As of Oct 21, 2026, the verdict: on groomed paths, pick low-cut trekking shoes by weight. #1 is the KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof (340 g, ¥22,550), released in January 2026, and #2 the Caravan C1_DL LOW (390 g, ¥17,930). Three things decide it: destination, weight per shoe and heel thickness. Only #2 costs ¥10,000-something.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
A low-cut is a light shoe that doesn't support the ankle. What it doesn't give the ankle, it should make up for with cushioning under the foot.So I put the KEEN Targhee Apex first: the lightest of the three, with a 38 mm heel.
Key points
- The #1 KEEN Targhee Apex weighs 340 g, 35 g lighter than the mid (375 g) of the same design, and ¥1,650 cheaper
- The #2 Caravan C1_DL LOW weighs 390 g and costs ¥17,930. The cheapest of the 3 pairs, width 3E
- The #3 Merrell Moab 3 weighs about 430 g and costs ¥20,900. A Wide width is available too
Low-Cut Trekking Shoes Are Down to 340 g
A low-cut is lighter than a mid-cut that covers the ankle, and closer to a sneaker. KEEN's new model, released in January 2026, weighs 340 g per shoe and is waterproof.
This article compares three waterproof low-cuts for groomed paths and low-mountain hikes, in snow-free months. Numbers come from each official page, and prices include tax.
How I chose
First I looked at the destination. Caravan places low-cuts on groomed paths and hiking, and says rock sections and heavy loads call for a different shoe. Next came weight per shoe, and last heel thickness as a rough guide to cushioning.
What gave me pause was whether to rank the cheapest, the Caravan, first. But a low-cut doesn't support the ankle, so I went for lightness and cushioning. The ranking is made among what you can buy on Rakuten.
Low-cut trekking shoes: the 3 pairs at a glance
| Model | Weight per boot | Heel thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof | 340g | 38mm | ¥22,550 |
| #2 Caravan C1_DL LOW | about 390 g (26.0 cm) | ― | ¥17,930 |
| #3 Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic GORE-TEX | about 430 g (27.0 cm) | 30mm | ¥20,900 |
| Not ranked: Salomon X ULTRA 5 GORE-TEX | 380g | 33mm | ¥22,000 |
Measured sizes differ, so I didn't rank on gaps of 10 to 20 g.
Why this order
| Rank | Model | Why it's ranked here |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof | The lightest of the 3 pairs, with a thick heel, but ¥4,620 more than #2 |
| 2 | Caravan C1_DL LOW | The cheapest of the 3, width 3E, but 50 g heavier than #1 |
| 3 | Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic GORE-TEX | A Wide is available, but it's the heaviest of the 3 |
#1 KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof
I'll say it with heat. 340 g per shoe, with a heel 38 mm thick. Of the 3 pairs, this is the only low-cut that combines this lightness and cushioning. It's 35 g lighter than the mid of the same design, and ¥1,650 cheaper.
The weak spot: it costs ¥22,550, and the waterproof membrane is KEEN's own KEEN.DRY. The drop (the difference between heel and toe thickness) is 14 mm, so if you're used to low heels, check the fit first. Details are in my Targhee Apex Mid review.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof (men's low-cut)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥22,550 (as of 10/20). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten Ichiba#2 Caravan C1_DL LOW
About 390 g per shoe for ¥17,930. The cheapest of the 3 pairs, in width 3E made for Japanese feet. Caravan describes it as a low-cut that keeps the climbing features while saving weight, easy to wear day to day as well.
The weak spot: no figure is given for the sole's cushioning, and it's 50 g heavier than #1. It's the pair for people who weigh price most.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Caravan C1_DL LOW
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥12,490 (as of 10/21). Prices vary by shop, up to ¥17,930, and change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten Ichiba#3 Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic GORE-TEX
Waterproof with GORE-TEX, a 5 mm lug depth (the sole's tread) and a 30 mm heel. The width is Standard, and a Wide is available too.
The weak spot: at about 430 g it's the heaviest of the three, and men's sizes start at 25.0 cm. A new color, Mountain, arrived in October 2026, and some specs changed from stock received in July 2026.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic GORE-TEX (men's low-cut)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥15,637 (as of 10/21). Prices vary by shop, up to ¥20,900, and change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaNot ranked: Salomon X ULTRA 5 GORE-TEX
380 g per shoe and ¥22,000, with a 33 mm heel. That's 40 g heavier than #1 and ¥550 cheaper. I couldn't find it on Rakuten, so it isn't ranked.
Are low-cut trekking shoes fine for beginners?
On well-kept trails and low-mountain hikes, you can walk in them. If you worry about rolling an ankle, or head to mountains with rock or wet trails, a mid-cut fits.
For how to compare mid-cuts, see low-mountain trekking shoes and beginner hiking boots.
Who is it for?
For cushioning and lightness, #1, the KEEN. To start at ¥10,000-something, #2, the Caravan. To choose a Wide width, #3, the Merrell. For the ranking of six mid-cuts, see the hiking boot ranking.
FAQ
Should low-cut trekking shoes be waterproof?
If you might walk through puddles or in the rain, waterproof is the safe choice. All three pairs here are waterproof.
How many grams per shoe counts as light for low-cut trekking shoes?
The three pairs here run 340 to 430 g per shoe. The 340 g KEEN is the lightest, and 2 of the 3 pairs come in under 400 g.
Can low-cut trekking shoes be worn every day?
Caravan describes the C1_DL LOW as easy to wear day to day as well. KEEN's pair is also a light shoe with an odor-reducing treatment.
Can you buy low-cut trekking shoes for ¥10,000-something?
Of the 3 pairs, only the Caravan C1_DL LOW at ¥17,930 was in the ¥10,000 range. The other 2 cost ¥20,900 to ¥22,550.
Gear in this article
Ad · Images: Rakuten IchibaSources
- Caravan official: how to choose hiking boots (cut height)
- Caravan official online store: C1_DL LOW
- KEEN official online store: men's Targhee Apex Waterproof
- KEEN Japan press release: the new TARGHEE APEX (Jan 16, 2026)
- Merrell official online store: Moab 3 Synthetic GORE-TEX (men's)
- Salomon official: X ULTRA 5 GORE-TEX
