Non-waterproof hiking boots are pretty lightweight and more breathable than waterproof boots. Therefore, after searching dozens of footwear, I shall review the best non-waterproof hiking boots I have tested and sifted.
Non-waterproof boots don’t get smelly if there is moisture in them, plus they are best for summer hiking for their design. So, let’s not talk anymore and get straight to the review section. Let’s see which boot you pick for the next hiking session.
List of Non-Waterproof Hiking Boots Compared
Best Non-Waterproof Hiking Boots Explained
1. Salomon Men’s X Ultra Prime Hiking Boot
It started when people were asking, is it a waterproof boot or not? And once I got the answer, I decided to buy it.
Salomon hiking boots are mostly known for their reliability, durability, and high-quality material choice.
I picked this Salomon men’s hiking boot, especially for its comforting design on feet and the 100% synthetic design that was naturally fitting.
This boot was quick to dry for non-waterproofing and was best for regulating airflow.
Hiking on mossy grounds, sharp rocks, and abrasive and uneven grounds with maintained stability and lightweight design with only 15.04 Ounces of total weight was the best experience.
Its comforting and soft interior with a supportive design provided the best stability to my joints.
Salomon Men’s X Ultra Prime is a reasonable hiking boot for my outdoor adventure, and its loop lace closures and intelligent design for protection are appreciable.
Thanks to the mudguard and toe cap protection, my feet didn’t get injured, which was reasonable for my feet ‘shape.
Overall, SalmonMen’s X Ultra Prime hiking boot is best for its lightweight design and traction under the feet. The rubber-made outsole is all about reliability on all terrain, especially its padded tongue and collar design and the plus midsole for arch support.
That is the reason why I felt super comfortable for most outdoor adventures, even for everyday wear. It’s natural fitting, and its ensign looks more like a daily wear sneaker.
- Supreme lightweight and flexible
- Protected toe cap for ideal feet mobility
- Comes with robust traction under the feet
- EVA midsole is springy and flexible for arch support
- None
2. Keen Women’s Voyageur Hiking Boot
Next up is this KEEN Women’s Voyageur hiking boot for customers’ reviews. The customers have best received its mid-height design and breathability, plus they are not waterproof.
Therefore, I picked this boot for 2nd position. It only weighs 14 Ounces plus the material choice such as outsole and uppers, and the padding feels supreme for comfort.
What makes this hiking boot ideal is its innovative design, secure lacing system, ideal gripping on feet, and best traction for multiple terrains.
In addition, many customers have given the thumbs-up for its anti-shock manufacturing for toe protection, and the removable metatomical footbed ensures feet comfort and solace from day-long hiking.
It has comfortable midsoles that are efficient for 20+ miles of hiking with zero strain, plus the 4mm multi-directional lugs provide even traction and controlled friction.
For non-waterproofing, this boot features leather and textile uppers that keep feet dry yet breathable day long.
Moreover, KEEN Voyageur comes with eco anti-odor with natural probiotics, which repel the build-up smell from sweat in the enclosed interior.
That is another reason why women found this boot best for hiking.
Its non-waterproof design with a roomy interior lets the feet wiggle and move quickly, so you don’t feel any strain on the joints.
- Anti-odor footbed for day-long feet freshness
- Leather and textile upper for the natural fitting
- Breathable and non-waterproof
- The comfortable and wider toe box
- Lightweight material and robust traction under feet
- Nothing to mention
3. Merrell Women’s Alverstone Hiking Boot
Merrell boots for hiking are extra comfortable boots. And this Alverstone line for women is one of the most efficient and lightest for its build, with only 1.85 Pounds heavy.
I purchased this boot for my sister as she asked me to buy her comfortable and lightweight boots for hiking.
So, based on her experience, here are the reviews.
This boot gave her enough grip and traction; the arch support was significant.
For its non-waterproof design, this hiking boot is reliable enough for light rains and puddle water. However, standing in deep water for hours may not be best.
These boots’ features are reliable for hiking, such as mesh lining, which is this breathable, softer fabric chosen that doesn’t cause chafing, and that was the biggest win.
My sister praised this boot for its added comfort and solace; the durable leather uppers were perfect according to her feet shape.
Its grip and stickiness for the surface, especially for rocks around creeks, are outstanding. The loop lacing closures further add to the grip and fit.
Its low-profile and minimal design feels more like a sneaker shoe, but the traction and outsole performance for abrasive grounds was nothing but commendable.
- Minimal build and padding don’t look bulky
- Fits well and snug for all-day comfortable hiking
- Quality material for durability in performance
- Feels light and offers excellent arch support
- Not stylish for its design
- The color may look dull in real
4. Merrell Women’s Alpine Hiker Hiking Boot
If you are looking for a stylish non-waterproof hiking boot that is best in all respects, Merrell’s Alpine boot for women would be your ultimate choice.
Its 1.81 Pounds are lightweight, springy, best for its flexibility, and above all, the outsole provides robust traction.
What makes this boot standout output among the rest is its sneaker-like comfort and functionality for the feet.
Therefore, placing your feet on a cliff, rocks, and other narrow hiking points won’t feel as bulky.
Moreover, the secure lacing design with a padded tongue and collar ensures an ideal wearing experience.
Due to their minimal design, these hiking boots feel relatively narrow on the feet, but the sizing won’t be a matter of concern if you break in rightfully.
It’s an excellent boot for snow, plus the traction outsole feels super assisting for hiking and trailing.
The midsole and ankle support have been kept supportive, which is a great way to help in hiking.
The EVA midsole is lightweight, plus the impressive metal hook lace closures for a secure and firm grip make this boot excellent footwear for women.
In a word, this shaking boot is best for mid-hiking approaches due to its less robust support.
However, it’s durable enough for many miles and has non-waterproofing uppers.
- Extra lightweight and best for quick walking
- Stability for ankle support and arch support
- Stylish design and impressive neat manufacturing
- It feels softer and maintains traction
- Its eye holes for laces may rub on your feet
- Its toe box is somewhat tight
5. Hoka Speedgoat 4 – Men’s Hiker Boot
HOKA has been a top hiking boot brand for many years. They smartly offer a blend of robust boots with stylish designs and neat build.
However, it was my first time wearing a hiking boot from HOKA, and it didn’t disappoint me for quality and comfort.
Although it’s a trail running shoe, I wore it for hiking, and the comfortable interior and enough padding for the ankle and toe were a sure way to wear it all day long.
Its trendy aqua-blue and white combination, neat lace-up closures, and rugged outsole patterns provided style and ideal performance in one go.
Furthermore, I liked how its fitting was comfortable out of the box. I never needed to break HOKA Speedgoat and hike several miles without pinching.
Due to its supreme and natural synthetic uppers and the total of 1 lb. 5.6 oz weight I didn’t feel the heaviness of my sensitive feet.
In addition, the durability of each of its manufacturing parameters was notable for sure.
Its efficient and improved rubber outsole always leaves out the competitive grip in wet and dry conditions, which is ideal for 13+ miles of hiking.
Overall, this is snug footwear, and the midfoot support with unique 3D-printed overlays further boosts the comfort and fit seamlessly. The HOKA boot is worth trying if you want perfect fitting, style, and comfort.
Here is the video review of this boot:
- Super stylish and impressive for its design
- Offer stability under feet with cushioning and padding
- 3D-printed overlays add to secure fitting and stability
- The tongue design may feel odd; it may not sit well
- Not much durable for extreme outdoor activity
Quick Buying Guide for Non-Waterproof Hiking Boot
Buying the non-waterproof hiking boot seems easy, but you must also look at some other features. I usually keep the following things in mind before making my final decision.
| Features I test | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Weight | The weight of the boot maintains stability, plus the lightweight material keeps off the strain from vulnerable feet joints. The ideal weight of the boot should be between 4 and 5 pounds. |
| Outsole pattern | For hiking rugged outsole pattern and rubber material makes an excellent grip for all-terrain. The outsole should have good anchors. |
| Uppers material | The upper material is what helps in sung and natural fitting. Usually, textiles and leather are best for durability and feet solace. |
| Waterproofing membrane | The breathability and waterproofing factors let you wear the hiking boot in the rain, on puddle pathways, and more. |
| Quality and material choice | Non-waterproof boots are lightweight, so I pay heed to the quality and material choice of the boot that can perform well for many miles without any wear and tear. |
Waterproof vs Non-waterproof Hiking Boots: Which One Is Best?
Waterproof and non-waterproof may sound confusing and the same, but they are not. The main difference between these two options is that waterproof hiking boots are less efficient in sustaining rainwater and snow.
The membrane of a waterproof boot somewhat traps the moisture in the layer, and your feet may get slightly wet. On the other hand, the non-waterproof hiking boots are warmer, and make sure to use waterproofing to keep your feet dry. Want to know more about differences? Scroll more!
Comparison Between Waterproof vs Non-waterproof Hiking Boots
| Features | Waterproof Boot Hiking Boots | Non-Waterproof Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Membrane | Water resistant-repellent membrane that is layered into the synthetic or leather materials in | Do not have a water resistant membrane between the layers of materials |
| Breathability | Less breathable | More breathable with mesh between the layers |
| Weight | Slightly heavyweight | Lightweight |
| Flexibility | Limited feet functionality | Supreme feet functionality due |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
