9 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots For UK Trails (2026)

Heavy leather boots have their place, but most UK walkers don't need them. If your boots feel like dead weight by mile eight on the Pennine Way, or your feet are soaked through after one bog crossing on the Mournes, you're carrying the wrong kit. The best lightweight hiking boots solve both problems at once: less strain on your knees over long distances, plus proper grip and waterproofing for mixed British terrain.

This guide skips the marketing fluff and focuses on what actually matters on UK trails: breathable membranes that cope with sudden rain, outsoles that grip wet rock and mud, and a fit that won't leave you with blisters by lunchtime. We've tested boots across day walks, multi-day treks, and everything the Lake District and Snowdonia can throw at you.

Below you'll find nine pairs from brands like Berghaus and Craghoppers, covering everyone from casual weekend walkers to those tackling serious mileage. Each entry breaks down weight, waterproofing, and who it suits best, so you can pick a boot that matches your feet and your route, not just the price tag.

1. Berghaus VC22 Mid GTX

The Berghaus VC22 Mid GTX sits at the top of this list because it strikes a genuinely rare balance: it's light enough for a fast day walk but sturdy enough for a wet weekend in the Cairngorms. Berghaus built this boot around a single idea, cutting weight without cutting corners on protection, and it shows the moment you lace up. At roughly 420g per boot (UK size 9), it's noticeably lighter than traditional leather hiking boots while still offering a supportive midsole and a genuine Gore-Tex membrane rather than a cheaper in-house alternative.

Key features

Underneath the mesh-and-suede upper, Berghaus has packed in tech that punches above the boot's price point. The Vibram outsole grips wet rock and loose scree far better than the generic rubber you find on budget boots, and the OrthoLite footbed adds cushioning that holds up over a full day's walking.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~420g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane
Outsole	Vibram with multi-directional lugs
Upper	Suede and recycled mesh
Ankle support	Mid-cut, moderate flex

A boot that keeps your feet dry on a bog crossing and still feels light by mile ten is exactly what most UK walkers actually need.

That combination, genuine waterproofing plus a proper grip pattern, is what separates this from cheaper lightweight boots that soak through after twenty minutes of rain. Berghaus also uses a gusseted tongue, which stops grit and small stones working their way in on loose paths, something you'll appreciate on the scrambly sections of the Yorkshire Dales.

Who it's best for

This boot suits day walkers and weekend backpackers who cover 8 to 15 miles at a stretch and want one boot that handles both dry summer paths and the sort of driving rain the Lake District throws at you without warning. If you're carrying a daypack rather than a full multi-day pack, the VC22's flexibility works in your favour; it moves with your foot instead of fighting it.

It's less suited to anyone regularly carrying loads over 15kg or tackling technical scrambling where a stiffer, more supportive boot earns its keep. For that kind of use, look further down this list at something like the Scarpa Rush 2. But for the vast majority of UK hikers doing ordinary routes on ordinary weekends, the VC22 covers the brief better than almost anything else at this price.

• Best matched terrain: moorland, coastal paths, forest tracks, mixed lowland and lower fell walking
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 12kg
• Break-in time: minimal, most walkers report comfort within the first few miles

Price and fit

Berghaus prices the VC22 Mid GTX competitively against other branded lightweight boots, typically sitting in the mid-range bracket rather than the premium tier occupied by Scarpa or Salomon's top lines. You'll usually find it cheaper than comparable Salomon or Keen models, which makes it a sensible entry point if you're upgrading from budget boots for the first time.

Fit-wise, it runs true to size for most UK feet, with a slightly roomier toe box than the Salomon X Ultra below, so if you've got wider feet or wear thicker socks in colder months, this boot will feel more forgiving straight out of the box. Narrow-footed walkers might find the midfoot a touch loose even with the laces cinched, so it's worth trying a half-size down if you fall into that category. Standard UK sizing runs from 6 to 13, including half sizes, which covers most adult feet without needing to hunt down specialist width options.

2. Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX trades a little bit of Berghaus-style plushness for pure speed. This is the boot you reach for when a walk turns into a fast-paced scramble up scree, or when you want something closer to a trail shoe with ankle protection bolted on. Salomon has refined this line for years, and the fifth generation feels the most dialled-in yet, with a snug, low-volume fit that locks your heel down the moment you tighten the laces.

Key features

Salomon's Quicklace system is the standout feature here: one pull tightens the whole boot evenly, which matters when you're stopping and starting on technical ground and don't want to fuss with traditional eyelets. The Contragrip outsole, developed with Michelin, holds its own on wet rock and scree far better than most boots in this weight class.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~400g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex membrane
Outsole	Contragrip (Michelin rubber compound)
Lacing	Quicklace pull-cord system
Ankle support	Mid-cut, low-volume fit

When speed and grip matter more than cushioning, the X Ultra 5 earns its place on your feet.

The Advanced Chassis underfoot adds torsional stability without the bulk of a full shank, so you get support on uneven ground without the boot feeling like a brick.

Who it's best for

This boot suits hikers who move fast and light, think Lake District ridge walks, Peak District edges, or long summer days where you're covering ground quickly rather than hauling a heavy pack. If your walking style leans towards trail running with occasional scrambling, the low-volume fit and aggressive grip will feel like home.

It's a poor match for anyone with wide feet or bunions, since Salomon's fit runs narrow throughout the forefoot. Walkers carrying loads over 10kg will also notice the lighter build lacks the structure of the Berghaus VC22 above.

• Best matched terrain: rocky ridgelines, scree, technical fell paths
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 10kg
• Break-in time: almost none, though narrow feet may need a size up

Price and fit

Salomon sits in the mid-to-premium bracket, typically pricier than the Berghaus VC22 but cheaper than Scarpa's top-tier boots. Sizing runs notably narrow, so if you're between sizes or have a wider foot, go up half a size rather than sizing down. UK sizing covers 6 to 12, with limited half sizes at the extremes.

3. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has been a staple on UK trails for years, and the third generation keeps the formula that made it popular: comfort straight out of the box, without needing weeks of breaking in. Merrell built this boot for walkers who want reliability over flashiness, and it delivers exactly that on everything from Peak District gritstone to muddy Yorkshire farm tracks.

Key features

Merrell fits the Moab 3 with a Vibram TC5+ outsole, a compound designed specifically for wet traction, which matters more than most spec sheets admit on a country where rain arrives without warning. The Air Cushion heel absorbs shock on descents, and a supportive footbed gives underfoot comfort that many lightweight boots skip in the name of shaving grams.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~450g
Waterproofing	Merrell M Select DRY membrane
Outsole	Vibram TC5+
Midsole	EVA foam with Air Cushion heel
Ankle support	Mid-cut, cushioned collar

Comfort you don't have to earn through blisters is the whole point of the Moab 3.

The upper combines suede leather with mesh panels, striking a decent balance between durability and breathability, so your feet don't overheat on warmer spring walks even with the waterproof membrane doing its job underneath.

Who it's best for

This boot suits casual and occasional walkers who want one pair for everything from dog walks to a weekend in the Lakes, without fussing over sizing quirks or a long break-in period. If you're new to hiking boots generally, or you've had bad experiences with stiff leather boots rubbing your heels raw, the Moab 3 is a sensible, forgiving starting point.

Experienced hikers covering serious mileage might find the cushioning compresses over very long days, and the outsole, while good, doesn't quite match the Salomon X Ultra 5 on technical scree. For committed weekend backpackers, it's still a solid, dependable choice.

• Best matched terrain: farmland, forest paths, moderate fells, everyday dog walks
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 10kg
• Break-in time: minimal, comfortable from the first walk for most feet

Price and fit

Merrell positions the Moab 3 firmly in the budget-to-mid-range bracket, making it one of the more affordable options on this list without feeling like a compromise. Fit runs true to size with a slightly wider toe box than the Salomon above, which suits walkers who dislike a snug forefoot. UK sizing runs from 6 to 12, with half sizes available across most of the range.

4. Craghoppers Kiwi Trek boot

The Craghoppers Kiwi Trek boot brings the brand's popular Kiwi trouser philosophy to footwear: practical, well-priced, and built for everyday outdoor use rather than technical mountaineering. Craghoppers has a loyal following among UK walkers who value sensible gear over flashy branding, and this boot fits that reputation neatly. It's not trying to compete with Salomon on grams or Scarpa on technical grip, it's aiming for dependable comfort on the sort of walks most people actually do.

Key features

Craghoppers builds the Kiwi Trek around a breathable waterproof membrane paired with a suede and textile upper that resists scuffs on stony paths. The rubber outsole uses a fairly aggressive lug pattern, which copes well with muddy farmland and wet grass, if not quite matching the wet-rock grip of a Vibram sole.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~480g
Waterproofing	Craghoppers waterproof breathable membrane
Outsole	Rubber with multi-directional lugs
Upper	Suede and ripstop textile
Ankle support	Mid-cut, padded collar

A boot built for reliability on ordinary walks, not for chasing spec-sheet records.

The padded ankle collar and cushioned tongue add comfort that some lighter competitors sacrifice, which matters if you're on your feet for six or seven hours straight.

Who it's best for

This boot suits casual walkers and countryside ramblers who want solid protection without paying premium prices. If your typical weekend involves a coastal path, a National Trust estate, or gentle Peak District trails rather than scrambling up Tryfan, the Kiwi Trek does everything you need without fuss.

Serious hillwalkers covering rougher, steeper ground will find it lacks the torsional stability of the Berghaus VC22 or the grip of the Salomon X Ultra 5. It's also a touch heavier than most boots on this list, so fast-paced walkers may prefer something leaner.

• Best matched terrain: coastal paths, countryside estates, gentle lowland trails
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 8kg
• Break-in time: minimal, comfortable within the first outing

Price and fit

Craghoppers prices the Kiwi Trek at the budget end of this list, making it one of the most accessible options for anyone testing whether hiking boots suit their lifestyle before spending more. Fit runs slightly generous through the toe box, similar to the Merrell Moab 3 above, so thinner-footed walkers may want a snugger lace or thicker sock. UK sizing spans 4 to 12, with a genuinely wide range of half sizes that suits smaller and larger feet alike.

5. Karrimor Mount Mid WTX

The Karrimor Mount Mid WTX is the sort of boot that gets overlooked because it doesn't shout about itself, but it's earned a loyal following among UK hillwalkers who want dependable kit without the premium price tag. Karrimor built its reputation on straightforward, no-nonsense outdoor gear, and the Mount Mid WTX carries that ethos through: solid waterproofing, decent grip, and a fit that works for most feet without fuss. It won't win any weight-shaving awards, but it doesn't need to.

Key features

Karrimor fits the Mount Mid with its own WTX waterproof membrane, a licensed alternative to Gore-Tex that performs well in sustained rain without pushing the price into premium territory. The outsole uses a Karrimor-branded rubber compound with deep, widely spaced lugs, which sheds mud effectively on the sort of boggy Pennine paths that clog up shallower tread patterns.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~470g
Waterproofing	Karrimor WTX membrane
Outsole	Karrimor rubber, deep multi-directional lugs
Upper	Synthetic and mesh
Ankle support	Mid-cut, padded collar

Reliable weatherproofing at a fair price beats flashy branding when the forecast turns against you.

The padded tongue and collar add comfort that punches above the price point, and the lacing system runs the full length of the boot, which helps you dial in fit around the midfoot on narrower feet.

Who it's best for

This boot suits budget-conscious walkers who still want genuine waterproofing rather than a cheap membrane that fails after a season. If you're doing regular weekend walks across Pennine bridleways or Welsh valley routes and want a boot that won't let you down in persistent drizzle, the Mount Mid WTX delivers dependable performance without asking you to spend Scarpa or Salomon money.

It's not the boot for anyone chasing minimal weight or technical scrambling grip; the Vibram-equipped options further up this list outperform it on wet rock. But for straightforward fell and moorland walking, it holds its own comfortably.

• Best matched terrain: Pennine bridleways, moorland, boggy lowland paths
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 9kg
• Break-in time: minimal, though the collar softens further after a few wears

Price and fit

Karrimor positions the Mount Mid WTX firmly at the budget end, often the cheapest genuinely waterproof boot on this list, which makes it a sound choice if you're kitting out multiple family members without breaking the bank. Fit runs true to size with a fairly standard volume throughout, and UK sizing spans 6 to 12, with limited half sizes available.

6. Keen Targhee Apex Mid WP

The Keen Targhee Apex Mid WP takes a different approach to lightweight comfort: instead of shaving grams everywhere, Keen focuses on a wide, foot-shaped last that suits walkers who've struggled with narrow boots elsewhere on this list. It's a chunkier-looking boot than the Salomon or Berghaus, but that extra volume up front is deliberate, and it's why Keen has such a loyal following among walkers with wider or flatter feet.

Key features

Keen builds the Targhee Apex around its own KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, paired with a full-grain leather and mesh upper that holds up well against scrambling over rocky Snowdonia paths. The outsole uses a Keen-branded rubber compound with multi-directional lugs, and a supportive TPU shank underfoot adds stability that many lighter boots skip entirely.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~510g
Waterproofing	KEEN.DRY membrane
Outsole	Keen rubber, multi-directional lugs
Upper	Full-grain leather and mesh
Ankle support	Mid-cut, supportive TPU shank

A wide toe box and genuine underfoot support matter more than shaved grams if your feet don't fit narrow boots comfortably.

That shank makes the Targhee Apex feel more substantial underfoot than its weight suggests, which helps on rocky, uneven terrain where a flimsier midsole would let stones bruise your feet through the sole.

Who it's best for

This boot suits wider-footed walkers who've been let down by the snug fit of boots like the Salomon X Ultra 5 or even the Merrell Moab 3. If you've bought hiking boots before and found your toes cramped by lunchtime, the Targhee Apex's roomier last solves that problem outright. It also handles longer day walks well, thanks to the added underfoot support most lightweight boots leave out.

It's a poor match if you want the absolute lightest boot on your feet; the extra structure adds weight compared with the Salomon or Berghaus above. Narrow-footed walkers will also find it feels sloppy around the midfoot even with the laces cinched tight.

• Best matched terrain: rocky fell paths, uneven moorland, mixed lowland trails
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 11kg
• Break-in time: minimal, most walkers find it comfortable from the first outing

Price and fit

Keen sits in the mid-range bracket, comparable to the Berghaus VC22 and generally cheaper than Salomon or Scarpa. Fit runs notably wide throughout the forefoot, so narrow-footed walkers should size down half a size or accept a looser fit. UK sizing spans 6 to 12, with half sizes available across most of the range, making it one of the better options on this list for anyone who's struggled with cramped toe boxes elsewhere.

7. Inov8 Roclite Mid GTX

The Inov8 Roclite Mid GTX comes from a brand built on trail running shoes, and that heritage shows in every part of this boot. Inov8 has scaled up its fast-and-light philosophy into a mid-cut hiker that feels more like a beefed-up trail shoe than a traditional boot, which suits walkers who want minimal weight and don't mind sacrificing some structure to get it. It's the lightest boot on this list by a clear margin, and you notice that difference within the first few steps.

Key features

Inov8 fits the Roclite with its Graphene-Grip outsole, a compound developed with the University of Manchester that improves wet grip without adding bulk. The mesh and TPU upper sheds weight aggressively, and a Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out despite the minimal construction.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~370g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex membrane
Outsole	Graphene-Grip rubber compound
Upper	Mesh and TPU overlays
Ankle support	Mid-cut, minimal structure

When shaving weight matters more than structure, the Roclite Mid GTX is the boot that proves grams and grip aren't mutually exclusive.

The Meta-Shank underfoot is far thinner than a traditional shank but still adds enough torsional stiffness to stop the boot folding awkwardly on uneven ground, which is impressive given how little material Inov8 has used to achieve it.

Who it's best for

This boot suits fast hikers and ultralight backpackers who count grams and want a boot that disappears on their feet during long days. If you're doing fell running crossovers, or multi-day trips where every gram in your pack matters, the Roclite's minimal weight makes a genuine difference over 15 or 20 miles.

It's a poor choice for anyone needing ankle support on rough, technical ground, or walkers carrying heavier packs; the minimal structure simply isn't built for load-bearing use. Wider-footed walkers should also look elsewhere, since the last runs narrow throughout.

• Best matched terrain: fell paths, runnable trails, long-distance lowland routes
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 8kg
• Break-in time: none, feels like a trail shoe from the first wear

Price and fit

Inov8 prices the Roclite Mid GTX in the mid-range bracket, similar to the Salomon X Ultra 5 above. Fit runs narrow and low-volume, so half a size up is worth considering if your feet swell on longer walks. UK sizing spans 5 to 12, with reasonable half-size coverage throughout the range.

8. Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX

The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX brings genuine Italian bootmaking pedigree to a lighter, faster category than Scarpa usually plays in. Scarpa built its name on stiff, technical mountain boots, and some of that engineering DNA carries through here, even though the Rush 2 is aimed squarely at hikers who want speed rather than mountaineering rigidity. It sits at the premium end of this list, and the construction quality justifies it.

Key features

Scarpa fits the Rush 2 with a Gore-Tex membrane bonded to a suede and mesh upper that feels noticeably more refined than most boots at this weight. The Vibram outsole uses a compound tuned for grip across wet rock and dry scree alike, a detail that matters once you're picking a line down a rough Lakeland descent.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~430g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex membrane
Outsole	Vibram, dual-density compound
Upper	Suede and mesh
Ankle support	Mid-cut, moderate flex with heel lock

Italian bootmaking precision, scaled down to a weight that suits fast UK day walks.

Underfoot, Scarpa uses a dual-density midsole that firms up progressively as you load weight through it, giving support on rocky ground without the dead, overbuilt feel of heavier boots.

Who it's best for

This boot suits experienced day walkers who want a boot that handles technical terrain confidently but still feels light enough for a brisk 12-mile route. If you've outgrown budget boots and want something that rewards careful foot placement on scree or wet slabs, the Rush 2 delivers noticeably better control than the Berghaus VC22 or Merrell Moab 3 above.

Casual walkers doing gentle countryside routes won't need what this boot offers, and the price reflects capability you may never use on flat farmland paths. It also suits fell walkers who occasionally scramble but don't want a full mountaineering boot for it.

• Best matched terrain: rocky fells, scree, mixed scrambling terrain
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 12kg
• Break-in time: short, a few miles settles the heel lock in

Price and fit

Scarpa sits at the premium end of this list, pricier than the Berghaus VC22 or Keen Targhee Apex, reflecting the build quality and materials used. Fit runs true to size with a snug heel and slightly narrow midfoot, so walkers with wider feet should try before buying. UK sizing spans 6 to 12, with half sizes available across most of the range.

9. Adidas Terrex Skychaser Tech GTX

The Adidas Terrex Skychaser Tech GTX rounds off this list with a boot that feels closer to a technical running shoe than a traditional hiker, and that's exactly the point. Adidas built the Terrex line for athletes who move fast over rough ground, and the Skychaser Tech carries that DNA into a mid-cut boot that flexes naturally with your stride instead of restricting it. It's the boot you reach for when you want trail-shoe agility with just enough ankle coverage for loose ground.

Key features

Adidas fits the Skychaser Tech with a Continental rubber outsole, developed with the tyre manufacturer specifically for wet and dry grip, which performs noticeably well on slick Welsh slate and greasy woodland roots. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out, while the lightweight mesh upper with strategic overlays keeps the boot breathable on warmer days.

Feature	Detail
Weight (per boot, UK 9)	~410g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex membrane
Outsole	Continental rubber compound
Upper	Mesh with synthetic overlays
Ankle support	Mid-cut, running-shoe flex

A boot that moves like a trail shoe but still shrugs off a soaked bridleway is the sweet spot Adidas has aimed for here.

Underfoot, Adidas uses a Boost midsole in parts of the range, which adds energy return that most hiking boots simply don't offer, useful if your walks blend hiking with fast-paced trail sections.

Who it's best for

This boot suits hikers who also run or do fast-paced multi-terrain training, and want one boot that bridges both worlds without owning separate pairs. If your weekends mix a proper walk with jogging sections on the same route, or you simply prefer a softer, more responsive underfoot feel than the stiffer Scarpa Rush 2 above, the Skychaser Tech fits that gap neatly.

It's not the right choice for anyone needing serious ankle support on rough scrambling terrain, since the flexible construction prioritises movement over rigidity. Walkers carrying heavier packs will also find it lacks the structure of the Keen Targhee Apex further up this list.

• Best matched terrain: woodland trails, canal paths, mixed running-and-walking routes
• Pack weight it handles comfortably: up to around 8kg
• Break-in time: none, feels ready from the first step

Price and fit

Adidas prices the Skychaser Tech GTX in the mid-range bracket, similar to the Inov8 Roclite above and generally cheaper than Scarpa's premium offering. Fit runs true to size with a snug, sock-like feel through the midfoot, so wider-footed walkers may prefer the roomier Keen Targhee Apex instead. UK sizing spans 6 to 12, with half sizes available across most of the range.

Picking the right boot for your next hike

No single boot on this list wins outright, because the right choice depends entirely on your feet and your route. Weight and structure pull in opposite directions: the Inov8 Roclite saves grams but skips support, while the Keen Targhee Apex adds bulk to fix a wide toe box. Grip and waterproofing matter more than brand names once you're actually stood in a bog on the Mournes or scrambling wet slate in Snowdonia.

Rather than chasing the flashiest spec sheet, match the boot to what you actually do most weekends. Casual rambler? Look at the Merrell Moab 3 or Craghoppers Kiwi Trek. Covering serious mileage with a loaded pack? The Berghaus VC22 or Scarpa Rush 2 earn their price. Whichever pair suits you, you'll find current stock and pricing across this list at MoreSports, along with the rest of the hiking kit you'll need before your next walk.