pattern. I'm looking forward to seeing how skilled he is. In addition, the actual measurements are 411g (US9 size) and it is lighter than a feather, and it is also thought to be a sophisticated design, making it a model that is more likely to be recommended for beginners.

Montrail SIERRAVADA MID OUTDRY

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

Montrail, a brand famous as the origin of trail running shoes, has a strong image now that it is a brand for trail running and adventure racing (I have always been using it in Bajada), but in reality it with the aim of making the trekking boots, which were sturdy at the time, lighter and more comfortable . In 2016, the Montrail returned to the hiking world, carrying shoes that are named after the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are known to all American hikers.

First of all, everyone will be surprised at how comfortable they are. The sole has an outstanding cushioning performance, which is one of the top 10 among the other introduced here. Furthermore, the seven shoe holes, which are tape-like and are packed with spaces, are very easy to tighten, and do not easily loosen, giving it a great hold that I personally love.

Other main features include solid protection from the upper, which is made with the DNA of the trekking boots, the shock absorbing power, flexibility, cushioning (trail shield and fluid foam) of the midsole developed through trail running shoes, and the waterproof and breathable membrane with the OutDry®, which is said to surpass GORE-TEX®. It's not flattering or anything, but now that active hiking styles are becoming more and more popular, there's no doubt that this model has become one of the footwear brands I'm most looking forward to.

TECNICA TCROSS MID SYN GTX

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

If this special were not included, the Italian brand would never have come across for a long time. It boasts a history of over 50 years and is a well-established, well-established brand that has become a pioneer in plastic ski boots, making it a well-established brand in winter sports. This is honestly the first time I've learned that this is such a cutting-edge brand with such technical capabilities in the world of trekking boots.

The features backed by experience and technical skills, such as the heel system that improves heel cushioning and reduces the twist of the ankle, the unique sole system (TRS) that creates a gentle curve to support natural movements from landing to kicking off, and the upper structure that maintains protection and hold without losing the mobility of the foot, are free from more gaps than you might think, and you can imagine a much higher level of perfection. This is because it hasn't actually arrived yet...I've written it out from a note about the feel I came across at last year's exhibition. However, the excitement I felt at that time was real and I still haven't forgotten it. It must be something that is sure to be certain. Stay tuned for future comparison tests.

VASQUE Inhaler II GTX

Lightness★★★★☆☆Stable

VASQUE is a brand that has a strong impression of traditional all-leather boots by Italian shoemakers, but in recent years it has been gaining popularity in trail running and performance hiking (the company's name). The new model is almost the same specs as the model (Inhaler) released last year, but it is still as light as ever (435g for actual measurement of US 9.5).

The upper material, which is likely to be related to its lightness, is as thin as you would imagine, with a rough mesh surface, and despite its waterproof boots, this shoe's biggest feature is its incredible wind-wave. I also feel serious about the ventilation, which has been deliberately hollowed out the protection of the heel and toes.

However, Vibram's latest Megagrip rubber and deep-carved lugs (ditches) used in the outsole are likely to provide high grip over a wide range of terrain (especially muddy rough roads). As someone who is used to trekking shoes, I can't help but grin at the very reliable look.

adidas TERREX FAST R MID Gore-Tex

Lightness★★★☆☆☆Stable

Adidas is the well-known king of sports apparel, but in fact, it has a long history of outdoor footwear, and it began with the creation of approach shoes for the world-renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner . As someone who sees the technical and design challenges, I want to support them, so I have been thinking about the opportunity to try them out, but this model was perfect in many ways.

First of all, the colors and design are not what you would call "outdoor". No matter how you look at it, adidas. As expected. The upper from the instep to the toes is made of slender nylon fabric. However, the crisp and hard feel made it a little difficult to get on, but I guess it's a problem with getting used to it.

The heel and both sides are made of bold hard plastic, making the heel stable. However, I was wondering what would happen in terms of cushioning, but the outsole used a rubber jointly developed with tire manufacturer Continental. The lug pattern resembles tires, and the soft, tenacious material have excellent grip and cushioning, and the unique shock-absorbing system adiprene on the heel makes me realize that I'm just as shy as I am.

Anyway, I feel that the TERREX FAST R, which has come to the point of using a clearly different approach to other shoes, has a bottomless potential. So, we'll be looking forward to the details in the comparison test report!

We also recommend this article about trekking shoes.

• 5 tips to choose the right trekking shoes for your feet
• How to Fit Trekking Shoes and 6 Points to Check
• Comparison test: We compared the recommended trekking shoes from mountaineering shop staff

Reference: A summary of general features by type of shoe

type	Running (trerunning) shoes	Hiking boots (mid-cut)	Trekking Alpine Boots (High Cut)
image
Lightness	◎	◯※2	△
Cushioning	◎※1	◯	△
Breathable and quick-drying	◎	◯	△
Ankle freedom	◎	◯※2	△
Feelings of the soles of the feet	◯	◯	△
Care work	◯	◯	△
Stability on uneven terrain and heavy loads	△※1	◯	◎
Ankle support	△	◯※2	◎
Invasion of pebbles and other stones	△	◯※2	◎
Protectiveness and durability	△	◯	◎
Thermal insulation	△	◯	◎
Attaching the clamp	×	×	◯
Optimal use scenes	Shoes for short-term running on paved roads with light loads	Shoes for walking (running) on ​​rough roads for a long period of time with light loads	Shoes for long-term walking on all terrain, including rocky ridges and muddy

*1 In the case of trail running shoes, the elastic on the outsole becomes harder and deeper, increasing stability on uneven terrain, while the cushioning tends to fall more than that of running shoes.

Even if the same hiking shoes are low-cut models, the following features are similar to those of running and trail running shoes, and the emphasis is placed on lighter and more flexible walking.