The 15 Best Men's Hiking Boots For Any Kind of Terrain
Whether you’re day hiking or backpack tripping, these boots have the grip, comfort, and durability you'll need.
Just like you’d never go off-roading with bald tires, hiking in casual sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Respect the complexity of the trail by wearing one of the best men's hiking boots.
While the shopping criteria for everyday footwear revolve around style and comfort, hiking boots are all about functionality. Whether you’re trekking across a rugged trail, sloshing through mud puddles, or trudging through the snow, a good pair of hiking boots can make the difference between downright misery or memorable Type II fun.
How to Shop for Men's Hiking Boots
To find the best men's hiking boots for your feet and anticipated adventures, it's best to compare models by focusing on a few key features commonly found on hiking boots.
Outsoles: A good hiking boot starts with a durable, high-traction outsole, which allows you to traverse off-pavement terrain with confidence. You’ll notice many boots feature outsoles by Vibram, an industry leader in rubber outsole design. Outsoles should also have lugs, or small protrusions, that dig into dirt so you can get traction.
Midsoles: While the outsole is all about traction, comfort and support happen in the midsole. Midsoles are typically made from either ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU). EVA is a lightweight, high-cushioning option that requires little break-in time, but, unfortunately, it packs down and loses its cushioning more quickly than PU. On the other hand, PU is a firmer and heavier material that takes longer to break in but will last longer than EVA-based midsoles. The best hiking boot option for you comes down to a matter of personal preference and whether you prefer maximum cushioning or better durability.
Insoles: The insole or footbed is the layer of cushion that directly touches your foot. Insoles are commonly made from an EVA foam to soften the ride and provide maximum cushion. However, you can also find insoles made from other materials including fiberboard, nylon, or even leather. Lastly, insoles can typically be removed and replaced with an aftermarket insole or orthotic better tailored to various needs, like enhanced arch support or increased cushioning.
Uppers: While much attention is paid to what’s beneath your feet, the upper is just as important—especially if you’re hiking in extreme temperatures. Most men's hiking boots will have suede or leather uppers, many of which are treated with a DWR coating to fight moisture. Ideally, you’ll also find a boot with an upper that has a breathable and water-resistant lining (Gore-Tex waterproof membranes are one example). However, the most important factor to consider is what season you’ll be hiking in.
Cold-weather hiking requires that you find an insulated upper that will keep your feet warm. Insulation is measured in ratings of 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 grams (referring to the weight of insulation used in the boot). Most people opt for moderately insulated boots in the range of 200 or 400 grams. For example, a 200-gram boot is rated for temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while a 400-gram boot is designed for 15 to 30 degrees. On the extreme end, 800 grams is meant for hiking in temperatures down to -20 degrees.
For those who prefer warm-weather hiking, you’ll need an upper design from the other end of the spectrum. An insulated upper in hot weather would cause your feet to sweat and create nasty blisters. Instead, opt for a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool when the temperature heats up.
To help you find the best hiking boots for your budget and trail conditions, we’ve scouted the best men's hiking boots to buy online from top brands like Salomon, Vasque, Danner, Merrell, and more.
The Best Men's Hiking Boots of 2023
Danner Mountain Light
While style in the wilderness isn’t worth much, these old-school boots from Danner will earn you some cred on the trail. The Mountain Light is a re-release of one of Danner’s most beloved hiking boots. The full-grain leather upper offers a throwback look and it’s paired with modern tech including a Vibram Kletterlift outsole and a waterproof Gore-Tex liner for top trail performance.
[$440; rei.com]
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex
The X Ultra 4 is an agile boot designed to handle any obstacle the trail throws your way. Inspired by trail running shoes, this boot offers high-performance features including shock-absorbing EVA foam, a molded insert or “chassis” embedded in the sole for increased support and stability, and an all-terrain outsole for dependable grip on loose, slippery surfaces. Additionally, an OrthoLite sock liner ups the comfort factor and a Gore-Tex liner keeps water at bay.
[$175; rei.com]
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
The Newton Ridge Plus II from Columbia offers premium value and performance. The polyurethane-coated leather upper provides comfort and style, while its waterproof, seam-sealed construction keeps out rain and mud. The lightweight midsole offers excellent cushion for long days on the trail, and the Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsole delivers reliable traction.
[From $80 (was $100); amazon.com]
Vasque Breeze Men's Hiking Boot
A favorite that has been conquering trails for over two decades, the redesigned Breeze now includes 25% sustainable materials and continues to deliver enhanced performance. The upper pairs recycled polyester mesh with Vasque’s new proprietary waterproof coating, while the dual-density EVA footbed and midsole keep hikers trekking in comfort.
[$160; backcountry.com]
Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX
The Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX will keep you one step ahead on the trail. At only 19 ounces, it's one of the lightest men's hiking boots you’ll find, but it doesn’t sacrifice durability. The Vibram Megagrip outsole will keep you planted on everything from slick rocks to loose gravel and a Gore-Tex insert keeps your feet dry while still offering breathability. An injected EVA midsole provides dependable cushioning, while a 4mm OrthoLite 3D molded insert serves up a comfy ride for high-mileage journeys.
[$250; arcteryx.com]
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker is a stylish hiking boot that delivers impressive off-road performance. The highlight is its Boost midsole—it's a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material that creates a comfortable ride and enhanced rebound (the same stuff is used in the Ultraboost running shoe). Beyond the midsole, the breathable Gore-Tex upper keeps water out, and a gusseted tongue seals out grit. The Continental rubber outsole offers good traction, and at only 15.5 ounces, you’ll feel light on your feet all day long.
[From $71 (was $230); amazon.com]
Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX
Representing Italian craftsmanship at its finest, the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX is a top-of-the-line boot. A full-grain leather upper provides superb durability, while the Vibram 3D outsole will give you confident footing in all conditions. The Gore-Tex membrane provides waterproof protection and breathability, while a nylon collar lining wicks moisture from around the ankle. Additionally, Zamberlan’s proprietary flex system provides the dual benefits of comfortable forward flex (for easier strides) and stabilizing lateral support.
[$263 (was $350); moosejaw.com]
Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX
With a pop of style and plenty of performance, the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX is the complete package of a men's hiking boot. Weighing in at 20 ounces, it offers hikers a unique mid-cut boot construction that connects the instep, sole, and heel for an ideal mix of support and flex. A Gore-Tex lining provides waterproof protection, while an EVA midsole absorbs shock and generates ample rebound. The tread pattern features deep lugs and grooves for traction on any terrain, and the dynamic combination of the flexible ankle cuff, heel stabilizer, and rubber toe cap offers stability and protection where hikers need it most.
[$220; backcountry.com]
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Futurelight
This hiking boot from The North Face is ideal for cold-weather adventures. The leather upper is paired with 200 grams of insulation on top of the breathable waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable. A 3D TPU plate under the forefoot enhances stability, while the boot’s rocker sole shape maximizes forward propulsion and smooth strides. 4mm lugs in the rubber outsoles generate solid traction but if you need a snowshoe amount of traction, there's a knob on the heel that helps you get a secure fit.
[$195; rei.com]
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II might have the most fearsome name of any boot on this list, but more importantly, it provides the performance to match. With its sticky rubber outsole, this men’s hiking boot serves up superb grip on all surfaces, from wet rocks to loose dirt and more, and its relatively low weight gives it a nimble feel. The upper features a Gore-Tex membrane to block raindrops and splashes while an an Ortholite foam insole creates a comfy ride for your feet.
[$199; rei.com]
Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2
Altra has carved a niche for itself with its running shoes that feature wide footbeds—a design that gives your feet and toes room to splay out with each step. The Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2 men’s hiking boot applies that approach to the trail, making it a stellar choice for wide-footed hikers. It uses Altra’s widest footbed, so you’ll get plenty of space in the toe box and midfoot. The brand’s soft Ego midsole foam absorbs shocks, and the toothy MaxTrac outsole offers reliable traction on a variety of terrains.
[$190; rei.com]
Oboz Bridger Mid Men's Hiking Boot
Oboz, a boot company based in Montana, produces rugged, highly durable hiking boots that are built to withstand serious abuse on the trail. Although Reddit reviewers note these boots can take a while to break in, once they’ve adapted to your feet, they’re as comfortable as they are high-quality. The Bridger is the brand’s flagship model. It has a nubuck upper with a built-in waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in wet weather, an embedded plastic midsole chassis that creates excellent stability and support, and a burly outsole that generates a lockdown grip on the trail.
[$200; rei.com]
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Men's Hiking Boot
The Merrell Moab series is a highly regarded, affordable collection of hiking boots for men and a popular choice among hikers. Not only is it the most popular Merrell hiking boot for men, but the brand calls it “the #1 hiking boot in the world.” The latest iteration features a leather upper with mesh paneling for breathability, a grippy Vibram TC5 outsole for taking on technical trails, and Merrell’s Kinetic Fit footbed that molds to your arches for superior cushioning and an improved fit. It’s available in wide sizes to accommodate bigger feet, and you can get it in a low version, too.
[From $78 (was $130); amazon.com]
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Looking for a hiking boot with pillowy soft cushioning? The Hoka Kaha 2 should be at the top of your shopping list. This ultra-plush boot features a generous layer of Hoka’s compression-molded EVA cushioning foam and an extended SwallowTail heel, which boosts shock absorption and promotes smooth strides. On the bottom, the Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole offers great durability and traction, while up top, a Gore-Tex membrane and a DWR treatment block moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
[$240; rei.com]
Naglev Combat Waterproof Boot
These Naglev men’s hiking boots showcase unique materials you won’t find on most other hiking footwear: Kevlar and merino wool. On the outside, they’re made with a single, seamless piece of ultra-durable Kevlar—the same stuff used to make bulletproof vests—for exceptional abrasion resistance. On the inside, a merino wool bootie wraps the foot, providing excellent breathability and all-weather temperature regulation. A leather and coconut fiber footbed ups the comfort factor, and a lug rubber outsole bites into soft ground for confident footing wherever the trail takes you.
[$298; huckberry.com]