5 Best Men’s Hiking Boots for All-Day Comfort on the Trail
Updated: Mar. 13, 2024
We've found the best hiking boots for men who are looking for comfort, waterproofness, durability and stability.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Proper hiking footwear might be the most important piece of gear for any outdoor adventure. After all, exploring national parks or camping with best friends is much more enjoyable when your feet aren’t sore, wet and covered in blisters. Trust us, we’ve been there.
Luckily, there’s no mountain high enough or valley low enough to keep us from finding the best hiking boots for men. Our top picks provide comfort, waterproofness, stability and durability for every type of hiker, campsite and trail out there.
Best men’s hiking boots
- Best overall: Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots
- Best budget: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
- Best waterproof: Keen Targhee III
- Best lightweight: Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2
- Best for beginners: Merrell Moab 3
Best overall
Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots are the best hiking boots for men because there’s no hiking trail or camping trip they can’t conquer. With a cushioned midsole for comfort, the Gore-Tex waterproof protection keeps feet dry, and the protective toe cap absorbs shock from rocks and other obstacles in the path. An all-terrain grip ensures stability on paved and slippery trails.
Considering their durability, these hiking boots are surprisingly lightweight. Each shoe weighs less than a pound and features six stylish designs. Salomon also recommends ordering a size larger than normally worn.
Pros
- Excellent for any kind of outdoor adventure
- All-terrain grip
- Waterproof protection
- Durable
Cons
-
Not designed for hard surfaces like concrete
Best budget
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II offers great value for a hiking boot that costs around $100. The Omni-Tech waterproof technology—which is found in Columbia’s rain jackets— is strong enough to withstand heavy rain or snow, so it’ll hold up fine in river crossings, and the rubber outsole provides traction on any type of surface.
Along with a cushioned midsole, these shoes also come with a padded tongue and collar to keep all parts of the feet comfortable. One customer reviewer took them out of the box and on a 12-mile hike and reported they felt supported the entire time.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof and breathable
- Padded tongue and collar
- Free shipping included
Cons
-
Weigh more than other hiking boots
Best waterproof
Keen Targhee III
The Keen.Dry membrane on the Keen Targhee III is regarded as some of the best waterproof technology that keeps hikers’ feet dry while exploring waterfalls, beaches or river crossings, and is more breathable than other waterproof membranes. What’s more, the shoes feature special odor-fighting technology that any hiker will be thankful for when they take these off in the car.
Other features include a leather mudguard, a rubber toe bumper and an all-terrain lugged outsole. An anatomical footbed, cushioned midsole and roomy toe box ensure feet will feel comfortable at all times during a hike.
Pros
- Highly waterproof and breathable
- Leather mudguard
- Odor-fighting technology
- Roomy toe box
Cons
-
Weigh more than 1 pound per shoe
Best lightweight
Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2
At 12 ounces per shoe, the Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 is lightweight enough that it won’t slow hikers on the trail but rugged enough to offer support and stability where needed. They feature a lugged outsole to make easy work of all terrains and a cushioned footbed for optimal comfort.
These are also one of the few hiking boots with no heel-to-toe drop, meaning there’s no change in the angle between the heel and toes. This allows for more natural foot movement and may be beneficial to those looking for ankle support—a hiking essential.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Zero heel-to-toe drop for ankle support
- Lace-up closure
- Lugged outsole
Cons
-
Doesn’t say if it’s waterproof
Best for beginners
Merrell Moab 3
The Merrell Moab 3 has a beginner-friendly price and all the features wanted in a hiking boot but in a sneaker. A more traditional-looking hiking boot may intimidate some hiking and camping first-timers, which is why we recommend this for those just starting out.
Merrell hiking boots feature a unique construction that absorbs shock and keeps hikers stable on dry or wet surfaces. The contoured insole allows feet to remain flexible for more technical hikes, with a cushioned midsole for comfort. These boots are a great gift for campers and hikers, alike.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Affordable
- 100% guaranteed returns
Cons
-
Designs aren’t the most stylish
What to consider when buying the best hiking boots for men
When looking for the best hiking boots for men, the three most important factors are durability, waterproofness and stability. Durability refers to how long the shoes will last and how well they’ll protect from things like rocks or sharp objects. Look for hiking boots with toe caps or a protective guard.
Most hiking boots will offer some level of waterproofness, but if you anticipate crossing rivers or hiking while it’s raining, look for one with higher-quality waterproof technology. Keen.Dry and Gore-Tex have some of the best waterproof membranes, though Keen.Dry is more breathable and does a better job of protecting against odors.
When we talk about stability, we’re talking about whether the shoe offers traction control on all types of surfaces including dirt, mud and gravel.
Types of best hiking boots for men
There are three main types of hiking boots for men: lightweight, midweight and heavyweight.
Lightweight: Technology allows hiking boot manufacturers to create footwear that offers comfort and support without bulky boots that slow people down. Lightweight hiking boots weigh less than a pound per shoe.
Midweight: Midweight hiking boots weigh more than a pound, though manufacturers may advertise them as “lightweight” to make them seem more appealing to customers. They generally offer more support and protection than lightweight boots, though that’s not always the case.
Heavyweight: Things like waterproofness and rock toe guards commonly found in hiking boots added weight to the shoe but that’s no longer the case. You may still find heavyweight hiking boots and there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with them, but keep in mind you’ll feel their weight while on the trail.
How we found the best hiking boots for men
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Are heavier hiking boots better?
Not necessarily. Heavier hiking boots are good for extra stability or protection from rocks or other objects along the trail. Use a lightweight hiking boot on well-paved trails to stay quick and agile.
How long should a pair of hiking boots last?
A high-quality pair of hiking boots should last at least two years, depending on how often they hit the trail.
Should hiking boots be tight or loose?
Hiking boots should be tight to prevent feet from falling out of them and to prevent any debris, such as pebbles or sticks, from falling into the boots. Avoid too much tightness causing discomfort or cutting off circulation to feet.
Originally Published: March 13, 2024
