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Hiking season is here, and reliable footwear is just as important as a first aid kit. In reality, hiking shoes or hiking boots are both going to serve you far better than running shoes on the trail, since they’re built with better traction to keep you safe on rocky or muddy terrain—to hold up against the wear and tear of scraping rocks or tree branches and to provide support to tired feet after a long day of hiking.
The best hiking shoes for men will have a comfortable midsole to support your tendons under the weight of a backpack, reliable lugs underfoot to keep footing secure whether in the backcountry or your in-town trails and potentially a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex on the outside to avoid soggy, blistered feet.
Considering there are dozens and dozens of hiking shoes for men out there, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to determine what the best hiking footwear is for you, as well as our top picks for different needs. Whether you’re looking for waterproof hiking shoes to get you outside during shoulder season, lightweight hiking shoes to keep you moving fast through double-digit miles or just affordable hiking shoes that can help get you outside for less, we’ve got you.
Our Picks for the Best Hiking Shoes for Men:
- Best Overall Men’s Hiking Shoe: adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2.0
- Best Minimalist Hiking Shoes for Men: Xero Scrambler Mid - Ultra-Light Hiking Boot
- Best Grip Hiking Shoes for Men: Hoka SpeedGoat 5
- Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Men: Allbirds Men’s Trail Runners SWT
- Best Cushioned Hiking Shoes for Men: Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
- Best Versatile Hiking Shoe for Men: Kuru Atom Trail
- Best Budget Hiking Shoes for Men: Reebok Trail Cruiser
- Best Stylish Hiking Shoe for Men: Nike React SFB Carbon
- Best Waterproof Hiking Shoe For Men: Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX
- Best Hiking Shoe for Men for Rugged Terrains: Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX
Best Overall Men’s Hiking Shoes: adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2.0
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 15.5 ounces
- Sizes: 6–15
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lugs: Continental Rubber outsole
The adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2.0 shoes secure the top spot for our pick of best overall hiking shoes. Their innovative design creates a comfortable and lightweight fit without compromising the necessary stability for a hiking shoe.
The adidas Boost foam midsole ensures comfort with each step. This feature is essential to combat any aches and pains. The design is optimal for energy return, different from any other hiking shoe. The upper features Gore-Tex technology, making it waterproof, yet breathable.
Related Post: adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Review
As for the bottom of the shoes, the Lugged Continental Rubber outsole is optimal for walking across all terrains—wet or dry. Even with this provided support, the shoe only weighs 15.5 ounces.
The adidas Terrex Free Hiker are the optimal choice for anyone looking for an agile and durable shoe– allowing you to embrace your hiking experience with confidence.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Stylish design
- High cushioned midsole
Cons:
- Expensive
- Could have more toe protection
Best Minimalist Hiking Shoes for Men: Xero Scrambler Mid - Ultra-Light Hiking Boot
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 12 ounces
- Sizes: 6.5–15
- Waterproof: No; water repellent
- Lugs:Multi-directional traction
The Xero brand is the obvious choice for a minimalist hiking shoe, and despite its low, barefoot profile, it’s a hiking shoe that can support you through some of your more rugged ventures. One of our testers, an enthusiast for barefoot shoes, put these to the test in backcountry Colorado terrain. He said the hiking boots were light and breathable, and provided excellent grip and traction in slippery terrain.
The shoes were made in collaboration with Michelin, and use a Michelin fiberlite sole. The shoes also feature a thin layer of proprietary foam from Xero for added shock absorption and protection, making the shoes a solid choice for both hiking and running. Adding durability to the shoe are its abrasion-resistant upper portion, welded sidewalls and double-layer toe cap. The wide toe box gives your feet room to express themselves (as is the aim with a barefoot shoe) and the “zero drop” heel, a feature paramount to the Xero shoe brand, keeps you grounded.
All in all, the Xero Scrambler Mids are ideal for anyone who wants a barefoot hiking shoe. It has all of the benefits of that flexible, barefoot feel, with the reliability and protection of a hiking shoe. Keep in mind that while we do love this minimalist option, they are not completely waterproof like some of our other picks.
Pros:
- Wide fit option
- Versatile–great for running or walking
Cons:
- Lugs not as thick as other options
- Water resistant, not waterproof
Best Grip Hiking Shoes for Men: HOKA SpeedGoat 5
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 10.30 ounces
- Sizes: True to size; available in wide
- Waterproof: No
- Lugs: Vibram Megagrip with 5 millimeter lugs
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 are designed to be incredibly comfortable, incredibly lightweight, and, above all, have incredible traction—which is why they’ve earned the spot as the best grip hiking shoes on our list.
The bottom of these trail running shoes have 5 millimeter deep lugs and Vibram Megagrip outsoles, which means they're beefy enough to clamp onto loose soil with claw-like grip and keep your footing feeling secure.
These are also lightweight hiking shoes at just 10.3 ounces—one of the lighter pairs on our list—and, of course, they feature the extremely comfortable cushioning that is Hoka's signature as a brand and has earned it its cult following. The Speedgoats are trail running shoes crafted with a balanced cushion, so it's not overly plush, and you don't have to worry about a twisted ankle, but it provides enough extra support for you to feel the difference in tired feet or achy knees.
These grippy hiking footwear have a protective toe rand—a layer of rubber that covers the tip of the shoe and protects both the shoe and your feet underneath when you kick rocks or get snagged in a fallen branch.
We love that, while these hiking shoes are durable and grippy on bottom, they’re still breathable on top, with a mesh upper made partially from recycled polyester and recycled jacquard. But they're then reinforced with a Vibram outsole that can buddy up next to rocks and come out clean.
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Well cushioned
- Lightweight
- Available in wide fit
Cons:
- Synthetic outer not the most durable
- Not waterproof
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes For Men: Allbirds Men’s Trail Runners SWT
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 11.96 ounces
- Sizes: 8–14
- Waterproof: No, water-repellent finish
- Lugs: 4 millimeters
How heavy of a hiking boot or hiking shoe you’re willing to put up with is a matter of personal preference and trade off—some people love a leather boot and are willing to pay the price of weight for that, while others value the lower fatigue that comes by lifting less weight with each step.
If you want a lightweight shoe or are aiming for speed hikes, we love Allbirds Men’s Trail Runners SWT. For starters, they weigh just under 12 ounces, which is pretty light for a hiker and will give your feet a noticeable boost when it comes to feeling fatigued on long hikes.
This weight shaving is largely thanks to their innovative durable and comfortable materials: These hiking shoes are made from eucalyptus tree fibers and castor bean oil.
Which brings us to the second reason we love these hiking shoes: In alignment with everything Allbirds makes, the SWT Trail Runners are one of the most sustainable hiking shoes available. Their eco-friendly materials reduce the carbon footprint in their production and the packaging of this shoe is also 90 percent recycled.
These hiking shoes are also quite durable, as the sole is made from natural rubber (read: great traction), side panels are ripstop fabric (great against abrasive rocks and roots), and the lugs underneath are multidirectional.
We love that Allbirds rigorously tests their shoes on real people—over 2,000 miles on 100 different runners, in fact. That means these shoes will have a more universal fit than if they were built for just one foot shape.
The downsides to such an all-around great shoe are that they probably won’t provide enough support for hikes with heavy loads, and, while they have a water-repellent finish, they aren’t fully waterproof.
Pros:
- Lightweight but well-cushioned
- Sustainably made
- Tested on real runners
Cons:
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
- Sizing can be a bit weird for some
Best Cushioned Hiking Shoes For Men: Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 16.8 ounces
- Sizes: 3.5–15.5
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lugs: 5 millimeter lugs with Vibram Megagrip rubber
Hoka has reigned supreme of the best cushioned shoes, so it’s no surprise their hikers would be the best cushioned hiking shoes. The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is designed with the brand’s signature, well-cushioned midsole for top-notch comfort and support. The Kaha 2 falls under “plush” cushioning, meaning it has a higher bed of soft cushion to be more forgiving on impact as your foot strikes the ground.
The shoe also features Hoka’s signature meta-rocker technology, which mimics a smooth and natural gait. Together, these two design features create more support and less soreness for your feet and knees during long days on the trail.
The Kaha 2 GTX are also crafted with a Vibram outsole, complete with deep five-millimeter, multi-directional lugs for super reliable traction underfoot on rocky or shaky terrain. They have a reinforced toe cap and heel counter for extra protection when rubbing against or accidentally kicking rocks.
We also love these hiking shoes because they have a mid-height collar, so they provide a little more ankle support than lower hiking shoes.
Lastly, these cushioned hiking shoes are completely waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane, which is great for versatility if you want one pair of go-anywhere hiking boots.
The tradeoff is that Gore-Tex finish does mean the shoes aren’t as breathable as their non-waterproof brethren, and they’re a bit heavier at nearly 17 ounces.
Pros:
- Incredibly comfortable cushioning to support knees and feet
- Waterproof with Gore-Tex
- Reliable traction
- A bit more ankle support than most hiking shoes
Cons:
- Gore-Tex waterproofing makes them a little less breathable
- Heavy
- Expensive
Best Versatile Hiking Shoes for Men: Kuru Atom Trail
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 12 ounces
- Sizes: 7–13
- Waterproof: No, water repellent
- Lugs:Multi-directional traction
If you want a hiking shoe that is seriously versatile—think: comfortable, has reliable traction and will work with you on long treks in the city and back country alike—turn to the Atom Trails by Kuru.
The Atom Trails are a more rugged version of the brand’s signature Atom sneaker. The shoes have a TPU membrane for waterproofing, and multi-directional tread to conquer any type of terrain. The shoe also features the brand’s proprietary Kurusole technology, which Kuru says optimizes your heel’s natural cushioning with each step. The gusseted tongue creates a shoe that's also free from debris but breathable, thanks to the Air-Cooled Gaga Mat insole.
In a nod to their versatility, many reviewers on Kuru’s website noted that they comfortably use the shoes for a breadth of activities, including golf, long work days and running.
These hiking shoes are more expensive than most and they only offer them in two colors. But if you’re looking for a top-notch pair of hiking shoes that can seamlessly transition off-trail, the Kuru Atom Trail are the pick.
Pros:
- Wide fit option
- Versatile–great for running or walking
Cons:
- Lugs not as thick as other options
- Water resistant, not waterproof
Best Budget Hiking Shoes For Men: Reebok Trail Cruiser
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 12.5 ounces
- Sizes: 7–14
- Waterproof: No
- Lugs: 3 millimeters
It’s hard to find reliable, well-made hiking shoes for under $100, but the Reebok Trail Cruisers are comfortable, durable and provide good traction on different types of leisure trails for just $90.
If you hate the stiffness of other hikers, you’ll love these Reebok trail shoes, as they’re crafted with a cushioned FuelFoam midsole and MemoryTech insole, which adapts to the shape of your foot for a comfy and supportive fit. What’s more, they’re super breathable with a durable ripstop upper, which also means they’ll hold up well against abrasion.
The Reebok Trail Cruisers are a kind of hybrid hiking and walkingshoe, so they don’t have the most aggressive lugs and they’re single-direction, so they probably aren’t the best choice for highly technical trails. But they do utilize high-traction rubber and a spear lug pattern across the whole bottom which will give you grip and stability on wet, muddy and lightly rocky terrain.
Not only are they reliable on most leisure trails outside the city, but this lower lug profile makes them great for mixed terrain, like if you’ll be traveling over both pavement and trail.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear with great cushioning and breathability
- Mix of walking and hiking shoe for a variety of weekend activities
- Made of durable materials, like high-traction rubber and ripstop nylon
Cons:
- May not be great for extremely rough or rocky terrain
Best Stylish Hiking Shoe for Men: Nike React SFB Carbon
Key Features
- Weight per shoe: Not listed
- Sizes: 6–15
- Waterproof: No, water resistant
- Lugs: Sticky rubber outsole
The Nike React SFB Carbon outdoor shoes have all of the benefits of a tactical boot while remaining lightweight and stylish.
Constructed with a mesh upper to keep feet cool and dry, these shoes are well-equipped to handle the elements. The overlays in the upper as well as the solid rubber toe box add extra stability for support and reinforcement. Heavy-duty laces create a snug fit.
Nike fly plate technology provides you with energy return with every step, to help keep you going over the toughest terrain. Additionally, the carbon plate reduces foot slippage inside the shoe. A strong fabric in the midsole adds even more stability. Nike React foam cushioning also gives you bounce and comfort to propel you in your expeditions.
Traction is no issue, as the patterned outsole and rubber teeth in the arch will get you over difficult terrain. The bottom of the shoe has an internal rock shield to prevent punctures and decrease any pressure on the bottom of the foot to eliminate fatigue.
These shoes are a great option for anyone looking for a multipurpose shoe that looks good and feels good on your feet.
Pros
- Great ventilation for a multitude of weather conditions
- Practical option if you are looking for a durable shoe for everyday wear
Cons
- Runs small—you may need to go half a size up
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoe For Men: Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 12.55ounces
- Sizes: 7–15
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lugs: 5 millimeters
To ensure that your tired feet are kept dry during long hikes, you need a shoe that can weather the elements. Plus, it’s nice to have a hiking boot that won't compress or remain too stiff; one that breathes to keep them cool; and one that can withstand the pressure of a heavier hiking backpack, as you'll be carrying more supplies to keep you going and safe for double-digit miles.
Merrell is one of the most respected hiking shoe brands and its Moab hiking shoe is one of the best-selling hiking shoes in the world. It’s particularly crafted for ruggedness and support step after step, which is what makes it a top pick.
The Moab 3 hiking shoes have a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for reliability in keeping your feet dry as you tromp through puddles. And they are crafted with Merrell’s exclusive Vibram TC5 outsole, which has secure traction for all types of trail.
Additionally, the Moab 3s are crafted for rugged terrain, with a durable, pig-suede leather and mesh upper—a great combination for materials to both withstand the elements and provide breathability. They're reinforced with a rubber heel and toe cap for more abrasion resistance and protection.
These hiking shoes are also designed with a contoured footbed intended to provide flexibility with every step and shock absorption to help minimize torque and facilitate a smooth transition into the midfoot. They also have reinforced heel cushioning for medium support (so it doesn’t fully compress under the load of a heavy backpack), more shock absorption and added stability—all incredibly desirable for long hikes.
The downside is that, with all these features and top-notch materials, these boots are rather heavy at over 16 ounces. But while they will add a little weight to every step, their level of protection makes them worth every ounce.
Related: The Best Water Shoes for Your Summer Adventures
Pros:
- Made with breathable and abrasion-resistant materials
- Unique footbed that’s supportive, shock-absorbing, and stable for long miles
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Heavy
Best Hiking Shoe For Men For Rugged Terrains: Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX
Key Features:
- Weight per shoe: 13.75 ounces
- Sizes: 7–14
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lugs: 5 millimeters
In rugged terrain, you need hiking shoes that provide next-level traction and are made from materials that can withstand abrasion, knocks against rocks and prevent small slips, should your footing go out.
Salomon is well-known for crafting highly durable shoes with incredible traction—and the X Ultra 4 GTX are the apex of this showcase. These hiking shoes are equipped with a Contagrip outsole that's highly durable and complete with aggressive, multi-directional 5 millimeter lugs. Together, these teeth will sink into all kinds of terrain and hold you steady on rocks, mud and other unnerving terrain.
With Salomon’s trademark Sensifit lacing system, you can adjust the tension and tightness to your foot’s individual shape to create a super secure fit so your foot doesn’t slide around in the shoe.
These sturdy hiking shoes are also built with high-quality materials, careful construction and intentional details like a protective heel and toe cap and mud guard—all of which provide extra durability and protection against abrasion and impact.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex hiking shoes are also completely waterproof.
Lastly, all that reliability and top-notch traction doesn’t cost you comfort: The X Ultra 4 hiking shoes are built with a cushioned midsole and OrthoLite insole for arch support and cushioning to reduce fatigue and to keep your feet comfortable over long distances.
Pros:
- Aggressive lugs and Contagrip outsole for A+ traction
- Waterproof with Gore-Tex
- Sensifit lacing system creates a precise and secure fit
Cons:
- Gore-Tex waterproofing makes them a little less breathable
- Some people don’t like the lacing system
How We Chose the Best Hiking Shoes for Men
Walk into any outdoor store, such as REI, and you’ll find dozens of hiking shoes and hiking boots to choose fun. We’ve narrowed the list of selections down by leaning on research around what makes for a reliable hiking shoe for different types of trails, different types of hikes and different types of people. We looked at leading brands and leading shoe models and considered their traction, waterproofing, breathability, materials, construction and comfort. Moreover, we considered the reviews of real hikers with thousands of miles and first-hand experience.
To find the best hiking shoe for you, you’ll want to try on different pairs and see which fit your foot shape the most. But the options on this list get top marks in all the areas we think are crucial for a good purchase, and fit most people’s feet well.
What to Look for in a Men’s Hiking Shoe
Typical use
There is no single best hiking shoe for all hikes or every hiker, because an ideal hiking shoe will differ depending on whether you're going on a short day hike across packed trails or a 15-mile hike across scree fields with a heavy pack.
For shorter hikes, you can get away with a trail runner-style shoe that has an emphasis on comfort, breathability and is more lightweight. For longer hikes or ones carrying a heavy load, you’ll want more support in the shoe and around the ankle and a stiffer bottom.
For packed down trail, like those around cities, shallower, single-direction lugs will be fine. But if you’re usually on rocky or muddy trails, or you’re looking for a boot to travel with you on different trails, you want more aggressive lugs with multi-directional tread, and likely a waterproof membrane.
Fit
A hiking shoe should fit comfortably across your foot, including the toe box, with a pair of medium-thickness hiking socks on. You want a boot to fit snugly so your feet don’t move around and create blisters or hot spots. But keep in mind your feet will swell when you’re hiking, so if you’re between sizes, size up.
Material
The best hiking shoes are made from high-quality material that can stand up against wear and tear over time.
Leather is durable, breathable and will last years and years. It’s also easy to weatherproof to make it hold up against water and rain. However, leather is much heavier, takes a long time to break in and requires regular oiling to keep it in good condition. Leather hiking shoes are more of a long-term investment.
Related Post: The Best Rain Boots for Every Adventure
Synthetic materials are also a good choice for hiking shoes as they’re super lightweight, comfortable out of the box, dry quickly and don’t absorb water, and can be made with environmentally-friendly materials. They aren’t as durable as leather, though, and usually need added support (e.g., toe caps) to hold up against abrasion and the wear and tear of hiking.
Gore-Tex is a finish that makes shoes or gear completely waterproof and it lasts a long time if you care for it properly. The downside is Gore-Tex is expensive—which is why the GTX version of a shoe is often pricier—and it traps heat inside, so it’s not comfortable in hot weather.
Price
It’s hard to find a good pair of hiking shoes for cheap—and that’s because hiking shoes require a variety of layers and technology to keep you comfortable and safe on the trail. Hiking shoes have an outer layer that has to withstand the elements and wear and tear over time; a mid-layer that supports your footbed and provides proper compression under the load of a hiking backpack; and an outsole that has to be durable enough to not get torn up against rocks and sticks.
That’s all to say: The price of a hiking shoe correlates with its quality, for the most part. The best hiking shoes will likely run you $75 to $250.
Traction
Traction is one of the most important considerations when picking a hiking shoe or hiking boot. Traction refers to how well the bottom of the shoe is designed to grip onto different types of terrain—rocks, dirt, sand, gravel. Flip the shoe over and you can get a sense of this—a flat or flat-ish bottom will give you traction on pavement, but for trails, you need some amount of lugs, which are the bumps that allow the shoe to grip onto the terrain.
In the best hiking shoes, the outsole lugs should be three millimeters deep for easy trails, five millimeters deep for technical trails and multidirectional to prevent slipping.
Related:The Best Trekking and Hiking Poles for All Your Outdoor Adventures
Break-in period
Some hiking boots are comfortable right out of the box, but for the most part, your hiking shoes will need a break-in period of at least five days outdoors. This is especially true if the boot is made from leather, which has a harder time softening up.
During the break-in period, we highly recommend wearing well-padded hiking socks and putting moleskin or band-aids preemptively on the back of your heels and outside of your pinky toes (two of the most common places hiking shoes create hot spots).
Best Hiking Shoes for Men FAQs
Is it fine for men to wear running shoes when hiking?
While it’s possible to wear running shoes while hiking, it’s not ideal for most trails and terrain. Running shoes are designed to bounce off flat surfaces, so they have no traction underneath. That means you’re more likely to slip or slide on steep inclines, rough terrain or rocky paths. Running shoes are also not designed to be supportive while being compressed under the weight of a hiking backpack the way hiking shoes are.
Are mens hiking shoes or hiking boots better?
Which is better is a matter of personal preference and physiology. Hiking boots are great because they provide ankle support, ample support and cushioning for your lower body—especially under the weight of a heavy backpacking pack—and sturdiness with every step. Hiking shoes, on the other hand, are usually more lightweight, more breathable and more flexible for speed hiking or trail running.
In short: If you’re hiking long distances and wearing a heavy pack, if you’re hiking rocky terrain where it’s easy to twist an ankle, or you need ankle support, hiking boots will be better. If you’re going on a quick hike, aiming for speed, or you just don’t require the heft of a full hiking boot, hiking shoes are a great option.
Related Post: The Best Hiking Sandals
Should men size up in hiking shoes?
This depends entirely on your foot shape, hiking style, the type of hiking socks you like to wear, and, above all, the fit of the hiking shoe at hand. You want your hiking shoe or hiking boot to fit snugly so your foot doesn’t slide around too much and create blisters or hot spots with the friction. However, most people like to wear a well-cushioned hiking sock and your feet swell when you hike, so you want a hiking boot that fits snug after both of these factors.
Final Thoughts
There is no single best hiking shoe for men as the best purchase is going to depend on your foot shape, the typical terrain you hike on and your typical hike length.
That being said, if you're looking for the best hiking shoe for muddy, rocky or mixed terrain, the Hoka SpeedGoat 5 is lightweight, has amazing traction to clamp onto rocks or mud and is extremely comfortable mile after mile. If you're on a budget, the Reebok Trail Cruiser is a great pick as it offers loads of comfort for your feet alongside decent traction and a price tag under $100.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
