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10 Best Hiking Boots for Men
Hiking boots are an absolute necessity when it comes to stepping out into the great outdoors. After all, you can’t exactly scale a rocky cliffside or trek through the woods in a pair of flip flops or regular running shoes – seriously, if the only thing people who compete on Naked and Afraid had were hiking boots, they’d be able to thrive in any climate and environment, rain or shine.
When it comes to choosing the best pair of hiking boots, there are plenty of options that’ll help make your time in nature more enjoyable, and it all depends on what kind of activity you plan on doing. From weekend hiking through the dusty trails of Los Angeles to multi-day trips through wet climates and slippery terrain, there’s a hiking boot for everyone on our list of the 10 best hiking boots for men in 2021.
Best Buy
1. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots
If you’re looking for the best all-around choice when it comes to hiking boots, the Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boots are your best bet. These babies hit just above the ankle for maximum support, and also feature technology that helps reduce fatigue so your feet can stay in tip-top shape for however long your trek is. The outsoles of these boots grip on all surfaces, so even when you’re on a slick surface, like smooth rocks or loose dirt/gravel, you won’t go flying off the trail or mountain.
The Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boots are also mega-durable but don’t just take our word for it. “Great boots for snowshoeing, hiking in the summer or winter. With the Sole inner sole, I could hike 20 miles a day comfortably. Kept me dry, through rivers and streams. All of the eyelets have stayed intact even after 200+ miles,” one satisfied customer writes.
2. Zamberlan Vioz GTX Hiking Boots
If you’re on the hunt for a seriously durable and heavy-duty pair of hiking boots, the Zamberlan Vioz GTX Hiking Boots are the way to go. These boots weigh in at 3.8 pounds, hit just above the ankle for all the stabilization and support you could ever dream of, and are best for backpacking through all different types of terrains. The nylon linings wick away any excess moisture so your feet stay cool and dry, and the padded tongues “relieve lace pressure across insteps while also keeping out trail debris.”
3. Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
For those who are just starting to dabble in hiking gear and don’t want to break the bank with their first pair of hiking boots, the TImberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are most definitely the best choice out there.
These boots hit above the ankle for guaranteed support, are best for hiking, are pretty lightweight in comparison to heavy-duty boots, and will keep your feet dry and cool, thanks to the Timber-Dry™ eco-conscious waterproof membranes of the boot. The Green rubber outsoles are made from 42% recycled rubber, too, and offer great traction so you won’t slip and slide on even the steepest mountain trails.
4. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
For those who are interested in hiking boots that won’t weigh you down, the Lowa Renegade Mid Hiking Boots should be in your hiking gear arsenal asap! Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds, these boots are perfect for hiking on and backpacking through all sorts of different terrains, and thanks to their waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® liners, you can even stomp through shallow streams without getting your feet soaked – a clutch feature when you’re on long treks since we all know that wet socks are quite possibly one of the most uncomfortable feelings around.
“Super lightweight, soft, and easy to break in,” one happy camper writes. “They’re easy to clean and maintain. I’ve walked through lots of water in these boots and NEVER got a drop of water inside the boot.”
5. La Sportiva Saber GTX Hiking Boots
When it comes to hiking boots, durability and breathability are both key features you want to look for, along with waterproof technology. The La Sportiva Saber GTX Boots offer all of those things and more.
Thanks to their GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort waterproof breathable membranes, these boots will keep your feet dry and cool, and the durable, Rough-Out leather uppers will keep your feet protected from any debris on the trails. The La Sportiva Saber GTX Hiking Boots are best used for hiking on different terrains, and are ultra-lightweight, weighing in at just 2.5 pounds.
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6. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
Columbia is one of the most trusted outdoor and sports brands around, so it’s no wonder that the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots are one of the most popular choices when it comes to hiking boots. These babies feature “lightweight, durable midsole,” “superior cushioning,” and an “advanced rubber sole” to grip even the most slippery surfaces.
Bonus: These boots come in a whopping 15 different colors, so you’re guaranteed to find both style and comfort with these boots – you can even style them outside the trails if you’re going for a more rugged, casual look.
7. Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boots
Moab is a brand that literally stands for “Mother Of All Boots,” and these guys definitely live up to their name. These boots feature suede leather and mesh uppers which have rubber toe caps, breathable mesh lining, and EVA midsoles that provide ultimate comfort and stability to help make your hiking excursion as comfortable as possible.
These boots also hit above the ankle and boast contoured footbeds for arch and heel support, and weigh just above two pounds – aka, they’re some of the lightest boots on this list. Many customers cited the boots’ breathability as one of the key features that sold them on the boots, so if you’re hiking in a warmer climate, these hiking boots are a must-have.
8. Technica Forge S GTX Hiking Boots
The Technica Forge S GTX Hiking Boot is the perfect boot for trekking a wide variety of terrains. The outsole features Vibram® Forge with Megagrip compound to ensure that you don’t slip on the trails, and the boots hit above the ankle so you have maximum support and stability.
These boots can even mold to your feet when thermo-formed, meaning that you’ll be comfortable all day no matter how hard you hit the trails. The boots are best for backpacking and hiking and offer a sleek and minimalist design that’s perfect for anyone looking for a more toned down, but reliable, pair of hiking boots.
9. Skechers Relment Pelmo Chukka Waterproof Boots
While Skechers may have once had a reputation of being a bit of a, how do we say, dorkier shoe brand, it’s 2021 baby, and the company has evolved into a trusted brand for all sorts of different styles of shoes, including hiking boots. Not only are the Skechers Relment Pelmo Chukka Waterproof Boots great value, but they’re also super comfortable, boast a relaxed fit, hit above the ankle for all the support you could ever want, and feature “air cooled memory foam” so your feet stay nice and cool throughout your hike.
“These boots by far are very comfy, warm, durable, and waterproof … walking in wet grass, an inch or two of snow, and rain, it does the job well,” one customer writes.
10. Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM Hiking Boots
If you’re looking for the ultimate pair of lightweight hiking boots that’ll make you feel like you forgot to put on shoes because that’s how light they are, look no further than the Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM Hiking Boots, which weigh about a pound.
These boots are perfect for hiking, especially if you’ll be trekking through wet terrain, and feature a ZeroDrop platform, which means your heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground, reducing the impact on your joints and feet, all while aligning your feet, back, and body posture. Customers who reviewed this boot loved the lightweight feel and said the boots were perfect for cold weather/winter trail running.
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Hiking Boot FAQs
Hiking boots are boots that are specifically made to withstand outdoor elements. They should offer maximum comfort, durability, breathability, and stability, all while protecting your feet from debris and offering support for your feet and ankles.
Hiking boots differ from other boots in many ways, but the most important difference is functionality. Hiking boots are specifically designed to help you trek through different terrains and should be able to be worn all day (or multiple days, if you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip). Many hiking boots are also waterproof, which is a key feature when trekking through wet grass, trails, streams, or anything else that poses a wet threat to your feet.
Some of the most important features you should look for in a hiking boot include the weight of the boot (you don’t want to feel like you have ankle weights on when you’re walking), comfortability, durability, protection, stability (especially for your ankles), and of course, the fit, as fit is closely related to comfort. If they’re too small, you’re going to be in a world of pain, and if they’re too big, you risk losing some of the stability of the boot, as well as getting a ton of uncomfortable blisters, which will make your hiking experience an actual living hell.
When it comes to the ideal price for a pair of hiking boots, you’re definitely going to want to invest in a pair that won’t fall apart and are made by a trusted brand – aka, don’t opt for knock-offs. Typically, you should pay anywhere from $100 – $300+ for a good pair of hiking boots; if you’re an inexperienced hiker looking for their first pair of boots, stick to the lower end of the price range so you’re not shelling out a ton of cash for something you wear once or twice.
