Staying comfy on a hike or backpacking trip is vital, regardless of the season. As for footwear on the trail, lightweight hiking boots quicken your pace and protect you from dreadful mid-hike woes like blisters and sweaty feet. Plus, they add less weight to your pack than a pair of chunky boots with extra padding.

The best lightweight hiking boots are supportive and responsive, and with some waterproofing, can help you cross streams and creeks. We tested some of the most popular styles from brands like Vasque, Merrell, and Lowa to find the best options for hastening your next hike.

Lightweight hiking boots weigh between one and three pounds, and those on the higher end of the scale typically have waterproofing layers and extra padding. Most boots on this list are under two pounds, great for quick scrambles, fast-paced thru-hiking trips, and avoiding fatigue on challenging hikes without sacrificing stability.

Hiking boots come in mid and high styles, protecting your feet from the elements just above or a few inches higher than the ankle bone. Low-cut hiking footwear provides the least protection from moist and grimy conditions designed for trail running or considered a hiking shoe (not a boot). They may be useful for long thru-hikes and relaxed trails with less obstacles, but the average hiker likely needs mid or high hiking boots to protect from rolling your ankle on a bumpy trail.