Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Hawaii (For Men, Women & Kids)
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From hiking the challenging Kalalau Trail to taking the scenic Waipi’o Valley, a durable hiking shoe is vital, especially on those long trails and ones up rough terrain.
With so much choice in the market today, it can be a daunting task to find the best shoes for the job.
However, luckily for you, we’ve hand-picked the best lightweight hiking shoes for men, women, and kids for your Hawaiian hiking adventure.
The hiking shoes we’ve selected are all ideal for every type of trail in Hawaii and are built to last!
Let’s get started…
Featured Recommendations
At a glance…
Mens best rated hiking shoes for Hawaii
That was our top men’s, women’s and kids lightweight hiking shoes for Hawaii, now let’s take a look at the men’s in more detail.
1 KEEN Targhee II
Best Overall:
With over 2,700 reviews it’s easy to see why the KEEN Targhee (Amazon) hiking shoe is rated and recommended so highly.
It’s made from 100% waterproof leather ensuring your feet are kept dry no matter the weather conditions on your hike are.
The durable runner sole will keep your feet firmly on the ground and ideal for all terrains, it will especially handle well on rough or rocky terrain.
The KEEN Targhee offers four-wheel-drive performance for your feet, these lightweight shoes are designed to keep your feet dry and breathable on all types of trails.
From hiking steep rocky mountains and lush jungles to the beach or city streets, these hiking shoes are perfect for Hawaii and will last you for many years to come.
Features
- Weight: 1 pound
- Waterproof leather
- Durable rubber sole
- Easy-on heel pull
- Order half size larger than usual
What I Love
With eleven color choices, the KEEN Targhee gives you the flexibility of style to match your hiking gear. I love how these shoes use 100% waterproof leather, so there’s no need to worry about wet feet. The high-quality materials used will ensure these hiking shoes will last you no matter what hike you decide to take.
Pro’s
- Waterpoof leather
- Highest quality materials
- Durable rubber sole
- Comfortable
- Perfect for any terrain
Con’s
- Order a half-size bigger
Verdict
Whether you’re hiking rugged terrain or through jungles these shoes are more than up to the job. The waterproof leather will ensure you’re kept dry throughout your hike too. Weighing 15.4 ounces, they won’t weigh you down either, so you can save your energy for the hike.
Mens runners up…
2 Merrell Moab 2
Best rated:
The Merrell Moab 2 could have easily come in first place, it was a close call.
With nearly a whopping 5,300 reviews the Moab 2 is the best selling hiking shoe on Amazon. It features leather and mesh materials providing breathability and durability on the trails. This hiking shoe is comfortable and has a high-performance anti-slip rubber sole for added grip and stability.
Overall, this is the best selling hiking shoe on the market. You’ll find it hard to get a better hiking shoe for Hawaii then the Merrell Moab 2, whatever the trail this shoe will make it a breeze.
3 Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX
Best for style:
Tackle any tricky terrian with the Adidas Terrex Swift hiking shoes. These lightweight shoes are designed for moving fast, and with the breathable rip-stop mesh upper they’ll keep your feet nice and cool.
These hiking shoes are durable yet extremely comfortable and feature an EVA midsole for long-term cushioning, perfect for taking the load off the toughest of terrains.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish high-quality pair of hiking shoes then you can’t go wrong with the Adidas Terrex hiking shoes. You’ll be able to fly up any mountain and tackle any terrain with these.
Womens best rated hiking shoes for Hawaii
Now let’s take a look at the women’s lightweight hiking shoes in more detail.
1 Merrell Moab 2
Best value for money:
For over a decade now the Merrell Moab 2 (Amazon) hiking shoes have been the first choice for many hikers around the world, they are tired and tests, but most importantly trusted!
They are extremely high-quality hiking shoes which are made to withstand the harshest of terrains and most importantly they are made to last. So there’s no need for new hiking shoes every year, you’ll be your money’s worth.
Made from leather and mesh upper, the Moab 2 provides you with a breathable and durable hiking shoe ensuring you stay comfortable on your trail.
Speaking of comfort, the heel air cushioning reduces the stress on your feet with every step making those long hikes a breeze. Other features include an anti-slip durable rubber sole, perfect for those rainy days and wet trails you might find in Hawaii.
Features
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Slip resistant
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Synthetic sole
- Leather and mesh upper
What I Love
I love the fact that these shoes are so well known and trusted throughout the hiking community and you never really hear anything bad said about their shoes. They have everything you’d need to take on any hiking trail in Hawaii, from comfort and quality to their anti-slip durable sole. They won’t fall apart on brought terrain either.
Pro’s
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Anti-slip
- High quality materials
- Air cushion sole
Con’s
- A little on the chunky side
Verdict
You’ll find it hard to get a better pair of hiking shoes than the Moab 2. From hiking through the Kōkeʻe State Park to climbing the Haiku Stairs, no matter what trail you decide these shoes will do you proud. Most importantly, they’re made to last!
Womens runners up…
2 Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX
Best for style:
Hike Hawaii in style with the Adidas Terrex Swift (Amazon). These lightweight hiking shoes are slick and feature a modern design you’d find on a leisure or running shoe. They will have you flying up the mountains in no time.
This waterproof shoe is made from high-quality Rip-stop material and features a traxion rubber outsole for optimal grip in all directions, especially in wet and slippy conditions.
Overall, these shoes will provide the ultimate comfort for your feet and will be more than up to the job whatever hike you decide to take in Hawaii. They’re lightweight, breathable and will withstand rocky terrain no problem.
3 Columbia Newton Ridge
Best rated:
Built with leather and mesh the Columbia Newton Ridge (Amazon) hiking boots feature a lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, thanks to it superior cushioning.
They are waterproof and have an advanced traction rubber sole preventing slipping on wet and rough terrain.
So, whether your hiking through jungles, up rocky terrain or even on an active volcano the Columbia Newton Ridge will stand up to the toughest of terrains.
Overall, you’ll be surprised at how lightweight these boots are and their quality. With over 6,000 reviews you know you’re getting a good quality hiking boot for your trip to Hawaii!
Kids best rated hiking shoes for Hawaii
Now let’s take a look at the kids lightweight hiking shoes in more detail.
1 Merrell Chameleon (Unisex)
Best overall:
Available in blue, pink and a neutral orange color the Merrell Chameleon (Amazon) are a fantastic hiking shoe loaded with high-performance features.
They’re very lightweight and breathable too allowing your little ones to hike comfortably for longer. Made from waterproof material your child’s feet will be kept nice and dry. They’re also quick drying too, which is another great feature.
The durable ground-grabbing sole will aid traction on any trail, giving you the confidence to let your kids take the lead of some of the trails, even in the wet weather.
Features
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Rubber sole
What I Love
I love that there’s variety in selection for both boys and girls, allow you to choose pink blue or a neutral orange. Merrell is one of the best hiking shoes around, so you know you’re getting the best quality shoes on the market. I also love how they are not only waterproof but they are quick drying too.
Pro’s
- Waterproof
- Quick drying
- Anti-slip rubber sole
- Colors for boys and girls
- Very comfortable
Con’s
- More expensive than others, but will last!
Verdict
Overall, these are the best hiking shoes for kids, you’ll find it hard to get a better quality pair of hiking shoes that will last you as long as these! They’re lightweight, durable, breathable, waterproof and more. For the price tag, these are a bargain. They will last your kids a long time no matter what trails you take.
Kids runners up…
2 Feetmat Hiking Shoes
Best waterproof:
Available in many different colors for boys and girls the Feetmat (Amazon) hiking shoes are perfect for your little ones feet when hiking in Hawaii.
These waterproof shoes are perfect for any kid, as we all know kids like jumping in puddles, but don’t worry these shoes will keep their feet perfectly dry. Your little one won’t even know they’re wearing hiking shoes as they’re that lightweight!
Overall, the Feetman shoes are made to last and will withstand all the different types of terrains Hawaii has to offer. They also feature non-slip durable shoes ensuring your child safety on the trails. For added protection to their feet, they also have anti-collision top caps protecting their feet from hard objects.
3 Merrell Trail Chaser
Best for light trails:
The Merrell Trail Chaser (Amazon) hiking shoe is designed to keep up with the kids, whether they’re hitting the Hawaiian trails or walking down the stunning beaches.
These quality hiking shoes are made to last and are a great choice for any of the amazing hikes in Hawaii. It features an easy velcro strap so your child can slip them on with ease.
The anti-slip and trip resistant outsole ensures they stay on their feet in various weather conditions making the Merrell Trail Chaser a perfect fit for any active adventure.
Criteria for Evaluation
Here are the different factors you should consider in finding the best hiking shoes for your trip to Hawaii:
Weight
Make sure your hiking shoes are lightweight and not bulky. Heavy hiking shoes can tire your legs out and leave you sore the following day, especially on those longer trails in Hawaii.
It’s important that the are still good quality though, and not made from poor materials. Some of the lightweight hiking shoes are just mostly made of mesh and not even waterproof.
Traction and sole
When hiking the weather can be unpredictable especially in tropical climates. With no warning you can encounter big downpours of rain, making your trails slippy and potentially dangerous if you’re not careful.
Always check that your hiking shoes have a durable rubber sole with anti-slip and traction features. This will ensure no matter the conditions you and your family are safe.
Quality and materials
Don’t try and penny-pinch to save a little bit of money. For me, it’s worth paying that little bit more and guaranteeing your hiking shoes are good quality. Cheap alternatives are generally poorly made and you’ll end up replacing them every year, some won’t even last a moderate trail. Always get a good-quality pair of hiking shoes that are made to last!
Waterproof
As previously mentioned the weather can be unpredictable in Hawaii and the last thing you want is to be doing a long hiking trail with soggy shoes and socks. Please made sure your hiking shoes are waterproof, this will result in a much more enjoyable experience.
If you’re a beginner hiker something so small like this could ruin your whole day.
Breathable
Look for hiking shoes with a breathable mesh upper, on those hot sticky days you want to allow airflow through the shoes and to your feet. This will prevent sweating and make your walking experience feel so much better.
Comfort and padding
There’s nothing worse than doing a long hike in a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable. I would recommend checking the sizes thoroughly, with some hiking shoes you have to order half a size bigger than you would normally, so always check the recommendations before buying.
Also, before your big trip, why not consider breaking your shoes in, and doing a few local hikes so your feet and get accustomed correctly.
Toe cap support
It might be a good idea to check for toe cap support, a lot of hiking shoes have this feature. The shoe will have a hard rubber protective toe cap which will protect your toes from getting stubbed on any rough terrain you might encounter.
Design and style
It’s not the be-all and end-all, but it feels good to look good. So, consider getting a pair of hiking shoes you actually like. If your after style then the Adidas hiking shoes are an excellent choice, but they’re also functional too. I’d always put quality over how they look, but that’s just me.
Value for money
Everyone wants to grab a bargain, but be sure that they are of good quality. Sometimes you get what you pay for! I’d always pay a little bit more to get a good pair of shoes that will last me, rather than paying for cheaper alternatives that I have to replace every time I go on a hike.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, there are many incredible hiking trails in Hawaii, all of which vary in terrain, difficulty, and length. So choosing the best pair for shoes for your adventure is paramount, it will either make or break your hiking experience.
Firstly, I would think about the type of trails you’ll be doing when in Hawaii, then you can get the right type of hiking shoe accordingly.
For example, if you’re doing a trail that is a steep incline on rough rocky terrain in bad weather, then I’d recommend getting a hiking shoe that’s made from high-quality materials and has a durable anti-slip rubber sole.
All these types of factors will come in to play when deciding what shoe is best.
However, if you want to play if safe and guarantee a getting a reliable hiking shoe that’s made to last then I’d opt for the Merrell Moab 2, you can’t really go wrong with a pair of these.
From trekking through lush forests, hiking up rocky mountains and a 20-mile hike, it doesn’t matter, these will do the job no questions asked.
Here are my personal things I look for when choosing your shoes: –
- Ensure the materials used are of a high quality
- Ensure they are comfortable and lightweight
- Ensure they are waterproof and breathable
- Finally, look for a shoe with an anti-slip rubber sole.
I’ve touched on this a few times, but please, if you’re looking for a bargain, always check the quality of the materials, read the reviews and if there’s a better paid for a few dollars more, just get them. They will last you longer and save you money in the long run.
I hope you have enjoyed this post on our best lightweight hiking shoes for Hawaii. If you have please share it with your friends and family, have a safe trip!
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