What Is a Good Weight for Hiking Boots?

When it comes to finding the best hiking boots, the weight of the boot is a major factor to consider. This is because heavy boots can be cumbersome and add extra weight to your backpack, making it harder to traverse difficult terrain.

On the other hand, lightweight boots are often not as durable as heavier ones and may not offer enough protection while hiking. So, what is a good weight for hiking boots?

In general, most experienced hikers recommend that your total footwear should weigh no more than 3 lbs for each pair of shoes or boots. This includes both the sole and upper material of the boot.

The upper material of your hiking boot should range from 8 oz to 2 lbs depending on the type of material used. If you are looking for a lightweight boot that still provides good protection, a boot with an upper made from nylon or synthetic leather could be a good option.

The sole of your boot is also important when considering weight. Most hikers prefer to use Vibram or similar soles because they provide excellent grip and cushioning while also being relatively lightweight.

Look for soles that are around 8-12 oz in order to get good support without adding too much extra weight.

Finally, it’s important to consider what type of terrain you will be using your boots on. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of rock scrambling then you may want a heavier sole with more traction than someone who will only be walking on flat trails.

Conclusion:

Although there isn’t an exact answer as to what is a good weight for hiking boots, in general most experienced hikers recommend that they should weigh no more than 3 lbs (including both the sole and upper). When choosing a boot look for ones with lightweight uppers (8 oz – 2 lbs) and soles (8-12 oz) that provide good traction and cushioning depending on the type of terrain you will be traversing.

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Jennifer Watson