10 Best Hiking Shoes for Men
Nothing says you are prepared for the great outdoors like the right hiking equipment. One of the crucial hiking gears is your footwear. This single most important gear can make or mar your backcountry adventure.
Choosing the best hiking shoes is a delicate balancing act between several factors, including comfort, traction, weight, durability, blister prevention, and water protection. Obviously, not every backpacker or rucksack-carrying adventurer has the time and patience to sift and sort through the very many hiking shoes available.
Plus, you might be at sea if it’s your first time choosing a hiking shoe. Save yourself some hard work and simply choose from any of these 10 best hiking shoes for men currently on the market.
Best Buy
1. Salomon X Ultra 3 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes
If you are in the market for the best all-around hiking shoe, you might want to take a look at the Salomon X Ultra 3 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes for men. This is a solid option for lightweight adventurers. Day hikers will love the comfort, fit, and performance. This shoe is very durable and strikes a balance between foot support and shoe weight.
The 100% synthetic shoe looks like a cross between hiking and running shoes. It has excellent tracking and protects your feet against wet conditions. This is an excellent choice for frequent hikers.
Pros
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Secure fit
- A highly durable option
- Excellent traction
- Provides great stability
- Waterproof
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Quicklace can be better
- Not suitable for everyone due to a rather narrow fit
2. La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoe
Want to splurge a little on one of the very best hiking shoes money can buy? Check out the La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoe. It is equally a rugged option with features that gives it a semblance of a running shoe.
This shoe combines plenty of impressive features for the ultimate hiking experience. It comes with rigid soles that provide excellent traction and a breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh upper for long-term durability.
The Spire GTX is a great choice if you want an all-in-one shoe for light running and hiking. You might need to add insoles if you require extra underfoot support or cushion.
Pros
- Nano Cell 2.0 for utmost breathability
- Waterproof
- Top-of-the-line traction
- Highly durable
- Lace-up closer for a snug and secure fit
- Out-of-the-box comfort
Cons
- Nonflexible soles
- Expensive
3. Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX Hiking Shoe
Some hiking shoes are designed to give you the most value at an affordable price. The Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX Hiking Shoe is a typical example. Although it is a highly affordable option, it checks all the important boxes that make for a great hiking shoe. The lightweight shoe features cushy outsoles that are low and provide excellent grip thanks to the Vibram Megagrip technology.
The lightweight means it is not as durable as other options – a natural trade-off for less weight. But the LT Low GTX is totally worth buying if you do a lot of lightweight backpacking. You can wear this shoe for long day hikes and still feel comfortable in them due to its breathability and comfy feel.
Pros
- Impressively lightweight
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Secure lacing
- Excellent traction
- Breathable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Narrow fit not suitable for everyone
4. ALTRA Lone Peak 4.5
The Lone Peak 4.5 by Altra is a lightweight shoe that offers remarkable space in the toe box. This feature allows your toes to spread out naturally inside the shoe and increase stability as you make your way uphill and during downhill descents.
It features a Maxtrac rubber outsole that combines impressive traction, high durability, and perfect grip for non-slip hiking. The shoe is designed to provide balanced cushioning for proper form and low-impact on your feet. The Lone Peak 4.5 is one of Altra’s finest shoes yet, and like other Lone Peak models, it offers performance and superior comfort.
Pros
- Spacious toe box
- Excellent traction
- Gaiters are easy to attach
- Quick-dry air mesh
- Comfortable
- Rock plate for added sole durability
- Breathable
Cons
- Mesh not durable
5. Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Although the best hiking shoes are usually highly-priced, you are not left without a good alternative if you are on a budget. This is why the Merrell Moab 2 is included on this list. It is the most affordable hiking shoe on this list. But make no mistakes; it is not built with cheap materials, and it definitely puts up an impressive performance where it matters most.
The Merrell Moab 2 is a waterproof hiking shoe that offers out-of-the-box comfort. A Vibram TC5+ sole ensures a firm grip on trails. This shoe shines most on day hikes or short treks with lighter loads.
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Cushy soles
Cons
- Sole tread tends to wear out rather quickly
6. Saucony Peregrine 10
Here’s one shoe that’s designed for use on almost any terrain. When it comes to exceptional traction and ability to grip just about any surface, the Saucony Peregrine 10 outperforms many other hiking shoes. The additional rock plate increases the sole’s durability and provides extra protection.
The design comes with a new cushioning that supports your feet during uphill climbs and downhill descents. A sock-like Formfit upper offers a customizable fit that comfortably snuggles around your feet as you lace up the shoe. This is a solid choice for an all-day trek on the trail.
Pros
- Top-of-the-line traction
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Rock plate
Cons
- Mesh tends to wear out too quickly
7. HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
The Speedgoat 4 is one of HOKA’s best models when it comes to longer hikes. It features a roomy toe box that allows for relaxing and spreading your toes during steep climbs, as well as providing enough room for possible feet swells during longer treks.
The wide fit hiking shoe comes with soles that are incredibly cushy and solid midsoles that keep your underfoot comfortable and protected. You’ll be better served on long-distance treks with Hoka One One’s fourth Speedgoat iteration.
Pros
- Exceptionally cushy soles
- Excellent traction
- Very supportive
- Comfortable
- Spacious toe box
Cons
- Not suitable for everyone due to its wide fit
8. Oboz Firebrand II B-Dry Hiking Shoe
The Firebrand II B-Dry features Oboz’s trademark premium insoles, making it one of the best supportive hiking shoes on the market. Other notable features that set this shoe apart include a secure lacing system, a heel cup, and a molded arch. A rubber toe cap offers extra protection from roots, rocks, and other trail debris.
The shoe puts up a solid performance on difficult terrains, thanks to its exceptional traction. This heavy-duty shoe is probably your best option if you do considerable adventuring with heavier packs. Overall, you’re looking at one of the most hardwearing hiking shoes on the market.
Pros
- A highly durable hiking shoe
- Excellent traction
- Secure lacing
- Supportive
- Breathable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Stiff soles
- Not suitable for everyone due to its aggressive arch support
- Requires longer break-in
9. Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
If you plan on hitting a particularly difficult terrain, you’ll need a hiking shoe with a supportive build and that can provide outstanding stability. That’s where the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 comes in. This hiking shoe should be on your radar if you intend to hike over tricky territory.
Backpackers with narrow feet will find this shoe a particularly good fit. That’s not to say you can’t find roomier options if you have wider feet. It’s a slightly heavy shoe than some of the other models on this list, but it a great choice for rugged hikes.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Rock plate
- Durable hiking shoe
- Provides great stability
Cons
- Not suitable for everyone due to its narrow fit
- Quicklace doesn’t allow much room for adjustability
10. The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack II WP
The Hedgehog Fastpack II WP comes in a stylish design that is comfortable on your feet. It offers adequate protection against wet conditions, keeping your feet dry through built-in dry vent membranes.
The outsole has an excellent tread pattern that performs exceptionally in dry terrains, and the durable mesh upper makes it suitable for adventures through most terrains. But the tread tends to be a tad slippery in wet conditions. You’ll find this shoe comfier with aftermarket insoles, especially if you prefer increased arch support.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Traction is impressive on dry terrain
- Affordable
- A great option for day hikes
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not-so-great traction on wet terrain
- Near-absence arch support
Key Considerations for Choosing Hiking Shoes
Buying a pair of hiking shoes could be easy-breezy for you, provided you know the important things to look for when choosing one. On the other hand, if this is your first time buying hiking shoes, you might want to pay close attention to some of the considerations below.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are the two foremost and important considerations when buying a pair of hiking shoes. Regardless of a shoe’s popularity, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to hiking shoes.
Think of your needs – do you want a narrow shoe or a wide one? Do you want breathable shoes, high heel-to-toe drop, roomy toe box, and arch support? Different people have different needs, so get clear on what will make your feet comfortable and happy, and then zero in on that.
Traction
Traction is one of the vital considerations when heading into the backcountry. The terrains vary widely from loose gravel, slippery watery crossings, rocky ridgelines, and narrow, bumpy trails. The last thing you want is a shoe that doesn’t provide a firm grip on exposed or washed out dirt paths.
It is crucial to ensure that the footwear you choose for backpacking can prevent slipping. Thankfully, all the recommendations on this list have excellent traction.
Sizing
Next, you want to choose a shoe that is slightly bigger than your feet, and here’s why. Your feet are likely to swell, especially if you go on long hikes. Trekking for long can make your feet become wider or bigger, at least temporarily. For this reason, it will serve you best to buy hiking footwear that is a little bit larger than your everyday shoe.
Here’s a simple way to correctly test the hiking shoe size that is the best fit for your feet. First, loosen the shoelace completely. Next, put on hiking socks or something similar to the socks you plan on using during your hikes.
Go ahead and put your foot in the shoe and make sure your toes make contact with the toe box. Now, for the actual test, ensure that your finger (preferably your index finger) can slide between the back of the shoe and your heel. With the right sizing, your shoes will remain comfortable during long treks in the backcountry, and there’s no chance your toes will hit the toe box, even when you go downhill.
Weight
The weight of your hiking shoe depends a lot on the nature of your hike. You should consider choosing heavy-duty hiking shoes for rugged hikes on tougher terrains. Burlier shoes are also suitable for backpackers that prefer heavier packs.
On the flip side, lightweight hiking shoes allow you to cover more grounds quickly. You’re less likely to experience frequent stumbling and muscle fatigue with a lighter shoe.
Durability
The durability of hiking footwear depends on the materials used to make the shoes. If you are looking for the most durable footwear for hiking that will last you for several years, you should probably be taking a look at hiking boots.
However, you can still find regular hiking shoes with high durability. The trick is to find a shoe that offers a perfect balance of weight, durability, and comfort. Typical examples of highly durable options include the Oboz Firebrand II B-Dry and Salomon X Ultra 3 Gore-Tex.
Waterproof Options or Non-Waterproof
Waterproof options would serve you better if you plan on hiking in wet conditions such as in muddy areas. These will keep your feet dry as much as possible, even on soggy day hikes.
However, waterproof shoes don’t dry quickly when they get wet and can slow you down as a result of becoming heavier when they become wet. Also, many waterproof options are not breathable, making them unsuitable for hiking on hot days.
Conversely, non-waterproof hiking shoes are breathable and generally lighter. Keep in mind that these options are not great for keeping your feet dry in wet conditions. However, they can dry up quickly when they become wet.
You might want to consider buying both options if you plan on hiking in all seasons. That way, you will have the most suitable pair of hiking shoes for your adventure, come rain or shine.
Price
Lastly, you don’t want to compromise quality in a bid to get the most affordable hiking shoe. Having happy and healthy feet is the key to the success of your outdoor adventure.
It is usually best to go for high-quality shoes. Thankfully, the recommendations above have options at different price points.
Quick Tips for a Comfortable Hiking Experience
The backpacker or outdoorsman gets a kick out of going on long walks in nature. As thrilling as the prospect of hitting the dirt path might be, it is important to not just get “up and go” without proper preparations.
Check out these few useful tips that can help you make the most of your hiking shoes.
Buy and Use Your Hiking Shoe before Long Hikes
Buying a shoe one or two days before your hike might not be the smartest thing to do. You want to ensure that your hiking shoes are soft enough before you start your trip. This is the best way to ensure that the shoes fit and will work as expected.
It is an excellent idea to buy your hiking shoes a few weeks before embarking on any long hiking trip. Doing so will give you enough time to fix any issues that might cause discomfort or blisters before you set off for the backcountry.
Comfortable Insoles
Sometimes, even the best hiking shoes might check all the right boxes for you but fall short when it comes to adequate cushioning and support that suit your needs. This is particularly true if you choose a somewhat rigid hiking shoe. However, not choosing a shoe simply because it doesn’t offer the type of cushioning you want might not be your best move.
If you need more cushioning, a quick, no-fuss solution would be to buy aftermarket insoles. These can ease shoe discomforts and improve the quality of your hiking experience. Also, insoles can provide relief for people with existing problems with their ankle or feet.
High-Quality Socks
Without quality socks, it might be difficult to keep your feet happy for a long time during hikes. For the best hiking experience, it is best to wear a pair of good-quality socks. Hiking socks can make a huge difference in how long your feet can remain comfortable during hikes.
Keep an eye out for hiking socks that can wick away moisture from your feet. Also, you want to choose options made with durable and comfortable materials. If you don’t already have a good pair of hiking socks, here are three excellent recommendations for your consideration.
- Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock – Unmatched durability and performance fit. Available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes for men.
- Smartwool Ph.D. Outdoor Light Crew – Warm insulation and comfortable fit. Breathable, unisex option, and true to size.
- Injinji Run 2.0 Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks – Anatomical five-toe design, arch support, and mesh top design for improved ventilation. No-show option, ultra-light, and true to size.
Minimizing Hot Spots and Blisters
Getting caught up in downpour during hikes or hiking in wet conditions can leave you with wet feet regardless of whether you wear a waterproof shoe or not. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for hot spots that can quickly become blisters, especially on extended hiking trips.
You can minimize blisters and hot spots by following simple foot care routines, such as keeping your feet clean, changing out wet socks with dry ones, adjusting your shoelaces to suit different terrains, and taking off your shoes and socks during breaks to air out your feet.
Shoes vs. Boots vs. Trail Runners
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that choosing hiking footwear is really a matter of personal preference. The good thing is that there’s something for everyone, whether that’s a pair of trail running shoes, waterproof trail running options, hiking boots, or the models outlined in this post.
Ultimately, your preferred terrain and personal style will play a huge role in deciding what is best to keep your feet healthy and comfortable during your hiking trips.
