Men’s hiking shoes are better than ever. It is truly remarkable how much hiking footwear is improving each season and year. The newest hiking shoes of this current season are more comfortable, durable, supportive, and protective. At the same time, they are lighter than ever which helps to be nimble on the trails and conserve energy.
We have isolated the highest quality hiking shoes and we encourage you to buy the best pair that you can afford. Better quality, more expensive hiking shoes typically last longer (thus cost you less over time), and will provide much better foot protection.
These are the newest and best hiking shoes for men that you can get right now.
Hiking shoes can be divided into two main groups.
The first group of hiking shoes is durable, supportive, and protective and are suited for a wide variety of terrain. These hiking shoes are a bit heavier in weight. They are essential if you are hiking in mountainous rocky technical terrain. If you do long rigorous day hikes or weekend backpacking trips, these are the shoes you will want to check out.
And, the second group of hiking shoes is built with the cushiony comfort of trail running shoes in mind but offers the most common hiking shoe features. They are much lighter in weight and are more suitable for less demanding, less technical, easier, and shorter day hikes.
It is recommended to invest in both a sturdy and rugged pair of hiking shoes and a cushiony lightweight pair of hiking shoes. Not all hikes are equal, so it is a good idea to be prepared for a wide variety of terrains and conditions. You might also consider investing in waterproof hiking shoes, and also a pair of non-waterproof hiking shoes that are more breathable. This year I also started to wear robust trail running shoes on certain hikes. Specifically, I got the Speedgoat 4s by Hoka One One which are supportive and cushiony. The more options you have for your feet translate into happy healthy comfortable feet.
Our top picks listed below are the best men’s hiking shoes you can get right now. All of them are made by the most trusted brands. I have tried them all on (and many more) to determine what is the best of today. None are a bad choice. Focus on what fits your foot best and feels good.
They have been organized from heaviest to lightest for the total weight of a pair as quoted by the manufacturer.
1. Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof
The Oboz Bridger is a great all-around hiking shoe that is built for comfort, support, and foot protection. The mostly leather upper is durable and tough.
- B-DRY waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet dry
- Nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant mesh upper
- Single density EVA midsole
- TPU chassis helps prevent bruising and adds stability
- Tough, supportive outsole with rugged multi-directional tread
- Rubber heel counter keeps your foot in place over tough terrain
- Extra protection with rubber toe cap
- 1004 grams
2. La Sportiva Spire GTX
The Spire GTX by La Sportiva is a lightweight hiking shoe for day hikes in variable or rugged terrain. If you have hot feet this hiking shoe may be for you. The GORE-TEX Surround lining grants and La Sportiva Nano Cells combine for a super-breathable men’s hiking shoe.
- Waterproof with GORE-TEX Surround lining
- Abrasion-resistant mesh upper with ultra-breathable Nano Cells
- Compressed EVA midsole with unique ventilation channels
- Ortholite mountain hiking footbed is supportive
- Anti-torsion stabilization system provides stability on varied terrain
- Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System outsole delivers traction and grip
- Protective toe cap
- 880 grams
3. Keen Targhee III Waterproof
This is the most popular and iconic hiking shoe made by Keen Footwear. This hiking shoe delivers comfort, is durable, protective, and is suitable for a diverse variety of terrain. The Targhee III is one of the most dependable and supportive hiking shoes on this list. You can’t go wrong with this shoe if you are looking for something that fits the “best overall” or most versatile category.
- KEEN.Dry waterproof and breathable membrane
- Full leather (durable) and mesh (breathable) upper
- Compression-molded dual-density EVA midsole provides support and cushion
- Rubber toe cap
- TPU heel capture system adds stability
- ESS shank for support
- Internal shank increases stability and protection
- 4mm multi-directional lugs for excellent grip
- Leather mud shield delivers extra durability and protection from the elements
- 873 grams
Why we like them: Good shoe for a variety of terrain, protective, comfortable.
4. Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX
The Moab 3 hiking shoe is the most popular shoe (and boot) made by Merrell. This GORE-TEX version is going to be a great pick for most hikers and one of the best hiking shoes for beginners. Much like the Keen Targhee III, the Moab 3 hiking shoe is considered one of the best all-around and versatile options that offer a perfect balance of comfort, protection, and durability. Merrell aims for out-of-the-box comfort right away with the updated and improved Moab 3 hiking shoes.
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Synthetic leather (durable) and mesh (breathable) upper
- Bellows tongue keeps debris out of the shoe
- EVA midsole delivers stability and comfort
- Protective toe cap
- Nylon arch shank adds stability
- Merrell air cushion heel support
- Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs
- 844 grams
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 is available in another waterproof style (Moab 3 Waterproof). It is also available in a lightweight mesh style (Moab 3 Edge) that is best suited for hot dry climates or for hikers that have feet that run hot.
Why we like them: Good value, construction, protection, and durability, however, they don’t work for my foot shape.
5. Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof
This is a new concept made by Keen that is built upon the iconic Targhee III hiker that features what they call the KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX. Keen claims that this feature allows you to flex or bend the toe box area of the hiking shoe with 60 percent less energy. Keen also claims that this new feature is more durable than a full leather upper.
- KEEN.DRY waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet dry
- Lightweight stability shank for support
- Leather and mesh upper with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX feature
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides excellent grip
- 5mm multi-directional lugs
- Compression-molded EVA midsole for support
- The heel capture system keeps the foot securely in place
- Treated with PFC-free DWR
- Rubber toe cap provides foot protection
- Weight not available
6. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Update: On March 21st, I tested the brand new 2022 version of this hiking shoe in both GORE-TEX, and breathable non-GORE-TEX. For the details, check out our complete Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX review.
Why we like them: The most durable lightweight (almost like a trail running shoe) hiking shoe for men. Tough, and protective. Great for nimble fast-moving hikers.
This lightweight hiking shoe is awesome. I really like how it is geared towards the fast, aggressive, power hiker. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Low hiking shoe is designed for grip, stability, and protection along with the comfort of a trail running shoe. It is built for stability on uneven and challenging terrain.
- Waterproof with GORE-TEX
- Synthetic upper is durable yet breathable
- EnergyCell EVA midsole
- Gusseted tongue keeps debris out of the shoe
- Protective toe cap
- Quicklace system keeps your feet snug
- New ADV-C Chassis by Salomon provides extra stability
- Sensifit by Salomon holds your foot snugly in place
- Contagrip MA rubber outsole delivers grip on wet, dry, and loose rocky surfaces
- Deep, aggressive multi-directional lug pattern
- 780 grams
Check REI: Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX | Check Backcountry: Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX | Wide
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Low is also available in a wide width, and a non-waterproof version.
You can also now get the brand new, more durable, and protective shoe style, the Salomon X Ultra 4 LTR GTX that has a full leather upper.
7. Merrell Moab Speed Low Hiking Shoes
Get out of the box comfort that Merrell Moab promises in a lightweight fast-moving hiking shoe. For a lightweight hiking shoe, the Moab Speed Low provides impressive durability and foot protection,
- Mesh and TPU upper is lightweight and breathable
- Grippy Vibram EcoDura rubber outsole with 4mm lug treads
- FloatPro Foam midsole is cushiony
- Underfoot rock plate protects feet against rock bruising
- Protective toe cap
- 652 grams
8. Danner Trail 2650 GTX
The Danner Trail 2650 is a really good-looking hiking shoe. Super stylish and super comfortable. I own the Danner Trail 2650 Mesh Black Shadow in EE wide width. It is very breathable and is my go-to Summer hiking shoe.
Made in America, this hiking shoe draws inspiration from the 2650 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail. It is built for moving quickly over a variety of terrain. This hiking shoe is also available in a non-waterproof style for those hikers that live in a hot dry climate. This is the lightest men’s hiking shoe of the bunch.
- GORE-TEX lining is waterproof and breathable
- Durable leather and lightweight textile upper
- Ultra-lightweight EVA midsole
- 3-layer Ortholite footbed for support and cushion
- Vibram 460 Outsole with Megagrip performs in wet and dry conditions
- Danner Trailguard TPU shank delivers stability and underfoot protection over tough uneven and rocky terrain
- 365-day warranty
- 595 grams
Why we like them: Super breathable, protective, extremely comfortable underfoot (cushiony and supportive), lightweight hiking shoes.
9. Danner Trailcomber Hiking Shoes
Go even lighter with the Danner Trailcomber. This very breathable hiking shoe is perfect for easygoing, casual, fun hikes in hot dry climates. And it looks good around town too.
- Abrasion-resistant Cordura upper
- Quick-drying (drainable) and ultra-breathable
- Vibram Litebase outsole with Megagrip delivers traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Ultra-lightweight EVA midsole for cushion and comfort
- EXO Lite Heel System helps maintain a secure fit
- 507 grams
How To Choose Hiking Shoes
What should you absolutely look for in your new pair of men’s hiking shoes? The simple answer is comfort.
Comfortable feet are happy feet that can hike for longer periods of time and distances.
Okay, let’s cover what you need to know in order to stay comfortable in your hiking shoes.
Hiking Shoe Fit
First, buy some quality hiking socks. They are essential to sustaining comfort on hikes. Wear them when you try on new hiking shoes (in-store or at home).
The best fit for hiking shoes is snug, but not tight. The goal is to reduce any chance of your foot slipping around in the shoe. Try on several of our recommendations and determine what shoe best suits the shape of your foot. Pick out a shoe that has that wraparound feel to it. Do not buy a hiking shoe that has any feeling of tightness or has a pressure point. If the shoe is too tight, you will end up getting blisters. You should be able to wiggle your toes.
If you have wide feet look for a model that offers wider widths and compare to the regular width.
Pro tip: For the most accurate fit test out hiking shoes later in the day. Feet swell as the day (or your hike) goes on, and you want to take that into account. Also, spend time in each pair of hiking shoes that you do try on. At least 5 minutes. Move around. Go up and downstairs if you can. Walk and jog. Take the time to see how each different option performs and feels on your feet. If you wear orthotics, bring them. For extra comfort, consider buying insoles (footbeds) that are sold separately and are of better quality.
Waterproof Hiking Shoes
We highly recommend buying a pair of men’s waterproof hiking shoes.
Why? Much better value, and comfort.
Most waterproof hiking shoes are not that much more expensive, if at all.
Plus, you are bound to encounter wet or snowy conditions at some point. You want to keep your feet dry to avoid getting blisters. Comfort is key when it comes to a fun time out on the trails.
Get a pair of hiking shoes that has Gore-Tex lining or an equivalent type of fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. Almost all the top brands offer waterproof hiking shoes these days. And, they are cheaper than ever.
If you live in a very dry and hot climate, then we do not recommend getting a waterproof hiking shoe. There is no need, and your feet will breathe better.
Ventilation + Breathability
The materials used in hiking shoes impact ventilation and breathability.
The goal is to avoid getting sweaty, damp, or wet feet that will cause blisters.
Look for a hiking shoe that is a blend of leather (a small amount is often used to make the shoe more durable) and synthetic materials.
Or go for a lightweight hiking shoe that is entirely made of synthetic materials. This will maximize foot ventilation and breathability, keep your feet dry, and give you the best chance of avoiding blisters. Also, if they do get wet they will dry faster than leather shoes.
We recommend avoiding shoes that are constructed entirely of leather. They do not breathe adequately, are much heavier, and take a long time to dry.
Cushioning
Most people love the idea of shoes that offer the most cushioning. People often think more cushion equals more comfort.
However, this is not always the case when it comes to hiking shoes. Sometimes, a stiffer shoe with great traction is better and more comfortable. Particularly, when it comes to rocky uneven terrain and longer hikes. A stiffer, more durable hiking shoe will prevent bruising and discomfort caused by rocky trails.
If you know you are going to be hiking only very easy, flat, buttery soft trails, then perhaps a hiking shoe that offers more cushioning could be the better choice.
For most hikers, you want to get a shoe that strikes a balance between cushioning and stiffness. The midsole (space between the upper/top and the outsole/bottom/tread) construction is what determines the degree of cushion vs stiffness. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a material used to provide more cushioning. While polyurethane is used to provide a more firm, stiff, and durable feel to a shoe.
Stability + Traction
Stability and traction are linked together to provide grip on the trails. The more grip you have, and the less time spend sliding or skidding around will drastically reduce the chances of developing blisters, or worse falling down and hurting yourself.
Look for outsoles that are made of durable materials and have treads that will grip a variety of terrain.
Vibram is a popular brand of outsoles that are known to be very durable and provide excellent traction and stability on a number of types of surfaces (wet or dry).
Treads with multi-direction lug patterns across the whole outsole and that have a significant depth (5mm) will give you superior traction.
Durable Construction
Full nubuck leather or suede uppers are going to deliver the most foot protection and long-term durability. However, this decreases breathability. They may not be an option if you are hiking in hotter climates.
Look for a hiking shoe that is a blend of leather and synthetic materials in the upper if you want a more versatile shoe.
If you live in particularly hot climates go for a synthetic abrasion-resistant mesh upper.
Hiking shoes that have TPU shanks in the midsole will be more stable and durable and help to reduce bruising from rocks.
For durable outsoles and tread, you can’t go wrong with Vibram.
Final Words:
We encourage you to buy the best hiking shoes that you can afford. You will get better value, and more miles out of higher quality hiking shoes. This will save you money in the long run. Men’s hiking shoes are more durable and lightweight at the same time these days. Avoid clunky, heavy shoes if you want happy feet on the trails.