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Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots for Easy Terrain: Keen NXIS Evo, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, and Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY Compared
For those seeking lightweight waterproof hiking boots suitable for easy terrain, the Keen NXIS Evo boots, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, and Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY boots are top contenders. While the NXIS Evo boots were not explicitly reviewed as the favorite pair for easy hiking, they offer a lightweight build with plenty of support and excellent waterproofing, thanks to their synthetic PU uppers and dependable Keen.Dry membranes.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX stands out as an excellent lightweight (13.8 oz / 390g) waterproof boot with strong support, excellent grip, and high flexibility. This makes it ideal for multi-day hikes on uneven but not overly muddy terrain. Its Gore-Tex membrane ensures excellent waterproofing, but the lug spacing is less optimal for muddy trails.
The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX hiking shoe offers cushioned comfort, good support, and waterproofing with a Gore-Tex laminate. It is lightweight and suitable for both short hikes and mild rugged terrain, prioritizing comfort and reducing fatigue. However, it is more like a low-top shoe than a boot.
The Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY is a budget-friendly, lightweight (~400g), comfortable option with moderate waterproofing for light rain, good ankle support, and responsiveness. It is ideal for beginners and easy walks but has weaker grip on wet rocks and less robust waterproofing.
Comparison highlights:
| Feature | Keen NXIS Evo Boots | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX | Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY | |-------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------| | Weight | Not specified | 390g | Lightweight (~860g/pair) | 400g (1/2 pair) | | Waterproofing | Yes (assumed) | Gore-Tex (excellent) | Gore-Tex Invisible Fit | HydroDRY membrane (moderate)| | Terrain suitability | Easy terrain | Easy to uneven terrain | Easy to moderate terrain | Easy, undemanding terrain | | Ankle support | Moderate | Great | Moderate | Good | | Grip | Moderate | Excellent (5.1mm lugs) | Good (Vibram Megagrip) | Poor on wet rocks | | Flexibility / Comfort | Moderate | Very flexible, nimble | Cushioned, comfortable | Soft, responsive | | Price | Mid-range expected | Mid-high | Mid-high | Budget-friendly |
If flexibility, high-performance waterproofing, and excellent grip are priorities, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is strongly recommended. For maximum comfort and a shoe-like fit, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX excels. For beginners or budget-minded hikers on easy terrain, the Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY is suitable.
Currently, the NXIS Evo hiking boots are available at Backcountry with a saving of $105, priced at $189.95 in men's sizes and $85.48 in women's sizes. The semi-annual sale at Backcountry is ongoing.
While the Keen NXIS Evo boots were not explicitly reviewed as the favorite pair for easy hiking, hiking expert Pat Kinsella reviewed them for a website, and they won a place on a guide to the best hiking boots as the favorite pair for easy hiking. The boots perform best as a fair-weather option on fairly well-established trails and sub-alpine tracks, but this statement does not apply to the men's version.
It's worth noting that no specific website is mentioned for finding today's best Keen NXIS Evo Evo hiking boots deals outside the US in this paragraph. Other top options in this category recommended in 2025 include the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, and Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY boots.
If you prefer a waterproof hiking boot for easy terrain that prioritizes flexibility, high-performance waterproofing, and excellent grip, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is a great choice, especially during the Backcountry semi-annual sale where it's currently available at a discount of $105 for men's sizes and $85.48 for women's sizes. For those who value comfort and a shoe-like fit, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX might be more suited. Conversely, for budget-conscious hikers on easy terrain, the Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY could be an ideal option, or for those seeking a lightweight fashion statement, the Keen NXIS Evo boots, although not specifically mentioned as the favorite pair for easy hiking in the given text, were reviewed favorably by hiking expert Pat Kinsella and can be found on the best hiking boots guides.
