Best Lightweight Hiking Boots (2026): La Sportiva, Salomon, Keen, and More

The Targhee collection, named after a hardy American breed of sheep known for their resiliency and rather fine wool, was first launched in 2005, with the intention of being versatile, robust, and comfortable from the get-go.

I’ve walked in many pairs over the years, and they remain a dependable option I’m happy to recommend, but they’ve never been the most aesthetically pleasing. But with the new Targhee Apex, they’ve gone all-in with a trail running Gorpcore look that actually works. I know that looks aren’t important when you’re scrambling over rocks and through puddles, but in the high-fashion world of the outdoors these days, pretty and practical must go hand in hand.

Enough fashion chat though, because regardless of style, these are wonderful waterproof trail shoes that weigh just 0.75 pounds each. They feel light without being fragile, the footbed is generous, allowing my feet to spread comfortably over a long day, and there’s plenty of stability through the midsole. Grip is reassuring on mixed terrain too, and the outsole digs in confidently on both ups and downs, and toes are well protected.

The best feature however is the all-new ReGENX midsole, which gives you a spring in your step, but without the mushy feeling you sometimes get with trail running styles. There’s also enough side-wall support to stop them feeling like sneakers, although the low cut does limit ankle protection. For that however, there is a Targhee Apex boot version (1 pound, 10.4 ounces per pair).

Weight per pair: 1.49 pounds