Getting out on the trail should be about scenic views and the satisfying burn in your legs, not the searing pain of blisters or the anxiety of slipping on a wet rock. I’ve been there—hobbling back to the car with my heels rubbed raw, all because I chose the wrong footwear. The right pair of men’s hiking shoes isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s the single most important investment you can make for a safe and comfortable adventure.
But with countless options, from rugged traditional hikers to lightweight trail runners, how do you choose? That’s where we come in. We’ve sifted through dozens of the most popular and highly-rated models, analyzing their materials, traction, support, and real-world user feedback to separate the trail-worthy from the disappointing. Whether you’re planning a casual day hike or a multi-day trek through rugged terrain, this guide will help you find the perfect pair for your feet and your journey.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Hiking Shoes for Men
Navigating the world of hiking footwear can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down the key factors to consider so you can make an informed decision.
Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners vs. Hiking Boots
The first choice you’ll face is the style of footwear.
- Hiking Shoes: These are the versatile all-rounders. Lower-cut than boots, they offer excellent flexibility and are lighter, making them ideal for day hikes and moderate trails. They provide a great balance of support and agility.
- Hiking Boots: Offering over-the-ankle support, boots are the best choice for carrying a heavy pack, navigating challenging or unstable terrain, and providing extra protection from rocks, roots, and snakes. They are heavier and require more break-in time.
- Trail Runners: These are essentially beefed-up running shoes with more aggressive tread and better durability. They are the lightest option, perfect for hikers who prioritize speed and don’t need significant ankle support. Many thru-hikers now favor them for long-distance comfort.
Waterproof vs. Non-Waterproof (The Gore-Tex Debate)
Many hiking shoes feature a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX (GTX) or a brand’s proprietary equivalent (e.g., Oboz B-DRY, KEEN.DRY).1
- Waterproof (GTX): Excellent for creek crossings, unexpected rain, and muddy trails. The main drawback is reduced breathability, which can lead to sweaty, hot feet in dry, warm conditions. Once water gets inside a waterproof shoe (by going over the top), it takes a very long time to dry out.
- Non-Waterproof: Incredibly breathable and ideal for hiking in hot, arid climates. They get wet easily, but they also dry out very quickly.
Your choice depends entirely on the climate where you hike most often.
Key Components: Uppers, Midsoles, and Outsoles
- Uppers: The part of the shoe that wraps your foot. They can be made of full-grain leather (very durable, water-resistant, but heavy), split-grain leather/suede combined with synthetics (breathable but less water-resistant), or fully synthetic materials (lightweight, quick-drying, but potentially less durable).
- Midsoles: This is where the cushioning and stability come from. Most are made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which is lightweight and cushiony. Stiffer shoes might use polyurethane (PU), which is firmer and more durable. The midsole determines how much “trail feel” you get.
- Outsoles: The rubber on the bottom that provides traction. The pattern of the lugs (the bumps on the outsole) determines how well the shoe grips on different surfaces. Deeper, more aggressive lugs are better for mud and loose dirt. A “heel brake” is a distinct heel zone that helps prevent sliding on descents.
Finding the Right Fit (The Most Important Step)
A shoe’s features mean nothing if it doesn’t fit properly. Your feet swell during a hike, so try on shoes at the end of the day. Wear the same type of socks you’d hike in. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your heel should be locked in place with minimal lifting as you walk. Never assume your size—different brands fit differently.
Read More: The Best Hiking Shoes for Women in 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)
Editor’s Picks: The Best Men’s Hiking Shoes at a Glance
For those in a hurry, here are our top selections for specific use cases based on our new rankings.
| Category | Our Pick | Why We Chose It |
| Best Overall | Merrell Moab 3 | Legendary comfort, unbeatable value, and proven reliability make it the top choice for most hikers. |
| Best for Rugged Trails | La Sportiva Spire GTX | Superior protection, stability, and GORE-TEX Surround breathability for technical terrain. |
| Best Lightweight Hiker | Oboz Katabatic Low B-Dry | A fast and nimble shoe that doesn’t sacrifice the signature Oboz support and comfort. |
| Best Protective Hiker | KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof | A bombproof design with a famously protective toe cap for durability on rocky trails. |
The Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Men in 2025
After extensive research and analysis, here are our detailed rankings of the best men’s hiking shoes you can buy right now.
1. 🛍️ Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
Best For: Day hikers and just about anyone looking for supreme comfort and value.
My Rating: 4.9 / 5
🔍 Overview:
The Moab (Mother Of All Boots) earns its top spot for a simple reason: it offers the most reliable comfort and performance for the widest range of people. The Moab 3 continues a legendary legacy with excellent out-of-the-box comfort that requires almost no break-in period. It features a durable synthetic leather and mesh upper, a supportive nylon arch shank, and Merrell’s air cushion in the heel to absorb shock. The Vibram TC5+ outsole provides reliable traction for most conditions. For its blend of accessibility, proven durability, and unmatched comfort at this price point, it’s our number one recommendation.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Famous for its out-of-the-box comfort | A bit heavy and bulky for a low-cut shoe |
| Excellent value for the price | Traction is good, but not as aggressive as others |
| Durable and supportive construction |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Owners consistently highlight the comfort. “It’s like wearing your favorite pair of sneakers, but with way more support,” one comment reads. Another long-time Moab user stated, “This is my third pair. They are my go-to for everything from walking the dog on local trails to moderate hikes in national parks. They just work.”
2. 🛍️ La Sportiva Men’s Spire GTX Hiking Shoe
La Sportiva Men's Spire GTX Hiking Shoe
Best For: Technical trails, off-trail scrambling, and hikers wanting maximum breathability.
My Rating: 4.8 / 5
🔍 Overview:
La Sportiva brings its mountaineering DNA to the Spire GTX.3 This shoe is built for tough conditions. Its standout feature is GORE-TEX Surround technology, which uses vents in the midsole to provide 360-degree breathability—a huge plus for a waterproof shoe.4 The Vibram XS Trek outsole with an Impact Brake System offers phenomenal grip on steep and technical terrain. The synthetic upper is highly abrasion-resistant, and the STB control system integrates the upper with the midsole for a snug, stable fit. It’s a pricier option, but for serious hikers, the technology and performance are a class above most others.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| GORE-TEX Surround is exceptionally breathable | Higher price point |
| Superb traction and stability | Fit can be narrow for some feet |
| Durable and protective construction |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Users are impressed by its blend of ruggedness and technology. One review noted, “The breathability is no joke. My feet stay far drier in these than any other GTX shoe I’ve owned.” Another hiker commented on the grip: “These stick to rock like glue. I feel much more confident scrambling and navigating tricky descents.”
3. 🛍️ Oboz Men’s Katabatic Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Oboz Men's Katabatic Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best For: Fast and light hiking without sacrificing support.
My Rating: 4.7 / 5
🔍 Overview:
The Katabatic is Oboz’s answer to the modern, athletic hiker. It’s noticeably lighter and more flexible than the brand’s classic Sawtooth model, designed for moving quickly on the trail. It features the signature O FIT Insole®, renowned for its exceptional arch support right out of the box. The B-DRY waterproof membrane keeps feet dry, while the lightweight midsole provides responsive cushioning. The outsole has multi-directional lugs for solid traction. This shoe strikes a fantastic balance between the rugged support Oboz is known for and lightweight agility.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Fantastic Oboz support in a lightweight package | Not as rugged as the Oboz Sawtooth |
| Nimble and responsive feel | Can feel a bit stiff initially |
| B-DRY waterproofing is effective |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Hikers praise this shoe for being a “modern Oboz.” One user wrote, “I love my Sawtooths but wanted something lighter for faster day hikes. The Katabatic is perfect. Same great insole, but I feel so much quicker on my feet.” Another noted its versatility: “It’s handled everything from packed dirt trails to muddy spring hikes with ease.”
4. 🛍️ KEEN Men’s, Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoe
KEEN Men's, Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best For: Hikers needing maximum durability and a roomy, protective toe box.
My Rating: 4.6 / 5
🔍 Overview:
The KEEN Targhee is a tank, built to protect your feet and last for seasons.5 Personally, I like this shoe a lot for its sheer toughness. Its most famous feature is the oversized rubber toe cap, which provides incredible protection against rocks and roots. The Targhee IV features an updated, more durable design with a fused construction that avoids glues.6 It has a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and an all-terrain rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs. It’s known for accommodating wider feet, making it a comfortable choice for many. It’s a heavier, stiffer shoe, making it less ideal for fast-and-light pursuits but perfect for rugged, rocky trails where protection is paramount.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Exceptionally durable and protective | Heavy and can feel clunky |
| Iconic protective toe cap | Not as breathable due to leather and membrane |
| Roomy fit, great for wider feet |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Owners swear by its longevity and protective qualities. “I’m clumsy on the trail and constantly kick rocks,” one reviewer admitted. “The toe bumper on my Targhees has saved my toes more times than I can count.” Another commented, “These are my go-to for the rocky trails of New England. They feel bombproof.”
5. 🛍️ ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe
Best For: Thru-hikers, long-distance comfort, and those who prefer a wide toe box.
My Rating: 4.6 / 5
🔍 Overview:
While technically a trail runner, the ALTRA Lone Peak is a dominant force in the hiking world, especially among long-distance hikers. Its fame comes from two key features: a “zero-drop” platform (heel and forefoot are at the same height) that promotes a natural stride, and the FootShape™ toe box that allows toes to splay naturally. The MaxTrac™ outsole provides excellent grip, and the refined upper of the Lone Peak 8 offers improved durability.7 This is the ultimate choice for hikers who prioritize comfort over thousands of steps and despise cramped toes. It offers less protection and support than a true hiking shoe like the KEEN Targhee.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Unmatched comfort from the wide toe box | Zero-drop platform requires an adjustment period |
| Lightweight and extremely breathable | Less foot protection than traditional hikers |
| Promotes a natural foot strike |
📣 Real-World Insights:
The hiking community adores the Lone Peak. “Switching to these saved my feet on the PCT. The ability for my toes to spread out eliminated my blister problems,” reads a typical review. However, some caution is needed. As one user pointed out, “If you’re used to traditional shoes with a heel drop, ease into these. My calves were sore for the first week.”
6. 🛍️ Oboz Men’s Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoe
Oboz Men's Sawtooth II Low Hiking Shoe
Best For: Hikers who prioritize arch support and stability on traditional trails.
My Rating: 4.4 / 5
🔍 Overview:
Before the Katabatic, there was the Sawtooth—the classic Oboz hiker. The Sawtooth II is a workhorse known for its incredible stability and support. The star of the show is the O FIT Insole®, which provides a level of arch and heel support that is often only found in aftermarket insoles.8 The shoe features a mix of leather and textile for durability and breathability, and a Sawtooth outsole with jagged lugs designed to bite into the trail. It’s more of a classic, sturdy hiker than an athletic one, offering a planted, secure feel on varied terrain.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Superior stock insole and arch support | Heavier and less flexible than modern hikers |
| Very stable and confidence-inspiring | Design is a bit dated |
| Durable construction |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Support is the key theme in user feedback. “I have plantar fasciitis, and these are the only hiking shoes I can wear without my custom orthotics,” a user shared. Another said, “They feel incredibly solid underfoot. You don’t get a lot of ‘trail feel,’ but you also don’t feel any sharp rocks.”
7. 🛍️ Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Best For: Hikers who want an athletic, agile feel on the trail.
My Rating: 4.5 / 5
🔍 Overview:
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX feels more like a trail runner than a clunky hiker, but it packs all the support and protection you need. It uses Salomon’s ADV-C Chassis to stabilize your ankle without restricting movement. The All Terrain Contagrip® outsole provides tenacious grip on wet, dry, and loose surfaces alike.9 At around 1.76 lbs per pair, it’s remarkably lightweight for a fully-featured, waterproof hiker. It features a Quicklace™ system for easy one-pull tightening and is equipped with GORE-TEX for complete waterproofing.10 It’s a fantastic option for those who want to move fast.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Incredibly lightweight and agile | Quicklace system isn’t for everyone |
| Excellent traction on varied terrain | Can have a narrower fit |
| Stable and supportive without feeling stiff |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Many users rave about its “sneaker-like comfort” combined with “boot-like protection.” One reviewer mentioned, “I took these on a rocky 12-miler in the Appalachians right out of the box and had zero issues. The grip on wet granite was confidence-inspiring.” A common piece of feedback is that while the Quicklace system is fast, some hikers prefer the adjustability of traditional laces.
8. 🛍️ La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Trail Running Shoes
Best For: Hikers and trail runners who need maximum protection and grip on the gnarliest trails.
My Rating: 4.5 / 5
🔍 Overview:
If the ALTRA Lone Peak is built for comfort, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II is built for war. This is a trail running shoe with the heart of a hiking boot. It offers an incredible amount of protection, with a full-length rock guard, a stout toe cap, and a supportive heel cradle. The FriXion® XF 2.0 rubber outsole is exceptionally sticky, and the aggressive lugs provide confidence-inspiring traction on everything from slick rock to loose scree. It’s the perfect hybrid for hikers who move fast but frequently encounter terrain that would shred lesser shoes.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Unrivaled protection for a low-cut shoe | Can feel stiff and overbuilt for simple trails |
| Phenomenal grip on technical surfaces | Runs narrow, like many La Sportiva models |
| Very stable and durable |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Users buy this shoe for its toughness. “These are my choice for off-trail peak bagging. They protect my feet from everything and the grip is insane,” one review states. Another commented, “They are much stiffer than my old trail runners, but I’ll take that trade-off for the confidence they give me on sketchy descents.”
9. 🛍️ Salewa Men’s Ms MTN Trainer Lite GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes
Salewa Men's Ms MTN Trainer Lite GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes
Best For: Approaching climbs, via ferrata, and technical alpine hiking.
My Rating: 4.4 / 5
🔍 Overview:
Salewa specializes in alpine gear, and the MTN Trainer Lite reflects that.11 While this is a “low” shoe, it has features borrowed from mountaineering boots. The most notable is the 3F System connecting the instep, sole, and heel for support and flexibility, along with climbing-style lacing that extends to the toe for a highly precise fit. The Pomoca outsole provides excellent grip on rock. It’s a stiff, precise shoe designed for hikers who spend a lot of time on or around rock. The GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining ensures it’s waterproof and breathable.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Precise, customizable fit with climbing lacing | Stiff sole is not ideal for casual trail walking |
| Excellent performance on rock and technical terrain | Overkill for most standard day hikes |
| Very supportive and stable design |
📣 Real-World Insights:
This shoe has a dedicated following among mountain enthusiasts. “The fit is incredible. Being able to cinch down the toe box makes a huge difference on scrambles,” one user explained. Another noted, “These are my go-to shoes for the Rockies. They handle everything from the trail approach to low-grade climbing with ease.”
10. 🛍️ Columbia Men’s Crestwood Hiking Shoe
Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoe
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers and casual or beginner hikers.
My Rating: 4.2 / 5
🔍 Overview:
Sometimes, you just need a reliable, affordable shoe to get you out on local trails. The Columbia Crestwood delivers exactly that. It features a combination of leather, mesh, and webbing for the upper, a lightweight Techlite™ midsole for decent comfort and cushioning, and a non-marking Omni-Grip™ rubber outsole. It doesn’t have the premium materials or advanced technology of the other models on this list, but it provides adequate support and traction for well-maintained trails and light hiking. For the price, it’s an incredible entry point into hiking.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Extremely affordable price point | Not as durable as more expensive models |
| Lightweight and comfortable for casual use | Traction is basic and best for easy trails |
| Available in waterproof and non-waterproof versions |
📣 Real-World Insights:
Users appreciate the straightforward value. “I wasn’t ready to drop $200 on hiking shoes, so I tried these. I’ve been pleasantly surprised. They’re comfortable and have held up well for my weekend hikes,” said one reviewer. Another wrote, “Don’t expect a high-performance shoe, but for walking the park trails and occasional easy hikes, they are perfect.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How should hiking shoes fit?
They should be snug but not tight. Your heel should be locked in place to prevent blisters, but you should have enough room to wiggle your toes. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe to account for foot swell and prevent your toes from hitting the front on descents.
Are waterproof (GTX) hiking shoes always better?
No. They are excellent for wet, cool conditions, but they are less breathable and can cause your feet to overheat and sweat in hot, dry climates. If you hike primarily in the desert or during hot summers, a non-waterproof, highly breathable shoe will likely be more comfortable. Consider the climate of your most frequent hiking spots.
What’s the difference between hiking shoes and trail runners?
Hiking shoes are generally stiffer, more durable, and offer more foot protection and support. Trail runners are lighter, more flexible, and more breathable, prioritizing speed and comfort over long distances. Many experienced hikers now use trail runners (like the ALTRA Lone Peak 8) for their long-distance comfort, while others prefer the traditional support of a hiking shoe.
How long will my hiking shoes last?
This depends heavily on usage, terrain, and the shoe’s construction. As a general rule, a quality pair of hiking shoes should last between 500 and 900 miles. You’ll know it’s time for a new pair when the outsole’s tread is worn down, the midsole feels compressed and no longer provides cushioning, or the uppers start developing significant holes or tears. For more tips, check out our guide on when to replace your hiking gear.