Falling asleep as you gaze at stars and waking to birds chirping is an experience not everyone gets to experience in their lifetime. But before you pack your bags for your escapade, you must ensure you have reliable gear for your outing.
Top of your shopping list should be reliable hiking shoes to meet all your needs as you scour the outdoors. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, the right hiking shoes will provide you with the comfort, support, and protection needed to tackle the trails confidently.
To help you decide, we have compiled a list of the best hiking shoes for men.
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1. La Sportiva Mens Spire GTX Hiking Shoes
Material: Abrasion-resistant mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 15.52 Ounces
Price: $208
The La Sportiva Spire GTX for men is a versatile shoe that balances lightweight comfort with stability and support. If we had to choose one shoe for various outdoor activities, this would be it.
This hiking shoe excels on all terrain, whether on well-paved trails or tackling rugged cross-country routes on long hikes. Despite it being incredibly lightweight, the Spire provides excellent support and comfort. The hiking shoe doesn’t compromise on performance or comfort.
We recommend the Spire GTX to those who like to switch between hiking and running on the trail. While it’s superb as a trail running shoe, it possesses more hiking qualities. Fastpackers, speedy thru-hikers, and those who prefer comfortable on-trail footwear will find this shoe particularly appealing.
Pros
- Versatile for different terrain
- Waterproof
- Lightweight and offers excellent comfort
Cons
- Not as durable when compared to other shoes on our list
2. Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
Material: Nuback leather/recycled mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.79 Pounds
Price: $248
The Hoka Anacapa Low GTX easily stands out as the comfiest shoe in our selection. We appreciate how Hoka took a trail running shoe and made it tougher in all the right ways while preserving that plush and cushioned sole we, as hikers, have grown to adore. This shoe is tailor-made for the modern hiker who desires extra durability, reliable waterproofing, and support when venturing off the beaten path.
Plus, it boasts a cushioned sole that absorbs the impact of mile after mile, sparing your feet from harsh jolts. Reviewers have been increasingly impressed with Hoka hiking shoes, with most revealing that this low-cut pair is the finest they have tried. There isn’t much to criticize about this shoe.
However, for situations involving extended scrambling over rocks, we encourage you to opt for a different shoe. The shoe’s wide platform, which performs admirably on trails, doesn’t offer the same level of stability in technical, rocky terrains where precise edging is crucial.
Pros
- Supreme comfort
- Great overall performance
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not as useful when scrambling
- It is costly
3. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Material: Synthetic Textile
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 13.62 Ounces
Price: $159+
Salomon’s X Ultra 4 GTX is an excellent choice for hiking, whether on a short day trip or a more extended adventure. They recently updated the X Ultra 4, which looks more modern and has improved laces and support. Plus, it gives your toes more space and is comfortable even with a heavy backpack.
Made with an AVD-C Chassis, these low-top hikers provide excellent support. They use SensiFit technology and the Quicklace lacing system to fit your foot well. Tying the laces is quick and easy. The deep lugs on the sole make steps feel secure, and the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane adds much comfort to hiking.
However, there are a few downsides to this hiking shoe. It might feel a bit tight in the middle of your foot and a bit too roomy in the front. Some reviewers have also complained about the quick-pull laces and find the raised collar around the ankle uncomfortable and prone to rubbing.
Pros
- Great all-round traction
- Waterproof
- Lightweight and makes movement easy
Cons
- The quick lacing system might not impress you
- Not as durable as the Hoka
Salomon X Ultra 4 starting at $159
4. Reebok Trail Cruiser
Material: Synthetic/Ripstop
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.7 Pounds
Price: $51+
Finding good hiking shoes for less than $100 can be challenging, but the Reebok Trail Cruisers fit the bill nicely. These shoes are comfortable, durable, and offer good grip on various easy trails.
You will appreciate these Reebok trail shoes if you don’t like stiff hiking shoes. They have a cushioned FuelFoam midsole and MemoryTech insole that molds to your foot’s shape for a comfy and supportive feel. Plus, they’re highly breathable with a tough ripstop upper that can withstand wear and tear.
These Reebok Trail Cruisers are a mix of hiking and walking shoes. While they don’t have the most aggressive treads and they’re one-directional, they’re not the best choice for very technical trails. However, they feature high-traction rubber and a spear lug pattern on the sole, providing solid grip and stability on wet, muddy, and moderately rocky terrain.
These shoes aren’t just reliable on most easy trails outside the city; their lower lug profile also makes them great for mixed terrain, whether you’re walking on pavement or hitting the trail.
Pros
- It has excellent cushioning and breathability
- Works on multiple terrains
- Pocket-friendly
- Ripstop material makes them durable and sturdy
Cons
- Can’t keep up on rocky terrain
5. Merrell Moab 3
Material: Pigskin leather/mesh
Waterproofing: No
Item weight: 2.25 Pounds
Price: $55+
These might not be your long-distance or fast hiking shoes, but Merrell’s flagship hiking shoe, the Moab 3, has many positives. What makes this shoe popular? First, it’s light but feels secure, fits comfortably with good padding, lasts a long time, and is not too expensive.
Merrell recently made some changes to the Moab, using recycled materials, adding a new insole, and making minor improvements in cushioning and grip. For day hikers who stick to well-marked trails, the Moab 3 is a great choice.
But there are some downsides. On rough and muddy trails, the Moab doesn’t grip or stay stable as well as more advanced shoes like the La Sportiva Spire above. Also, it’s a bit heavy at just over 2 pounds for a pair, making it feel a bit slow and less agile than some lighter options, like the X Ultra 4 above. However, these trade-offs are okay for casual hikers, and the price is hard to beat.
Pros
- Comfortable padding
- Sturdy shoe
- Great price point
Cons
- Not as agile as X Ultra
- The grip is not as stable as the Spire
6. Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry Hiking Shoe
Material: Nubuck leather
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1 Pound
Price: $176+
The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof men’s hiking shoes are great for tough terrain and work well on smooth hiking paths. These shoes offer good support for long hikes and won’t make your feet too hot. The BDry waterproof system works efficiently, and these shoes are not as stuffy as most waterproof ones.
The rubber sole on the Sawtooth provides excellent grip on rocky ground, giving you stability. A toe cap protects your toes from bumps on rocky trails.
However, with these features, the Sawtooth might feel heavy if you want to hike quickly on easier trails. But they are reliable waterproof hiking shoes for steep mountain hikes with lots of obstacles.
Pros
- Great for scrambling
- Breathable to prevent sweating
- Durable
Cons
- They might feel heavy on paved trails
7. Columbia Facet 75 OutDry
Material: Mesh
Waterproofing: Yes
Item weight: 1.86 Pounds
Price: $79+
The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry is a versatile hiking shoe at a great price point. It’s made with lightweight mesh and has a super comfy midsole, making it feel like a running shoe. Think of it as a supercharged trail runner! Because it’s so lightweight, it’s perfect for long hikes and grips well on different types of terrain, like loose or muddy ground. It’s also really comfortable, protective, and adaptable.
It has Techlite Plush cushioning, offering supreme comfort, a secure lacing system called Navic Fit, and an outsole that can handle various surfaces, thanks to its Adapt Trax technology. These hiking shoes are waterproof, breathable, and even have extra heel and midfoot support for stability. The outsole has big lugs that are great for hiking.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. The ankle collar might feel a bit sharp, and the mesh on top isn’t super tough, but that’s common for shoes with this weight class. Overall, these are fantastic hiking shoes for most people and won’t cost you too much.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Good stability
- Great versatility
Cons
- They might offer some discomfort
- They are not as durable as some of the other shoes on our list
Columbia Facet starting at $79
How to choose the best hiking shoes
The options on our list excel in all the important aspects we believe are essential for a great buy and generally fit most people comfortably. We examined top brands and shoe models, considering their grip, waterproofing, breathability, materials, build quality and comfort. Additionally, we took into account reviews from experienced hikers with extensive mileage and firsthand knowledge.
For most people who go for day hikes or multi-day hikes, a shoe that goes just below your ankle works well. Shoes like the top-rated Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX are more solid than running shoes when carrying a light load on various types of ground. They aren’t as heavy as full boots, so they won’t make you feel like you’re dragging your feet.
Hiking shoes are also often built tougher than running shoes. They use more leather and strong materials like nylon instead of mesh. These shoes have rubber caps on the front to protect your toes and midsoles that are somewhat stiff to shield your feet from rocks and roots.
Hiking shoes can even be suitable for everyday wear if you need sturdy shoes. Here are three factors to consider when buying hiking shoes.
Material
The best hiking shoes are made from high-quality material that can handle lots of walking without wearing out quickly. Leather is super strong, lets your feet breathe, and can stick around for many years. However, leather shoes are heavier, take time to break in, and need regular oiling to stay in good shape. Leather hiking shoes are like a long-lasting investment.
Synthetic materials are also great options because they are light, comfortable right from the start, dry fast, and don’t soak up water. Some are even made from eco-friendly material. But, they aren’t as tough as leather and may need extra help like toe caps to handle the roughness of the outdoors.
Gore-Tex is a brilliant feature that makes shoes totally waterproof. However, shoes with this feature are pricey, which is why the GTX version is often costlier. Also, Gore-Tex traps heat inside, making your feet uncomfortable on hot days.
Usability
There isn’t one perfect hiking shoe that fits all hikers and all hikes. The best hiking shoe for you depends on what type of hike you are doing. A comfy, lightweight trail runner-style shoe is a good choice for a short day hike on well-maintained trails. It’s all about comfort and breathability.
But for longer hikes or when carrying a heavy backpack, you need a stiffer sole and a shoe with more support for your feet and ankles. If you are hiking on smooth, city-like trails, shoes with shallow, one-way grip patterns will work just fine.
But if your hikes involve rocky or muddy terrain, or you want shoes that can handle various trails, you will need shoes with deep and multidirectional grip patterns (lugs).
Comfort
Your hiking shoe should feel comfy when you wear it with medium-thickness hiking socks. It should fit nicely so your feet don’t slide around and cause blisters or sore spots. Remember, your feet might swell during your hike, so if you are unsure about the size, go for a slightly bigger one.
Hiking is more than just a physical activity; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a chance to connect with the natural world. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape, hiking offers a wide range of experiences for people of all ages and fitness levels. Having the right shoes on can make the hiking experience a breeze. Hopefully, our list of best hiking shoes for men guides your decision.