The 7 Best Hiking Boots for Men [Put Your Best Foot Forward]

September 7, 2021
by Dan Skewes
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Whether you’re an experienced backcountry hiker or you’re just about to embark on your first well-traveled trail, you need the right gear. And no matter how many fleeces or base layers you wear to brave the elements (and look the part), the most important element is your shoes.

Experienced hikers know that having the right pair of hiking boots can make or break your entire excursion. Unless you want to slip, fall or have wet feet all day, you’ll need a pair of boots that can stand up to almost anything.

Because when you’re hiking, you never know what Mother Nature may throw your way.

Ready to find the right footwear for your next adventure? Here are the 7 best hiking boots for men.

What to Look For in a Hiking Boot

Two men hiking in the woods

Waterproof boots with minimal traction won’t do you any good. Insulated boots made for cold temperatures won’t do you any good if they don’t keep your feet dry.

If they’re not comfortable, then they’re not even worth considering. And if they don’t support your ankles, then you may as well buy a pair of hiking shoes.

Knowing what to look for is key if you want to get the most bang for your buck and have a pair of boots that will last hike after hike after hike.

Hiking boots need to do four things:

  • Keep your feet dry
  • Support your ankles
  • Keep your feet comfortable
  • Provide traction on different types of terrain

Before you buy a pair of hiking boots, make sure they’re right for the type of hiking you plan to do. Our suggestion is to invest in a pair that goes above and beyond your skill level. Why? Because once you start hiking you’ll probably want to keep pushing yourself to traverse more and more difficult trails.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot

Salomon X Ultra 3 MID Gore-TEX Hiking Boots for Men, Black/India Ink/Monument, 7

The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is loaded with features and details to make every hike more enjoyable. With GORE-TEX to keep your feet dry and an advanced chassis for motion control, these boots make it easy to traverse all sorts of terrain.

They'll help you hike over mud, loose dirt, and even keep your footing when you’re heading downhill on slippery slopes.

Made from PU coated leather for extra-durability, this boot is one of Salomon’s bestsellers, and it’s easy to see why. From protected toe guards and mud flaps to molded insoles, these boots offer the perfect blend of comfort and function at a reasonable price of $165.

Salomon X Ultra 3 MID Gore-TEX Hiking Boots for Men, Black/India Ink/Monument, 7
  • Waterproof Hiking Boots: Whether you are hitting the trails or looking for a solid work shoe, these extra durable, waterproof, mid hiking boots are designed for maximum traction on all terrains
  • A Better Way Down: Designed with Descent Control Technology, the X Ultra 3 GORE-TEX mid hiking boot efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents, even in wet conditions
  • Adventure Awaits: Whether you love a local day hike or hitting the trails for a multi-day adventure, Salomon makes innovative hiking and backpacking shoes and boots for men and women to help you go the distance
  • Time To Play: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has shoes and gear for kids, men and women to help you conquer a new distance, personal record, or event
  • Since 1947 Salomon has created innovative outdoor sports gear; From running and hiking to backpacking, skiing and more, our shoes, boots, bags, apparel and accessories help make any path your own

Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot

KEEN Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot, Black Olive/Golden Brown, 7 D (Medium) US

Priced at $150, the Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot is functional, comfortable and eco-friendly. Keen has figured out a way to make this boot waterproof without using PFCs and anti-odorous without the use of heavy metals or harsh chemicals. Pretty cool.

But beyond that, these boots are made for function. Multi-directional lugs offer excellent traction, while mud shields offer added durability and provide for long-lasting use. These boots were basically designed to take a beating.

Sale
KEEN Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot, Black Olive/Golden Brown, 7 D (Medium) US
  • WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in
  • TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; Non marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors
  • SUPPORT: External Support Shank and mid cut height adds ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces; Contoured heel provides next level stability
  • FIT: Mid profile upper for comfort and secure fit with padded tongue and collar
  • COMFORT: Removable metatomical footbed design provides excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of the foot

La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX Hiking Boot

La Sportiva NUCLEO HIGH GTX Hiking Shoe, Chocolate/Avocado, 41.5

Nubuck leather uppers, GORE-TEX for waterproofing, and 3D Flex ankles make the La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX one of the best hiking boots you can buy.  At $199, they’re a bit pricey, but if you’re an adventurous hiker, they’re worth every penny.

These boots are designed for use on varying terrains and feature an Impact Brake System that provides excellent traction and grip. They’ll get you where you’re going whether you’re trekking with a small daypack or carrying a moderate load on your back.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Earth, 7 M US

At a price of $135, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is a smart investment. These boots are made from performance suede leather and mesh and feature a protective rubber toe cap, a molded nylon arch and a shock-absorbing air cushion in the heel.

Super comfortable and durable, these boots offer stability and support in a waterproof design with 5mm lug soles that provide great traction.

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Earth, 7 M US
  • Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
  • Pigskin leather and mesh upper
  • Metal hook traditional lace closure
  • Bellows tongue keeps out debris
  • Protective toe cap

Related: The 6 Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $2,000

Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boot

Danner mens Mountain 600 Full Grain Hiking Boot, Rich Brown - Full Grain, 8 US

The Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boot is built for comfort and function. Supportive at the ankle and built with a rubberized EVA midsole for added comfort, these boots have a cool, low profile so you can wear them on the trail or on the street.

Ranging in price from $180 to $220 (depending on the fabric), these boots feature self-adapting lugs that offer excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. They also come in a slew of color combos so you can find a look that perfectly suits your style.  

Danner mens Mountain 600 Full Grain Hiking Boot, Rich Brown - Full Grain, 8 US
  • Danner Dry waterproof protection. Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed.
  • Vibram SPE midsole for maximum rebound, comfort and support. Nylon shank.
  • TPU heel frame to enhance support and stability.
  • Vibram Fuga outsole with Megagrip technology offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces
  • Hazelwood/Yellow[62249],Brown/Red[62241],Dark Brown/Green[62243],Carbon Black[62248],Saddle Tan[62246],Black[62242],Rich Brown[62250],Sand[62254],Walnut/Green[62272],Sandy Taupe[36232],Java/Bossa Nova[36233],Gray[62257],Dark Brown[62258]

Skechers Relment Pelmo Hiking Boot

Skechers Men Relaxed Fit¿: Relment - Pelmo Chukka Boot, Khaki Suede, 6.5 US

Super affordable at $90, the Skechers Relment Pelmo is comfortable, functional and waterproof – everything you need in a decent hiking boot. The height will keep your ankles stable, while the flexible rubber outsole provides traction so you don’t slip and fall.

These Skechers feature a relaxed fit that makes them a bit roomier than other hiking boots. They also have a memory foam cushioned insole for extra comfort and a rubber toe bumper for added protection.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots

Columbia mens Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot, Black/Black, 7 US

Made from genuine leather, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is designed equally for function and for comfort.

Seam-sealed so that rain, muck and mud can’t get in, these hiking boots are PU coated with a lightweight Techlite midsole and excellent cushioning. The rubber outsoles are superior in terms of traction, offering a lot more grip than you might expect from a $90 boot

Whether you’re traversing rocks, grass, or tree roots in the backcountry, these boots will get you where you’re going in comfort (and in style).

Sale
Columbia mens Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot, Black/Black, 7 US
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features our lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.
  • HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this boot's waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction and its durable mesh tongue for breathability.
  • ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
  • VERSATILE STYLE: This men's waterproof hiking boot delivers style and durability with its contrasting color combinations and soft mesh exterior.
  • OMNI-GRIP: This multi-terrain traction system matches specially formulated compounds and treads to specific environments. A dual-zone winter tread pattern ensures solid footing on surfaces such as ice and snow.

What Are the Best Hiking Boots for Men?

Make sure the hiking boots you buy offer durability, traction and water repellency. Make sure they offer ankle support and that they’re comfortable to wear so you can enjoy the great outdoors for hours, or even days, at a time.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or have unlimited funds, there are excellent hiking boots available at every price point and for every type of hiker.

The hardest part about making the purchase is just deciding which pair to buy!

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